Nintendo is raising prices for the Switch 2 and legacy Switch consoles across multiple major markets starting mid-2026, citing ongoing global memory supply shortages that have already disrupted hardware pricing across the industry.
Nintendo has announced widespread price increases for its entire Switch console lineup, including the Nintendo Switch 2, across key global markets, citing rising production costs tied to the ongoing global memory component shortage. The changes will roll out in phases starting May 25, 2026 in Japan, followed by the United States, Canada, and Europe on September 1, 2026. Nintendo Switch Online subscription prices will also rise for Japanese users starting July 1, 2026. Nintendo has not yet shared full technical specifications for the Switch 2, but the price increase applies to all Japanese-language models, with multi-language units exempt for now.
The adjustments follow similar moves from several hardware manufacturers that have increased prices for existing products or delayed future hardware launches in recent months as DRAM and NAND flash memory prices surge. Memory components account for a substantial portion of production costs for modern gaming consoles, and supply shortages have pushed those costs to multi-year highs, forcing companies to pass expenses to consumers.
How it compares
The price hikes vary by region and model, with Japan seeing the earliest and most widespread changes. For the Japanese-language Nintendo Switch 2, the price will rise from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980, a ¥10,000 increase equivalent to roughly 20% of the original price. Nintendo noted that the multi-language Switch 2 model sold through its My Nintendo Store will retain its current pricing for now, a rare exception in the lineup.
Older Switch models are also seeing significant price increases in Japan. The Nintendo Switch OLED model will jump from ¥37,980 to ¥47,980, a ¥10,000 increase. The standard Nintendo Switch rises from ¥32,978 to ¥43,980, a ¥11,002 hike, while the Nintendo Switch Lite increases from ¥21,978 to ¥29,980, a ¥8,002 jump. Percentage-wise, the Lite sees the largest increase at roughly 36%, followed by the standard Switch at 33%, OLED at 26%, and Switch 2 at 20%.
North American and European buyers will see changes starting September 1, 2026. In the United States, the Switch 2 price will rise from $449.99 to $499.99, a $50 increase equivalent to 11% of the original price. Canadian buyers will pay $679.99 instead of $629.99, a $50 CAD increase. European buyers on the My Nintendo Store will see prices move from €469.99 to €499.99, a €30 increase of roughly 6%. Compared to the Japanese hikes, North American and European increases are smaller in percentage terms, though the US dollar amount is close to the Japanese yen equivalent when adjusted for exchange rates.
Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions in Japan are also getting more expensive starting July 1, 2026. The standard individual 12-month membership will rise from ¥2,400 to ¥3,000, a 25% increase. The family plan will jump from ¥4,500 to ¥5,800, a 29% increase. For the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, individual yearly memberships will move from ¥4,900 to ¥5,900 (20% increase), while family plans will rise from ¥8,900 to ¥9,900 (11% increase). These are the first major price hikes for Nintendo's subscription service in Japan since 2023, and follow similar increases in Western markets in 2024.
Who it's for
The price changes affect multiple groups of buyers and existing users. Gamers in Japan planning to purchase any Switch model after May 25, 2026 will pay significantly more, though those interested in the multi-language Switch 2 can still buy at current pricing through the My Nintendo Store. Buyers in the US, Canada, and Europe have until September 1, 2026 to purchase a Switch 2 at the current $449.99, $629.99, or €469.99 price points.
Japanese Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will see higher monthly and annual costs starting July 1, 2026. Users on annual plans may want to renew before the deadline to lock in current pricing for another year. Budget-conscious gamers across all regions may find the price hikes push Switch consoles out of their price range, especially as competing consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have also seen minor price increases in some markets over the past year due to the same memory shortage.
For practical buyers, the advice is straightforward. If you plan to buy a Switch 2 or any legacy Switch model, purchasing before the effective date in your region will save you between ¥8,000 and ¥10,000 in Japan, $50 in the US, $50 CAD in Canada, or €30 in Europe. Japanese buyers who want a Switch 2 should consider the multi-language model to avoid the price hike, provided they are comfortable with non-Japanese packaging and documentation. Existing Nintendo Online subscribers in Japan should evaluate their subscription needs before July 1 to avoid the higher rates.
Sources: Nintendo, Notebookcheck
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