If you haven’t seen it blow up on social media, brace yourself for some interesting–and worrisome–price increases. This time, it comes from Nintendo, and oddly enough, the focus isn’t on their newest console. Is the rising cost of the original Nintendo Switch a sign of bigger things to come?
Effective August 3rd, 2025, Nintendo increased prices for several products, but what caught my eye was the price increase for the Nintendo Switch family line of consoles. You know, the one that first launched in 2017. There are no price increases for the Switch 2 console, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games, and Nintendo Switch Online membership, although Nintendo left it open as a possibility in the future.
“Pricing for the original Nintendo Switch™ family of systems and products will change in the United States based on market conditions, effective August 3, 2025. These include Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite and select Nintendo Switch accessories.
Other Nintendo products, including certain Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, select amiibo, and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, will also see adjustments” –Nintendo on impact in United States
Examples of price increases are as follows in USD:
- Nintendo Switch (launch edition): From $300 to $340
- Switch OLED – From $350 to $400
- Switch Lite – From $200 to $230
- Joy-Con – From $80 to $90
- Pro Controller – From $70 to $80
- NES controllers pack – From $60 to $70
- SNES controller – From $30 to $35
- N64 controller – From $50 to $55
Customers in the United States aren’t alone. While economic uncertainty with tariffs is one theorized factor, it’s important to highlight that customers in Canada are also unfortunately impacted–including hikes in NSO membership. And without further detail or evidence, one cannot confirm causation between US tariffs and these increases (especially with nuances like the recent “deal” struck between the US and Japan). Without any explanation to back their decision other than “market conditions”, it can be frustrating to be understanding of the situation. This especially applies to the first Switch and its accessories because prices of older gen consoles generally fall after a new console is released. So, for Nintendo to raise prices on a system that is almost 10 years old and after the advent of the Switch 2, is something that has me concerned.
For one, this will likely slow the growth of Switch sales, and if Nintendo went out of their way to increase prices on an older console, it would be a safe bet that they intend to support the “OG” Switch for a while. I can’t say for certain if this change would push sales to the Switch 2, especially since the Switch 2 is already more expensive that the first Switch. Regardless, if we take a look at Nintendo’s history of tight and conservative business practices, these changes in particular were likely out of necessity and not of greed.
The video game industry has been hemorrhaging money everywhere. Layoffs occur everywhere you look, and video game price increases seem almost universal (For Nintendo, that most recently occurred with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at $70 USD when their first-party games have run $60 USD for many years, then Mario Kart World at $80 USD).
But hold up. Nintendo isn’t the pioneer with console increases….
It is also important to remember that Microsoft recently raised prices of their Xbox consoles as well. In May 2025, the Xbox Series S with 512GB went from $299.99 to $379.99 USD, Xbox Series S with 1TB from $349.99 to $429.99, Xbox Series X digital only from $449.99 to $549.99, and Xbox Series X from $499.99 to $599.99. Microsoft cited “market conditions” and “the rising cost of development” as their reasons for increasing the price.
Lastly, even Sony raised their PlayStation 5 prices; however, this did not impact US markets. The United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand fell victim to these changes. Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad stated that “…while tariffs are a concern, they are not the sole reason for the changes”. He listed a variety of economic factors such as inflation, currency shifts, and broader global financial trends.
Therefore, when taking a step back and fitting the puzzle pieces together, Nintendo is really the last of the big three to impose some form of price increase in their consoles; however, theirs is unique because it impacts an older system. While Nintendo is far from an economic crisis, this change is worrisome, and it sets a precedent and almost leaves expectation for a Switch 2 price increase. Video games are an expensive hobby, but it would seem it is making it more and more difficult for families and individuals to enjoy it. I recall my economics professor telling us something that perhaps you’ve heard, businesses will charge what the market can bear. The line is moving, and one can only wonder when we will reach a breaking point.
What are your thoughts on the recent Nintendo price hikes, especially for the original Switch console and accesories? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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Sources: CBS Watch Magazine, CNBC, Forbes, Nintendo Everything, Nintendo
Featured Image Source: Nintendo
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