Several industry analysts have predicted that Nintendo Switch 2 will retail for over $400—but it is not all about the production cost. In addition to that, they also believe the console will enjoy the biggest launch irrespective of the price.
According to a new Bloomberg report, several analysts said the US tariffs would push up the price of the upcoming console to at least $400. That will be a lot, (33% increase) compared to the price of its predecessor.
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For context, the first Switch cost anywhere between $199.99 for the Nintendo Switch Lite to $349.99 for the high-end Nintendo Switch OLED. Nintendo Switch 2 was announced on January 16 with a launch expected later this year. Besides the announcement trailer, Nintendo has yet to say anything else about the upcoming console.
However, the Japanese gaming giant said it will hold a Nintendo Direct on April 2 that will focus on Switch 2. Bloomberg spoke with some analysts including Japan-based analyst Serkan Toto who anticipates that the device will retail for at least $399.99.
This notion was shared by Stanford C. Bernstein analyst Robin Zhu, UBS Securities analyst Yijia Zhai, and Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda. Hiroshi Yamashina, an analyst with Macquarie Capital forecasted that Nintendo Switch 2 will retail between $399 and $449.
“The original Switch’s Nvidia chip is estimated to cost $80 per unit,” explained Yasuda, “while the Switch 2’s chip is likely to be in the $130-$150 range. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo goes ahead with $499.”
Nintendo Switch 2 will sell regardless of price
The analysts believe Nintendo Switch 2 will perform commercially well at launch, notwithstanding what the price may be. Some even predicted it would have the biggest launch in the history of video game consoles.
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Zhu believes Nintendo will start shipping Switch 2 sometime in June with a first-day inventory of between 6 and 8 million. In contrast, its predecessor sold 2.7 million in its first month while PS4 and PS5 sold around 4.5 million in their first quarters.
Toto hinted that the initial success of the Nintendo Switch 2 will hinge on strong first- and third-party studios’ software releases in its first year.
“They will sell boatloads of Switch 2 in the first months in particular, almost regardless of the price,” Toto told Bloomberg. “We can expect a great software line-up in year one, from new Mario Kart and 3D Mario after eight years to Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4. There will also be third-party support from day one, most probably including blockbusters like Call of Duty.”
Toto expanded his opinion through a post on X saying, “The hardware price is of course a big topic, but many people (including investors) do not consider the possible Switch 2 software prices. I absolutely expect Nintendo’s own games and major third-party games to cost US$70. [The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom] was US$70 in 2023 already, and it worked for them.”
Now you have heard the opinions of different analysts, we want to ask again, will you buy a Nintendo Switch 2 for $400+? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
