Nintendo Switch 2: Price increase announced worldwide Apfelpatient

Nintendo is significantly increasing the price of the Switch 2: In the US and Canada, the price is rising by $50, in Europe by €30, and in Japan by a whopping 10,000 yen. The increase will take effect on September 1, 2026, in Western Europe and North America, and on May 25 in Japan. Nintendo Switch Online and classic game cards are also affected. This is the first major price revision since the Switch 2's launch in June 2025.

Since its launch, the Switch 2 has been one of the most discussed console topics – not only because of its hardware, but also because of its accessories, which are gaining importance in parallel. Those who use the console on the go and rely on solutions like the Belkin Charging Case Pro for the Nintendo Switch 2 are already planning on buying complete packages of console and accessories. This calculation is now changing: On May 8, 2026, Nintendo officially announced higher recommended retail prices for the Switch 2 worldwide – thus setting a clear deadline for many purchasing decisions.

Overview of the new prices

In the US, the price of the Switch 2 is increasing from $449.99 to $499.99, and in Canada from 629.99 to 679.99 Canadian dollars. In Europe, the price in the My Nintendo Store is rising from €469.99 to €499.99 – an increase of €30 including taxes. The new prices will take effect in the US, Canada, and Europe on September 1, 2026.

In Japan, the price adjustment is significantly larger: The price of the Switch 2 in the Japanese-only version will increase from 49,980 to 59,980 yen – a rise of approximately 10,000 yen. This change will take effect on May 25, 2026. The multi-language model of the Switch 2, available in the My Nintendo Store, will retain its current price in Japan for the time being. Nintendo also announced that price adjustments for the Switch 2 and Switch will be implemented in other regions as well – details will be provided by the respective subsidiaries.

Even older Switch models are becoming more expensive in Japan

While the price revision in Western markets only affects the Switch 2, Nintendo is raising prices for the entire console family in Japan. The Switch OLED model increases from 37,980 to 47,980 yen, the standard Switch from 32,978 to 43,980 yen, and the Switch Lite from 21,978 to 29,980 yen. The effective date for these price changes is May 25, 2026.

Nintendo is responding to a market situation in which the older Switch generation still plays a relevant role in Japan – and not just as a cheap entry-level console.

Nintendo Switch Online will also become more expensive

The online service is also being adjusted. Nintendo Switch Online will become more expensive in Japan starting July 1, 2026, across all subscription tiers. Individual memberships will increase from 306 to 400 yen for one month, from 815 to 1,000 yen for three months, and from 2,400 to 3,000 yen for twelve months. Family memberships will increase from 4,500 to 5,800 yen for twelve months.

The Expansion Pack is also getting a price increase: Individual membership will now cost 5,900 yen per year instead of 4,900 yen, and family membership 9,900 yen instead of 8,900 yen. Since Nintendo Switch Online is marketed worldwide as a single offering, prices will be "appropriately aligned" across regions. Specifically, Nintendo has confirmed a planned price adjustment in South Korea in addition to Japan – the company has not yet announced specific dates for other markets.

Playing cards and Hanafuda will be priced more flexibly

An unusual side note concerns Nintendo's historical roots in the card game business. Due to increased material and production costs, Nintendo is abandoning fixed recommended retail prices for classic playing cards as well as Hanafuda and Kabufuda cards in Japan. Instead of the previous MSRP of 660 yen for standard cards and up to 2,750 yen for Mario Hanafuda, an open market price will apply from May 25, 2026. Nintendo is thus leaving pricing to the retailers – a move intended to ensure the long-term availability of these traditional products.

Reason: Market situation and global business development

Nintendo cites “changes in market conditions” and its “global business focus” as the reasons for the price increases. The company expects the underlying effects to persist in the medium to long term, thus justifying permanent price adjustments rather than temporary increases.

Several factors are at play: Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa had already pointed several months ago to a persistent storage shortage, which is further exacerbated by the enormous investments in AI data centers and is putting pressure on profitability. Exchange rate fluctuations – especially the weak yen – are also likely to be a factor. In its statement, Nintendo apologizes to customers and stakeholders for the impact of the price revision.

Four months lead time in Europe and North America

Buyers in Europe, the US, and Canada have until September 1, 2026, to secure the Switch 2 at the current price. Those already considering a purchase now have a clear window of opportunity. In Japan, the deadline is significantly shorter at just under three weeks – an indication that the Japanese market is currently putting the most pressure on Nintendo to act.

This is particularly noteworthy because the Switch 2 has recently achieved enormous sales figures: Nintendo's latest financial report shows 19.86 million units sold in fiscal year 2026. For fiscal year 2027, the company forecasts another 16.5 million units – a figure that, with the new prices, will now have to be reached under different circumstances.

Currently: Switch 2 is still available significantly below the RRP

Those who want to avoid the price increase can currently find two attractive offers at Amazon. The Switch 2 as a standalone console is currently available for €429 instead of €469.99 – around €70 below the new RRP that will apply from September. Those who want to buy a game right away can get the bundle with Mario Kart World for €485.99 instead of €509.99.

In our view, both offers are a clear advantage for anyone planning to buy in the coming weeks or months anyway. With the regular price increase starting September 1, 2026, the price difference shrinks dramatically – the solo offer is currently even €70 below the future RRP of €499.99.

→ View Nintendo Switch 2 (Solo) on Amazon
→ View the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle on Amazon

What the price revision means for buyers

Even after the price increase, the Switch 2 remains significantly cheaper than its competitors in the home console market at €499.99. However, for buyers who plan to make a purchase in the coming months anyway, the September 1st, 2026 price increase offers a compelling financial incentive to bring forward their purchase. Those planning to purchase accessories – such as protective cases, power banks, or a complete solution like the Belkin Charging Case Pro – can still calculate the total cost at the same price.

The fact that Nintendo is only raising prices around 15 months after the Switch 2's launch demonstrates how robust the console's sales have been so far. This move is less of a stopgap measure and more of a strategic adjustment to a market situation where component prices and exchange rates are permanently restricting pricing flexibility. (Image: Shutterstock / Wongsakorn 2468)