Nintendo has declared an increase in prices for its original Switch console and a selection of other Nintendo products in the United States. Conversely, the pricing for the new Switch 2 console will not be adjusted at this time.
Effective August 3, the cost of the Switch line-up, including the standard Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite models, along with certain accessories, will see an upward revision. Nintendo cited “market conditions” as the reason for these changes. Notably, prices for both physical and digital game titles will remain unaffected.
According to Target`s online listings, the updated pricing is $230 for the Switch Lite, $340 for the regular Switch, and $400 for the Switch OLED. Additionally, original Switch Pro Controllers are now priced at $80, and Switch 1 Joy-Con pairs have increased by $10 to also reach $80.
Regarding the Switch 2, Nintendo confirmed that its console price, digital and physical game costs, and Nintendo Switch Online subscription fees will not increase for the time being. However, the company cautioned that “price adjustments may be necessary in the future.”
Although the core Switch 2 console price remains stable, Nintendo indicated that “certain” Switch 2 accessories would incur higher costs, without detailing all affected items. Among the specified increases are “select” Amiibo figures and the Alarmo clock, which will now cost $110. Joy-Con 2 controllers are also seeing a price hike to $100.
Nintendo did not provide specifics on the “market conditions” driving these price adjustments, but observers suggest it is linked to ongoing tariff disputes. Coinciding with this announcement on August 1, US President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs, causing market instability.
Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad highlighted that countries manufacturing Switch consoles, such as Vietnam and China, are now subject to higher tariff rates. He suggested it would “not be surprising” if Nintendo eventually increases the price of the Switch 2 as well.
The relationship between Nintendo and tariffs has been a long-standing issue. A major Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event on April 2 occurred on the same day that Trump announced substantial tariffs affecting several nations, including those involved in Switch 2 production. This situation led to a delay in Switch 2 pre-orders and raised fears of a price increase for the console itself. While the main console`s price was not raised then, some Switch 2 accessory prices were, and further increases are now being implemented.
This US price increase for the Switch follows a recent similar announcement from Nintendo of Canada regarding price hikes for the original Switch in that market.
Nintendo revealed these price changes on August 1, coinciding with its latest quarterly earnings report. The original Switch recorded global sales of 980,000 units for the quarter ending June 30, marking a significant 53.5% year-over-year decrease. Nintendo attributed this decline to the console entering its ninth year on the market, though it characterized overall sales as `stable.`
In contrast, the Switch 2 has achieved global sales of 5.82 million units from its launch until June 30, surpassing 6 million units within its first seven weeks.