The slow wait for the Nintendo Switch 2 release continues but there’s been a small development. The company recently gave us hints at the pricing of the upcoming successor to the 2017 hit console. Company president Shuntaro Furukawa recently reassured the public that affordability will continue to be a big point.
During a recent financial Q&A session, Furukawa addressed investor concerns, stating that the company is taking inflation and exchange rate changes into account. Honestly, we just hope it doesn’t cost as much as the PlayStation 5 and competes well with handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
During a Q&A session following Nintendo’s latest financial report, Furukawa talked about how inflation and currency exchange rates could influence the price of the Switch 2. He notes that the economic situation of the world has changed making affordability a more complex issue. Here is his statement, translated via Nintendo Everything.
We are aware that inflation is currently rising and that the exchange rate environment has changed significantly since the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017. We also need to consider the affordable prices that customers expect from Nintendo products. When considering the price of our products, we believe that it is necessary to consider these factors from multiple angles. At this time, we cannot announce the specific price of the Nintendo Switch 2, but we are considering it taking into account various points
Furukawa stopped short of announcing a price for the Switch 2, but it’s not like we don’t have any speculations already. Many believe the new console will launch at around $400. This would place it slightly above the original Switch, which launched at $300, but still below the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which start at $500.
A $400 price tag would place the Switch 2 in a competitive position, especially against the Steam Deck and other handheld gaming devices. The successor to the Switch is obviously coming with upgrades. But even with growing costs and inflation, Nintendo needs to make sure that the final product remains within an acceptable price range for consumers.
There’s also the potential for scalpers to exploit high demand. Furukawa assured investors that Nintendo is taking steps to prevent scalping. This proactive approach is huge because we’ve already seen how big of a problem it can be with previous console launches such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Shuntaro Furukawa says Nintendo will put measures in place to prevent Switch 2 scalpers
“We will take all possible measures based on the experience we have accumulated to date (regarding scalpers and the like). We are making preparations.” pic.twitter.com/wrwHP59tZs
— Wario64 (@Wario64) February 4, 2025
Another key factor influencing the Switch 2’s price is its competition. We’ve seen the recent success of handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally which have brought gaming and portability together in a very good manner. The Switch 2 will have to be priced in consideration of them.
While these devices offer powerful hardware, they often come with premium price tags. Nintendo’s ability could offer a more affordable alternative while maintaining strong first-party game support. The Switch 2’s hardware upgrades need to be good enough for people to get it over the other options.
Nintendo has confirmed that it will reveal more details about the Switch 2 in a special Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025. This event is expected to include information about the console’s official price, release date, and launch lineup. We’ll catch you there!
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