Nintendo Switch 2 Price Hike Expected as Memory Shortage Impacts Gaming Hardware Costs

The Nintendo Switch 2, which launched in June 2025 at $450, appears headed for a price increase as the global memory shortage continues to impact gaming hardware costs across the industry.

Memory Shortage Drives Industry-Wide Price Pressures

The ongoing memory shortage that has affected everything from smartphones to laptops is now forcing major gaming companies to reconsider their pricing strategies. According to recent reports, both Sony and Nintendo are evaluating price adjustments for their respective gaming platforms.

Sony is reportedly considering a 2028/2029 release window for the PlayStation 6, pushing back previous estimates due to escalating memory costs. This timeline aligns with earlier reports suggesting a 2029/2030 launch window for both Sony's next console and Microsoft's next Xbox.

Nintendo's Position on Pricing

During the Q&A portion of Nintendo's recent earnings call, company president Shuntaro Furukawa told shareholders that the company had no current plans to increase the Switch 2's $450 price point. However, industry sources now indicate that a price hike is becoming increasingly likely in 2026.

While Nintendo has officially denied immediate plans for a price increase, the company's position appears to be shifting as component costs continue to rise. The Switch 2, despite using an older Nvidia Tegra T239 system-on-chip, is not immune to the increased costs of memory and other components.

What to Expect from the Price Increase

Industry analysts predict the Switch 2 could see its price rise to approximately $500 in the U.S. market. This represents a significant increase but reflects the broader challenges facing the gaming industry as component shortages persist.

For consumers considering purchasing a Switch 2, this potential price increase suggests that buying sooner rather than later might be financially prudent. The handheld console has already proven popular, with Nintendo selling 17.37 million units through December 31, 2025, since its June 5th launch.

Broader Industry Impact

The memory shortage isn't affecting just gaming consoles. Recent reports indicate that laptops with only 8GB of RAM could become the new normal for mid-range devices, forcing consumers to accept lower price-to-performance ratios across the board.

This industry-wide challenge highlights how supply chain issues continue to ripple through the technology sector, affecting everything from entry-level laptops to premium gaming hardware. As component costs rise, manufacturers across all segments are being forced to make difficult decisions about pricing and product specifications.

The Switch 2 price hike, when it comes, will likely be just one of many adjustments consumers can expect as the technology industry continues to navigate these supply chain challenges.