Nintendo is the latest company to bend its knee in the face of a pricing crisis triggered by AI. The company has just announced revised pricing for its Switch 2 console and online gaming services in multiple key markets, including the US.
Shoppers in the United States will soon have to pay a $50 premium for the handheld console. The effective date of price revisions in the US, Canada, and Europe is September 1, 2026 (via CNBC). If you’ve been eyeing the portable gaming console, you have less than four months to get it at the launch price.
How much more will you pay for the Nintendo Switch 2?
In the US, the Switch 2 rises from $449.99 to $499.99. In Europe, the price increases by €30 to €499.99, and Canadian buyers will pay $679.99, up from $629.99.
Nintendo’s home market, Japan, is where the price hike takes effect the earliest, from May 25, 2026 (from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980). Other products, like the OLED model, the standard Switch, and Switch Lite, are also seeing increases of around ¥10,000 each.
Along with hardware, the Nintendo Switch Online memberships are also getting a price hike effective from July 1, 2026, in Japan.
Why did Nintendo increase the prices?
“In light of changes in market conditions, and after considering the global business outlook, Nintendo will revise the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) of the Nintendo Switch 2 system and Nintendo Switch systems,” the company shared in an official statement.
“Given that the impact of various changes in market conditions is expected to extend over the medium to long term, price revisions are also planned outside Japan,” the company added.
Nintendo won’t be the only player in the gaming segment feeling the bite. The likes of Asus, MSI, and Lenovo have also treated buyers to the price hike treatment on their respective handheld gaming consoles in the past few months.
Most recently, Lenovo’s Legion Go 2 console saw its price tag climb by 50% in April this year.
