Nintendo is set to increase the price of the Switch 2 later this year, attributed to a global memory shortage.
Despite previously avoiding a price adjustment for the Switch 2 in response to Trump tariffs that affected the original Switch line, Nintendo has now confirmed a $50 USD price increase, bringing the console’s retail price to $500 USD starting September 1st. The underlying cause for this adjustment is the worldwide scarcity of RAM.
The demand for RAM has surged dramatically since the end of 2025. The burgeoning generative AI sector has fueled a significant need for computing power to support AI data centers, consequently driving up RAM prices. This price hike for RAM inevitably leads to increased costs for all products that utilize it, which includes a wide array of electronics beyond just game consoles.
Other major gaming companies have implemented similar price adjustments. Sony has raised the price of its PlayStation line from $750 USD to $900 USD. Xbox has made comparable changes to the Xbox Series X|S and may implement further increases. Valve is also experiencing difficulties in restocking some of its hardware due to the shortage, leading to ongoing delays for its new Steam Machine.
While the price increases for some types of RAM are starting to stabilize, many DDR5 RAM modules remain significantly more expensive than they were a few years ago. Furthermore, SSDs are experiencing a price escalation comparable to RAM, an issue that is less frequently discussed. Until a substantial shift occurs to rebalance the costs of these critical technological components, further price increases for similar products are likely.
Nintendo has previously expressed intentions to explore methods for reducing game costs, suggesting that gaming might not entirely become an exclusive luxury. For those interested in purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2 before the price increase, it is available on Nintendo’s official website.