Nintendo has announced price hikes for its original Switch and select accessories, effective August 3, 2025, citing market conditions. The increases range from $30 to $50 and affect the Switch 1 handheld consoles, Switch 2 accessories, and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo.
However, there’s a silver lining for gamers – the price of the newer Nintendo Switch 2 remains unchanged. With its larger screen, better performance, and microSD Express card support, it’s now an attractive option, especially considering its availability in stock.
The recent price hikes are attributed to economic factors, including tariffs on electronics from countries like Japan and China. The U.S. trading partners faced uncertainty under President Trump’s tariff policies. While the Switch 2 is not directly affected by these changes, Nintendo may consider a potential price adjustment once it becomes clear how the new tariffs will impact its manufacturing costs.
For consumers, the increased prices of older models make the Switch 2 an increasingly attractive choice. With strong sales momentum for the newer model, Nintendo might delay price hikes to preserve sales and maintain margins. The company’s strategy, dubbed “razor/razor blade,” relies on selling low-cost hardware while producing replacement parts at a lower cost.
As consumers, it’s essential to note that prices are determined by market forces, including demand, scarcity, competition, and consumer psychology. With the Switch 2 already perceived as expensive, many consumers might opt for it over the older model due to its improved features and performance.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/nintendo/nintendo-raises-prices-on-the-switch-1-making-last-gen-console-a-hard-sell-as-the-switch-2-is-increasingly-easy-to-find-in-stock