How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?

How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost? Analysts give their opinions

The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled this morning, and while many details have been confirmed about its appearance and even a glimpse of a new game, one key question remains: the price.

Nintendo hasn't yet announced how much the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost, and it's likely to remain under wraps for a while. A Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2 is scheduled for April 2, but it's expected to focus more on games and not necessarily reveal any information about the upgraded console's price. Fortunately, several industry analysts believe they have a rough idea of how much to expect.

We spoke to several experts following this morning's announcement to find out, among other things, how much they think Nintendo might charge for the Switch 2. And while the answers vary slightly, one number keeps coming up: 400 dollars.

Why does $400 seem like the right price?

Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games Inc. calls $400 a "necessary price to succeed", explaining that he sees nothing in the trailer that would justify a $450 price tag.

This price would mark an increase from the original Nintendo Switch's $300 launch price, a price Nintendo still maintains today outside of promotions or bundles. For comparison, the OLED model of the Switch costs $350, while the Switch Lite is priced at $200. While we don't yet know the exact specifications or features of the Switch 2, everything in the trailer suggests a slightly larger and more powerful version of the current console, making the $400 figure seem entirely plausible.

Analysts like Circana's Mat Piscatella and Piers Harding-Rolls seem to confirm this figure. However, Harding-Rolls believes that even a price of up to $500 could be considered, although he bases his sales forecast on a price of $400.

First-time buyers won't be price sensitive

Piscatella points out that “First-time buyers will not be price sensitive” and that it is always possible to lower prices later. However, he adds: “Consumers will always want the price to be lower, no matter how much it is advertised.”

Rhys Elliot of MIDiA also agrees that $400 would be "the ideal price" for Nintendo. However, he notes that one factor could push the price up to $500: supply.

"If the Switch 2 sells out at launch, Nintendo could afford to charge more for it," he explains. “Early buyers would be willing to pay, and if the console sells anyway, Nintendo might think, 'Why not?' I think Sony and Microsoft regret launching the PS5 and Xbox Series X at $500. They could have charged $600 or more at the beginning.”

Elliot also points out that Nintendo, unlike its competitors, relies almost entirely on its console business. It is therefore unlikely to take a big risk by selling the console at a loss. Production costs and the machine's power could also play a role, possibly pushing the price beyond $500 under certain conditions. However, he believes that $400 remains the most likely price.

A crucial psychological threshold

Joost van Dreunen, newsletter author Super Joost, also predicts a price of $400. However, he warns that a higher price could have a negative impact on sales, calling $400 a "crucial psychological threshold"He adds that the overall economic environment, including potential taxes imposed by the future US administration, could also influence consumer reception.

An announcement to watch out for

Predictions remain speculation, and Nintendo could still surprise us at the last minute. However, the consensus around $400 seems a reasonable estimate for consumers planning their purchases this year. Let's hope the price doesn't go much higher... and that Nintendo will finally offer a permanent discount on the first Switch, eight years after its launch!

In the meantime, we still learned some interesting details today. The console will indeed be called Nintendo Switch 2, it will be released in 2025, and a new Mario Kart is already in development for it. It will be compatible with the current Switch games, and we will learn more about the upcoming software during the April Nintendo Direct. Stay tuned for all our Nintendo Switch 2 news!