The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag has certainly raised eyebrows, especially considering Nintendo's history of more budget-friendly consoles. However, with rising production costs and economic factors like tariffs, analysts had anticipated a price point around $400 USD. The real surprise, though, came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only align with the new $70 USD standard but can reach up to $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the cost of additional accessories, the total investment for the full Switch 2 experience becomes quite substantial.
But how does the Switch 2's price compare when adjusted for inflation against previous Nintendo consoles? Let's dive in and see how it stacks up, and also how it compares to other gaming consoles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles
NES
The NES, launched in 1985 at $179 USD, seems like a steal today. However, adjusted for inflation, it would cost a hefty $523 USD in 2025.
SNES
The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would set you back $460 USD in today's dollars after accounting for inflation.
Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that's equivalent to $400 USD in 2025.
Nintendo GameCube
The GameCube, which will see its games available on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online's classic library, was released in 2001 for $199 USD, or $359 USD today.
Wii
The motion-controlled Wii, a global phenomenon, hit the market in 2006 at $249 USD, which translates to about $394 USD in 2025.
Wii U
The less successful Wii U, launched in 2012 for $299 USD, would cost $415 USD in today's terms, making it closer to the Switch 2's pricing.
Nintendo Switch
The highly successful Nintendo Switch, released in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD in 2025, still cheaper than the Switch 2 set to launch on June 5.
When comparing the Switch 2's price to its predecessors, it's clear that the original NES, adjusted for inflation, remains the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched. This historical context might not make the Switch 2's price any more palatable, but it's interesting to note.
Credit: IGN But what about the games?
While the Switch 2's console price was somewhat expected, the pricing of its games has been a significant talking point. With titles like Mario Kart World priced at $80 USD and others like Donkey Kong Bananza at $70 USD (or $65 digitally), the cost of gaming on the Switch 2 is notably high.
It's challenging to directly compare these prices to the earliest NES cartridges due to the wide variance in pricing back then. In the early 90s, an NES game could cost anywhere from $34 USD to $45 USD, which translates to $98 USD to $130 USD in 2025. Despite this, many believe that game prices could continue to rise.
The Switch 2's pricing is at the higher end of Nintendo's spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Real-world factors, such as the announcement of a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 for Japan at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD, highlight the impact of economic conditions on pricing.
How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles
Let's see how the Switch 2's price compares to other notable consoles when adjusted for inflation.
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console of all time, was released in 2000 for $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $565 USD in 2025.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360, Microsoft's most successful console, launched in 2005 for $299 USD, which equates to about $500 USD in 2025.
In conclusion, the Switch 2's pricing, while high, is in line with the inflation-adjusted costs of many past consoles. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and games like Mario Kart World, as well as discussions with analysts on the factors driving the costs of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem.
