Nintendo has joined the ranks of PlayStation and Xbox in increasing the cost of their current-generation console hardware offering, announcing a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 that will take effect starting September 1, 2026.
The changes vary slightly between regions, with most seeing a general price increase on the standard Switch 2 console SKU (so excluding the Mario Kart World, Pokémon Pokopia or Pokémon Legends Z-A bundles) starting on the same date. But Japan, for example, will cop a hike to the fleet of original Nintendo Switch consoles as well as Nintendo Switch Online memberships, all starting on May 25, 2026.
Here in Australia, we’ll see an increase from the current RRP of the base Switch 2 SKU of AUD $699.95, up to AUD $769.95, an uplift of AUD $70. In New Zealand, it’s going from NZD $799.95 to NZD $969.95, a sharp increase of NZD $170 and putting it dangerously close to NZD $1000.
And here’s the full statement from Nintendo AUNZ:
“Beginning on 1st September 2026, Nintendo Australia will revise the SRP of the Nintendo Switch 2 console in Australia from AU$699.95 to AU$769.95, and in New Zealand from NZ$799.95 to NZ$969.95. This is in response to various changes in market conditions, which are expected to extend over the medium to long term. Pricing for the Nintendo Switch console is not changing.
“We understand that pricing changes can be challenging for customers and deeply appreciate the continued enthusiasm of our fans for Nintendo products and experiences.
“Thank you for being part of the Nintendo community.”
Some days later during the presentation of Nintendo’s newest financials, the company’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, addressed the price increases. Furukawa admitted that the changes being made do not fully account for all cost increases, saying that while Nintendo wanted to prioritise wide adoption of the Switch 2, it became challenging to bear the costs over a long period of time.
“We will prepare a robust software lineup to enhance the Switch 2 ownership value. We will work diligently to overcome this barrier,” Furakawa told investors (via Nintendo Patents Watch).