Waiting on Switch 2 just got more expensive.
Due to market conditions and Nintendo’s global business outlook, Nintendo has reevaluated its hardware pricing and will be increasing the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 globally. Other Nintendo systems and services will also see price increases in select markets around the world.
A few months ago, I evaluated a Bloomberg report that suggested a Switch 2 price hike could be imminent. You can read that article here:
Well, unfortunately, the day we have dreaded is now approaching.
The following price revisions will take effect on May 25, 2026, in Japan and September 1, 2026, in Western markets.
Region | Product | Old Price | New Price | Difference |
Japan | Switch 2 | ¥49,980 | ¥59,980 | +¥10,000 |
Japan | Switch OLED Model | ¥37,980 | ¥47,980 | +¥10,000 |
Japan | Switch | ¥32,978 | ¥43,980 | +¥11,002 |
Japan | Switch Lite | ¥21,978 | ¥29,980 | +¥8,002 |
United States | Switch 2 | $449.99 | $499.99 | +$50 |
Canada | Switch 2 | $629.99 | $679.99 | +$50 |
Europe | Switch 2 | €469.99 | €499.99 | +€30 |
UK | Switch 2 | £395.99 | TBA | TBA |
Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online will see a price increase in Japan, effective July 1, 2026. Nintendo also says changes are planned for South Korea, though specific details for that market have not yet been released.
Membership Tier | Old Price | New Price | Difference |
Individual — 1 Month | ¥306 | ¥400 | +¥94 |
Individual — 3 Months | ¥815 | ¥1,000 | +¥185 |
Individual — 12 Months | ¥2,400 | ¥3,000 | +¥600 |
Family — 12 Months | ¥4,500 | ¥5,800 | +¥1,300 |
Individual Expansion Pack — 12 Months | ¥4,900 | ¥5,900 | +¥1,000 |
Family Expansion Pack — 12 Months | ¥8,900 | ¥9,900 | +¥1,000 |
Unfortunately, this announcement does not come as much of a surprise. Following the news, Nintendo’s share price also dropped, which feels predictable given the circumstances.
Nintendo’s recent financial release had already projected that second-year sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 would be significantly lower than its first year, which is a bit unusual for a console that is still early in its life cycle. However, given the current market temperature, these kinds of abnormalities are becoming expectations.
For players, the practical takeaway is simple: if you were already planning to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 this year, waiting may now come with a real cost. The system is still the same console it was yesterday, but the value equation around when to buy one has changed.
About the Author
Scott (Scotty) Greenhalgh is the founder and owner of Input Lag, an independent Nintendo-focused publication. Scotty brings a player-first perspective informed by years of hands-on experience with Nintendo games to his reviews, rankings, and editorial coverage. His writing focuses on how games feel to play, their long-term value, and the impact Nintendo’s creative and business decisions have on players.
Outside of Input Lag, he also creates Pokémon-focused content online under the name Gr3atScotty.
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