An analyst’s April 2025 view that tariffs were unlikely to trigger an immediate Switch 2 price increase proved accurate for launch—but it was never a promise about future pricing. Nintendo kept the U.S. console at $449.99 for its June 2025 launch, then announced a U.S. MSRP increase to $499.99 effective September 1, 2026. Nintendo cited broad market-environment changes and its long-term business outlook, not tariffs alone.
What the analyst forecast—and when
On April 9, 2025, Ars Technica reported that Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis considered an immediate Switch 2 price increase unlikely. His reasoning was that much of an assumed 20% tariff increase had already been reflected in the roughly $450 U.S. price. The assessment addressed the volatile tariff situation at that time; it was not a guarantee that Nintendo would hold the price indefinitely. Ars Technica’s April 9, 2025 report.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What happened to the U.S. launch price
Nintendo confirmed in April 2025 that the U.S. Switch 2 would launch at $449.99 and the Mario Kart World bundle at $499.99. The console launched June 5, 2025. Nintendo also said accessory prices would be adjusted and that other product price changes remained possible depending on market conditions. Nintendo’s April 2025 U.S. pricing update.
That launch-price decision matched the analyst’s short-term forecast: there was no immediate increase to the console’s announced U.S. launch MSRP. It did not settle what Nintendo might charge later.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Nintendo later raised the price
In a notice dated May 8, 2026, Nintendo said the U.S. Switch 2 MSRP would rise from $449.99 to $499.99 effective September 1, 2026. These U.S. prices are before tax. Nintendo described the change as reflecting market-environment changes and its medium- to long-term global business outlook; the notice did not identify tariffs as the sole or specific cause of the U.S. increase. Nintendo’s May 2026 price-change notice.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has separately discussed tariffs as a potential cost. In an interview reported by TechRadar, he said the company’s basic policy was to recognize tariffs as a cost and pass them on to prices as much as possible, while also noting that Nintendo was carefully considering the situation during a crucial period for new hardware adoption. That general policy statement does not establish that tariffs alone caused the later Switch 2 price revisions. TechRadar’s report on Furukawa’s comments.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Official revised prices vary by region
Nintendo’s May 2026 notice lists different currencies, tax treatment and effective dates. These are official MSRP figures, not a snapshot of retailer prices or stock.
| Territory | Previous official price | Revised official price | Effective date and tax treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $449.99 | $499.99 | September 1, 2026; before tax |
| Canada | C$629.99 | C$679.99 | September 1, 2026; before tax |
| Europe | €469.99 | €499.99 | September 1, 2026; My Nintendo Store price, including tax |
| Japan | ¥49,980 | ¥59,980 | May 25, 2026; domestic-only model MSRP |
The Canadian revision was also confirmed in Nintendo’s Canadian notice. Prices across territories should not be compared as if they include the same taxes, and currency conversions would require a dated exchange rate.
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- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
What this means if you are deciding when to buy
- For a U.S. purchase on or after September 1, 2026, Nintendo’s published console MSRP is $499.99 before tax. A retailer may list a different live price; current retailer pricing and availability are not established here.
- The 2025 analyst call concerned the likelihood of an immediate launch-period increase. It should not be treated as current price guidance.
- Nintendo’s explanation for the 2026 revisions was broad. The available notice does not quantify how much, if any, of the increase came from tariffs specifically.
Storage is an optional additional cost
Switch 2 includes 256GB of internal storage. For additional capacity, Nintendo specifies microSD Express cards; ordinary microSD cards are not the stated expansion format. Buying a card is optional, not a prerequisite for every player. Nintendo listed a Samsung 256GB microSD Express card at $59.99 in its April 2025 U.S. launch-era pricing, but that historical figure is not a verified current retail price. Nintendo also notes that some original Nintendo Switch games may not be supported or fully compatible on Switch 2. Nintendo’s Switch 2 product information.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
