Nintendo Hikes Price on Original Switch, Putting Last-Gen Model in a Difficult Selling Position as Switch 2 Stocks Increase
The Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated successor to the popular handheld console, is now available on the market. Contrary to some expectations, the new console does not seem to be facing the same challenges in terms of supply that the PlayStation 5 did during its launch.
While the Nintendo Switch 2 offers improved performance and allows loading games directly from the expansion slot, the primary focus of recent attention has been the price hike for the original Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED Model, Switch Lite, Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, and Joy-Con 2 controllers, effective August 3, 2025.
Nintendo has attributed these price increases to "market conditions." The company has highlighted changing economic factors, including uncertain tariffs and broader industry-wide price adjustments, as the main reasons for the hike.
The price increases range from $30 to $50 for the Switch 1 consoles. For instance, the original Switch will now cost between $230 and nearly $400, while the OLED Model will increase by $50. The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo will see a $10 increase, and Joy-Con 2 controllers will also see a price rise.
Interestingly, the price for the new Switch 2 console, its games, and online memberships remains unchanged "for now," with Nintendo warning that future adjustments may be necessary.
The availability of the Nintendo Switch 2 is a positive development for consumers, offering them a chance to easily obtain the console without the hassle of dealing with supply shortages or high resale prices, as was the case with the PlayStation 5 launch.
However, it's important to note that knowing where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 is crucial to easily obtaining the console. As of now, no specific company or entity has been confirmed as a seller of the Nintendo Switch 2.
In summary, the price increases for the Switch 1 consoles, Alarmo, and some Switch 2 accessories are driven by broader economic and market factors affecting hardware production and distribution costs across the industry in 2025. The Nintendo Switch 2, on the other hand, is not currently subject to the same supply issues as the PlayStation 5, making it an attractive option for consumers.
References:
[1] Nintendo Life. (2025, July 1). Nintendo announces price increases for Switch consoles and accessories. Retrieved from https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/07/nintendo-announces-price-increases-for-switch-consoles-and-accessories
[2] IGN. (2025, July 1). Nintendo raises prices for Switch consoles, accessories, and Alarmo clock. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-raises-prices-for-switch-consoles-accessories-and-alarmo-clock
[4] Polygon. (2025, July 1). Nintendo raises prices for Switch consoles and accessories. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/21352830/nintendo-raises-prices-for-switch-consoles-and-accessories
The recent price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 1 consoles, Switch OLED Model, Switch Lite, Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, and Joy-Con 2 controllers, effective August 3, 2025, have sparked discussions about the cost of technology and gadgets, with changes in market conditions attributed as the main reasons. Despite the price increases, the new Nintendo Switch 2 console is priced the same as its predecessor, showcasing how advancements in technology do not always translate to higher prices.
