Nintendo has not announced an official price for the Switch 2

As of now, Nintendo has confirmed the Switch 2 exists and shown what it looks like, but has not stated a price. The company typically announces pricing closer to launch, usually a few weeks or months before the console becomes available for purchase. Nintendo's pattern with past hardware releases suggests a price announcement will come before pre-orders open, but there is no set date for that announcement yet.

What we do know is that the original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 in 2017, and the Switch OLED model (released in 2021) launched at $349. These prices give some context for what the Switch 2 might cost, but they are not guarantees — the actual price depends on what hardware Nintendo includes and what the company decides the market will bear.

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo has not announced a Switch 2 price yet, and typically reveals pricing close to launch rather than years in advance.
  • The original Switch cost $299 and the Switch OLED cost $349, which may suggest a similar range, but this is not confirmed.
  • The final price will depend on the processor, screen, storage, and other components Nintendo includes in the final hardware.
  • Pre-order pricing and any launch bundles (console plus games or accessories) will likely be announced at the same time as the base price.

What past Nintendo console prices tell us

Nintendo's pricing history shows the company does not always raise the price of a new console. The Nintendo Wii launched at $249 in 2006, while the Wii U launched at $299 in 2012. The Switch at $299 matched the Wii U's price despite being a hybrid handheld-home console. When Nintendo released the Switch OLED model as an upgraded version of the existing Switch, it added $50 to the price.

If the Switch 2 is a significant generational leap with better performance and a larger or higher-quality screen, Nintendo might price it at $349 or higher. If the company wants to keep the Switch 2 accessible to the same audience that bought the original Switch, it might stay at $299. The actual decision will reflect Nintendo's assessment of manufacturing costs, competitor pricing, and how much consumers are willing to spend.

How the Switch 2's hardware specs could affect the price

The Switch 2 is expected to have a more powerful processor than the original Switch, which typically increases manufacturing costs. A larger screen, better display technology, improved battery life, or more built-in storage would each add to the cost. Nintendo will need to decide which upgrades to include and which to skip in order to hit a target price point.

The company has shown the Switch 2 will have larger controllers and a larger screen than the original Switch. These changes alone suggest some cost increase compared to the original model. However, Nintendo may have found ways to reduce costs elsewhere — for example, by using cheaper materials or manufacturing processes that have improved since 2017 — which could offset the price of new features.

What bundles and launch pricing might look like

Nintendo often releases launch bundles that include the console, a game, and sometimes extra controllers or accessories. The Switch launched with a bundle that included the game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which cost more than the console alone. The Switch 2 will likely have similar bundle options available at launch.

Launch pricing sometimes differs from the long-term price. Some retailers offer discounts or bundle deals in the first weeks after release to drive sales. If you are planning to buy a Switch 2, watching for these early bundles might give you better value than buying the console and games separately later.

When Nintendo will likely announce the price

Nintendo typically announces console pricing within a few months of launch. Based on the company's past announcements, expect the Switch 2 price to be revealed sometime before pre-orders open. Nintendo usually opens pre-orders a few weeks before the console ships, so the price announcement will likely come in that same window.

The company may announce pricing at a Nintendo Direct presentation (a livestreamed event where Nintendo shows upcoming games and hardware) or through a press release. Following Nintendo's official social media accounts and checking the Nintendo website will be the fastest way to learn the price when it is announced.

How to prepare if you are planning to buy one

If you are interested in buying a Switch 2, you can start saving now without knowing the exact price. Setting aside $300 to $400 gives you a reasonable range based on past Nintendo console pricing. This amount should cover the console itself, though it may not include games, extra controllers, or a carrying case.

You can also research what games you want to play on the Switch 2 and check their prices now. Some launch titles may be available for pre-order before the console price is announced. Knowing which games you want will help you decide whether to buy them at launch or wait for sales later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Switch 2 be more expensive than the original Switch?

It is likely to cost at least as much as the original Switch ($299), and possibly more given the hardware improvements shown so far. The Switch OLED model cost $349, which gives an upper estimate. The exact price depends on what components Nintendo includes in the final version.

Can I pre-order a Switch 2 right now?

Pre-orders are not open yet. Nintendo typically opens pre-orders a few weeks before launch, after announcing the official price. Check Nintendo's website or major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon for pre-order availability once it is announced.

Will there be different versions of the Switch 2 at different prices?

Nintendo has not confirmed whether there will be multiple versions at launch. The original Switch came in one standard version, though the company later released the Switch Lite and Switch OLED as alternatives. The Switch 2 may follow a similar pattern, but this has not been announced.

Should I wait for a price drop before buying?

Nintendo consoles typically hold their price for the first year or longer. If you want to play Switch 2 games at launch, you will likely pay the full announced price. Price drops usually come after the console has been on the market for a year or more.

What if I cannot afford the Switch 2 when it launches?

The original Switch is still available and plays a large library of games. You can also wait to see if Nintendo releases a less expensive version later, as it did with the Switch Lite ($199). Alternatively, you might find used Switch 2 consoles at lower prices once the console has been available for several months.