For decades, console prices followed a predictable pattern: launch high, stay steady for a few years, then gradually become cheaper. Beginning September 1, 2026, the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $499.99 in the United States instead of $449.99. New prices around the worldRegion Old Price New Price Increase United States $449.99 $499.99 +$50 Canada CA$629.99 CA$679.99 +CA$50 Europe €469.99 €499.99 +€30 Japan* — +¥10,000 Earlier increase*Japan implemented its price increase in May 2026. Industry Trend (2026) Result AI data-center demand rises Memory prices increase Memory costs increase Console manufacturing becomes more expensive Manufacturing costs rise Hardware prices increaseViewed through that lens, Nintendo's decision reflects broader supply-chain economics rather than a standalone pricing strategy. For the first time, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft have all raised console prices within the same hardware generation.