Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Price Increase Ahead of Time

Nintendo is preparing to raise the price of the Switch 2, with the new price taking effect on September 1. Unlike some recent console price increases that caught customers by surprise, Nintendo is warning customers in advance through retail displays. The Switch 2 will increase from $450 to $499.99 in the US.

Nintendo can teach PlayStation and Xbox a thing or two, especially about price increases. Switch 2 kiosks are now warning people about the console's price increase scheduled for next month. One kiosk displays a notice saying, "Power up your play. The suggested retail price of the Nintendo Switch 2 system will increase to $499.99 on September 1st."

Nintendo Warns Customers Before the Price Increase

The warning gives customers time to decide whether to purchase the console before the price changes. We have seen PlayStation and Xbox announce price increases with less notice, so it is good to see Nintendo communicating the change before it happens. Nintendo has been one of the few gaming companies to hold its launch pricing for some time.

The Switch 2 launched at a higher price than many expected, but with price increases across the gaming industry, Nintendo has held the original price until now. Nintendo has now announced that the Switch 2 price will increase, and the company is making sure customers know. In-store warnings are being displayed to inform potential customers that they will pay more if they purchase the console starting September 1.

This encourages anyone on the fence to act now or pay more later. We think that having a fair amount of warning, along with in-store notices, is a pro-consumer move. Companies could communicate more about price increases.

More often than not, companies announce price increases close to the change, if at all. Sometimes, customers might simply see the price increase when they go to buy something. We would like companies to communicate more clearly and explain why prices are increasing. If components are more expensive and the market is changing, customers should be informed.

Giving people time to purchase a console before the price increases is a better approach than leaving them to discover the higher price later. Xbox has also provided advance warnings about price increases, but Nintendo has taken that communication into its retail kiosks. That makes the change difficult for customers to miss.

The Switch 2 Price Increase

The Switch 2 will increase by $50 in the US, rising from $450 to $499.99 on September 1. Retailer pricing may vary, so the final price may depend on where you buy the console. Whether it is worth buying the console before the increase depends on the price available at the time. For anyone already planning to purchase a Switch 2, buying before September 1 could help them avoid the $50 increase.

Switch 2 games are already available, including Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokemon Poketopia, and Splatoon Raiders. More releases are also expected, including Pokemon Winds and Waves and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time later in 2026. Customers looking for a different console design may also be interested in leaked images of a Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2 console.

Switch 2 could remain an option for people who do not want to spend more on future consoles.

The leaked design could give customers another reason to wait instead of buying the standard Switch 2 before the price increase. No official announcement confirms the limited-edition console, so treat the leaked design as unconfirmed. That leaves customers with a choice between purchasing a Switch 2 before September 1 to lock in the current price or waiting for a possible Zelda-themed limited edition.

Another comment noted that Nintendo is the only company the user knows of that warns customers about a price increase and gives them time to purchase before the change takes effect. Other companies have also provided advance warnings, but Nintendo's decision to update retail kiosks has received attention.

A $500 console is still within reach for many households, while the next generation of gaming hardware could cost more. Gaming is entering a period when console pricing could play a bigger role in purchasing decisions. Nintendo is now giving customers advance notice that the Switch 2 price will increase on September 1.