Key Takeaways
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- The Nintendo Switch 2 may experience a global price increase in 2026, potentially discontinuing the base model and only offering premium bundles for $499 or more.
- Trade tariffs and rising memory costs are the primary factors causing this potential price hike, similar to what Sony and Microsoft have already implemented.
- Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa previously stated that the Switch 2s price would remain stable unless significant external factors change, but trade negotiations and accessory price increases suggest adjustments may be necessary.
- The possibility of a more affordable Nintendo Switch 2 Lite as an alternative to the standard model has been rumored, but it remains uncertain if this will materialize.
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Nintendo Switch 2 System
Niko Partners anticipates a worldwide price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Their annual report cites potential trade tariffs and rising memory costs as factors that may pressure Nintendo to raise prices, possibly following the example of Sony and Microsoft. While the report does not specify an exact new price, it suggests that the base model, currently priced at $449, could be discontinued, with only premium bundles available for $499 or more—representing a price increase of at least $50. This prediction contrasts with recent statements from Nintendo. Last month, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that the company is closely monitoring these issues. In November 2025, he told shareholders that the price of the Switch 2 would remain stable unless significant external factors changed, such as tariffs. Concerns about a price increase arose in April 2025, following the unveiling of the Switch 2 and the announcement of new U.S. tariffs. Nintendo temporarily paused preorders to assess the trade negotiations but resumed them after accessory prices had already increased more than initially projected. While the console’s price has not yet changed, the possibility of adjustments due to tariffs has been a recurring topic.
Anticipated Global Price Rise for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 Due to Tariffs, Memory Costs, and Potential Shortage
The Niko Partners report also identifies the current memory shortage as an additional factor that could contribute to a Switch 2 price hike. However, the analysis does not address rumors of a potential Switch 2 Lite launch, which could offer a more affordable alternative for consumers interested in new hardware, assuming Nintendo maintains the Lite version’s price at $449.
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