We finally know how much the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost, and it won't be cheap.
As revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the system will launch on June 5 with a starting price of $449. That's for the system itself. If you want a Switch 2 with a game, there will be a Mario Kart World bundle for $499. Pre-orders start on April 9.
For those keeping track, the original Nintendo Switch cost $299 at launch in 2017. We didn't think the new system would cost that much in 2025, but a $449 price tag still stings, especially since you're not getting a game. That said, a $499 price with no game would've been worse.
Will the $449 price hurt sales?
The original Nintendo Switch's $299 price was one of the reasons the system was so popular. With the new system costing $449, some folks might be reluctant to buy it, especially if they're happy with the current Switch. That said, I don't think the Nintendo Switch 2's price will hurt it in the long run.
As we saw during the event, there are a lot of third-party games coming to Switch 2. This includes DuskBloods, which is a FromSoftware Switch 2 exclusive, along with other heavy hitters like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, a Yakuza game, Hitman and more. Games of that caliber could get folks who aren't traditional Nintendo fans to at least consider getting the system.
It might be harder for families to justify the higher price, but even they could be swayed. Titles like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and a new Kirby game could convince them to invest in the system. That last point is especially true if the Switch 2 has a long shelf life like the current Switch.
Outlook
I'm somewhat surprised Nintendo is releasing such an expensive console. However, given the Switch's insane popularity, perhaps Nintendo is confident its successor will be a smash hit. Given what we saw today, I don't think Nintendo has too much to worry about.
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