Original Nintendo Switch prices are rising, contrary to the expectation with the launch of Nintendo Switch 2.
In a recent development, Nintendo has announced a price increase for its popular Nintendo Switch consoles in the U.S. market. The price hike is primarily due to newly imposed U.S. import tariffs on goods manufactured in China, where the Switch consoles are assembled [1][2][3].
The price of the Nintendo Switch OLED has risen from $349.99 to $399.99, while the standard Nintendo Switch console now costs $339.99, an increase from its original price of $299.99. The Nintendo Switch Lite has seen a price increase as well, from $199.99 to $229.99 [1][2][3].
However, the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 console remains unchanged for now. While some Switch 2 accessories will see price adjustments, the prices of physical and digital games for both Switch and Switch 2, as well as Nintendo Switch Online memberships, have not been affected [1][2][3][5].
Nintendo has warned that price increases for Switch 2 products and related services could occur in the future but are not part of the current hike [1][2][3][5]. In summary, the price increase applies only to the original Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite consoles [4].
Here's a breakdown of the new pricing structure:
| Product | Price Increase Status | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------| | Nintendo Switch (original) | Increased (from $299.99 to $339.99) | | Nintendo Switch OLED | Increased (from $349.99 to $399.99) | | Nintendo Switch Lite | Increased (from $199.99 to $229.99) | | Nintendo Switch 2 console | No price increase currently | | Switch and Switch 2 games | No price increase currently | | Nintendo Switch Online membership | No price increase currently | | Some Switch 2 accessories | Increased |
These changes follow similar price hikes in Canada earlier and reflect broader industry trends related to rising import costs and tariffs [1][2][5]. The Switch 2 is $50 more expensive than a Switch OLED, but Nintendo has not revealed the exact reason for the price rise [1][2][5].
For those considering purchasing a new Nintendo Switch, it is suggested to save more and consider the Nintendo Switch 2 instead of the older models. However, it's worth noting that the Nintendo Switch 2 has not led to a price drop for the last-gen Switch consoles in the U.S. [6].
[1] https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-has-raised-the-price-of-the-nintendo-switch-in-the-us/ [2] https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-price-increase-us-tariffs [3] https://www.polygon.com/22716097/nintendo-switch-price-increase-us-tariffs [4] Based on information provided in the bullet points [5] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-price-increase-us-tariffs/1100-6504065/ [6] Based on information provided in the bullet points
The escalating U.S. tariffs on imported goods have influenced the rise in prices for gadgets such as the Nintendo Switch consoles, including the standard Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite. Conversely, the prices of gadgets like physical and digital games for both the original Switch and Switch 2, as well as Nintendo Switch Online memberships, remain unaltered in the face of these price hikes.
