Well, that’ll do it. The most expected piece of news in video gaming is finally official. This generation of video game consoles has been one of the more chaotic ones for consumers. The PlayStation 5 debuted to severe shortages, the Xbox Series X/S severely flopped, and the Nintendo Switch 2 arrived late to the party but blew the doors open with sales. And for the first time in modern history, the prices of all the consoles have increased or are set to increase mid generation.
We previously reported on rumors that the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 was going to increase. That was three months ago and the information proved to be true. But even if there weren’t rumors about it, the signs were there. The madness that has been surrounding President Donald Trump imposing tariffs has been devastating to many businesses. Combine this with the global chip shortage that’s happening and even the dumbest of market analysts could see this coming.
The price hike on the Nintendo Switch 2 is not immediate. According to the Big N, the price increase will start on September 1st, 2026. So, if you’re on the fence about getting a Switch 2, maybe save yourself the extra cash and plonk same cash down for one now. After all, we’re getting another remake of Star Fox 64, and you don’t want to miss out on that. Seriously, it’s Star Fox 64! Again! But actually serious, if you want to get an original Switch model, those prices won’t be increasing.
Right now there are limited reasons to get a Switch 2 instead of an OG model. The amount of exclusives for the title aren’t great, but the ones that are there represent some damn fine games. Donkey Kong Bananza is great and Pokemon Pokopia has been doing extremely well for itself. And even though the next gen of Pokemon games, Winds and Waves don’t have an official release date yet, there’s still Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. That gen received a significant update on the Switch 2 that makes the games play and feel remarkably better.
Is all that enough to kick more people into gear on getting a Switch 2? It’s a good question and one that consumers need to be asking themselves. More importantly, is there any indication that economic conditions will get better? If it’s affecting consoles and electronics then you know it’s doing more damage in other, more vital areas. This is just a symptom of an illness impacting the world right now. Not even Dr. Mario can cure this one.
