With over 146 million units sold, the Nintendo Switch has been nothing short of a phenomenon. Now, with the official reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, one question is sparking heated debates online: How much will it cost?
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A Glimpse at the Next-Gen Hybrid
After months of speculation, Nintendo officially unveiled the Switch 2 on January 16, 2025, via a brief teaser video. While the reveal didn’t dive into the full specs, it confirmed what many had anticipated—a more powerful iteration of the original hybrid console.
The design remains familiar, but with notable upgrades:
- A larger display
- A USB-C port on the top
- A kickstand similar to the OLED model
- Redesigned Joy-Cons, featuring longer buttons and a more secure attachment mechanism
One of the most intriguing details? The Joy-Cons might function like computer mice, potentially enhancing gameplay for titles like Metroid Prime 4.
Could the Switch 2 Launch at €330 Like Its Predecessor? Not Likely
Pricing predictions remain tricky, as Nintendo has yet to disclose key details, including the exact release date, hardware specs, and launch lineup. However, history gives us some clues.
The original Switch launched in 2017 at €330, though retail competition often brought the price closer to €270 in some regions. But expecting a next-gen Nintendo console at the same price point in today’s market is highly unlikely.
Two key factors make a €330 launch price unrealistic:
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- Rising production costs – Over the past eight years, the cost of materials and manufacturing has increased, forcing both Sony and Microsoft to adjust their pricing.
- Market positioning – With the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X retailing around €550, Nintendo has little incentive to undercut itself too much. A lower price point might even make the console feel less “next-gen” in the eyes of consumers.
€400: The Most Likely Scenario
For months, gamers and analysts have speculated that €400 would be the sweet spot for the Switch 2. Given that the Switch OLED debuted at €350, this pricing would be consistent with inflation and added features.
Industry expert Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games previously predicted that the Switch 2 would launch at $400, while also noting that game prices could rise to $70. More recently, leaks from Italian retailer GamesandMovies.it suggested a listing of €364.99, further fueling speculation.
At this price point, Nintendo could maintain its family-friendly appeal while still positioning the console as a worthy next-gen upgrade.
€500: A Premium Model?
While €400 seems the safest bet, there’s a chance that Nintendo could introduce a high-end “Pro” model at €500.
At this price, the Switch 2 would need to deliver serious upgrades, such as:
- A high-performance chipset
- A dock with enhanced processing power
- A high-resolution display
- Significant battery improvements
A €500 price tag would push the Switch 2 into premium territory, but it wouldn’t be without precedent—the PS5 and Xbox Series X have proven that players are willing to pay for power. To justify this, Nintendo would need to ensure its new hybrid doesn’t suffer from the same battery drain issues as competing handhelds like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally.
A dual-model strategy could be a clever move, with a €400 standard version for casual gamers and a €500 premium version for those wanting top-tier performance.
What About the Launch Games?
Of course, pricing is only part of the equation—the game lineup will be just as crucial. So far, the only confirmed first-party game spotted in the reveal video is a new Mario Kart, which, if launched alongside the console, would be a huge selling point.
With a full reveal set for April 2, the wait for official pricing and details won’t be much longer. Until then, speculation will continue—because when it comes to Nintendo’s next big console, everyone has an opinion on the “perfect” price.