When the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price was announced, it certainly raised eyebrows, given that this is a higher price point than what we've typically seen from Nintendo. However, with rising production costs and economic factors such as tariffs, analysts had anticipated the Switch 2 to be priced at around $400 USD at the very least.

Perhaps even more surprising was the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only align with the new $70 USD standard for new releases but can go as high as $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the cost of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite significant.

But how does the Switch 2's launch price compare to previous Nintendo consoles when adjusted for inflation? And how does it stack up against other gaming consoles? The results might surprise you.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 at $179 USD, seems like a steal today. However, adjusted for inflation, it would cost $523 USD in 2025. That's a hefty sum!

SNES

In 1991, the SNES hit the market at $199 USD, a $20 increase from the NES. Adjusted for inflation, it would be $460 USD in 2025.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, was priced at $199 USD. Today, that would be $400 USD after inflation adjustments.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, whose games will be accessible on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online's classic library, launched in 2001 for $199 USD, equivalent to $359 USD in today's dollars.

Wii

The motion-controlled Wii, a global phenomenon, was released in 2006 for $249 USD, which translates to about $394 USD in 2025.

Wii U

The less successful Wii U was launched in 2012 for $299 USD, which would be $415 USD in 2025, making it closer to the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, was priced at $299 USD, or $387 USD in today's dollars, still cheaper than the Switch 2, set to launch on June 5.

So, when adjusted for inflation, the original NES emerges as the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched. Does this make the Switch 2's price more palatable? Not necessarily.

Credit: IGN

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's price was somewhat anticipated, the real shock came from the game pricing. Titles like Mario Kart World are set at $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are priced at $70 USD (or $65 digitally).

Comparing these prices to the earliest NES cartridges is tricky due to the wide variance in pricing back then. In the early 90s, an NES game could cost anywhere from $34 USD to $45 USD, which translates to $98 USD to $130 USD in 2025. Despite this, many believe game prices could rise even further.

The Switch 2's pricing is on the higher end of Nintendo's spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES. Real-world factors, such as the announcement of a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 for Japan at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD, highlight the impact of these factors on pricing.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

We've previously analyzed the PS5 Pro's pricing against other Sony consoles. Now, let's see how the Switch 2 compares to some other notable consoles.

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console ever, was released in 2000 for $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $565 USD in 2025.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, Microsoft's most successful console, launched in 2005 for $299 USD, which would be about $500 USD in 2025.

Console prices adjust for inflation. The PS3 was super expensive! Image credit: IGN

This analysis shows how the Switch 2's price compares to its predecessors and some competitors. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and games like Mario Kart World, as well as our discussions with analysts on the reasons behind the Switch 2's pricing.