Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5 for $449.99

Nintendo has revealed the Switch 2, launching on June 5 for US$449.99, up from the original Switch’s US$300 launch price.

The new console features a larger screen, updated controllers, and improved performance.

Like its predecessor, it can be used as a handheld device or connected to a television. The original Switch has sold over 150 million units since 2017.

The Switch 2 will debut with “Mario Kart World.” Other confirmed titles include “Donkey Kong Bananza,” “Street Fighter 6,” “The Duskbloods,” and “Kirby Air Riders.”

Preorders have been delayed due to trade-related tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump.

Nintendo has not provided further details on how the tariffs will affect pricing.

🔗 Source: CNBC

🧠 Food for thought

A. Console pricing reflects Nintendo’s confidence despite challenging market conditions

Nintendo’s decision to increase the Switch 2’s price to $449.99 from the original’s $300 represents a significant 50% jump that breaks from their traditional value-oriented pricing strategy.

The price hike comes despite the original Switch becoming one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles ever with 150.86 million units sold 1, surpassing the Wii (101.63 million) and approaching the Nintendo DS (154.02 million) 2.

This premium positioning reflects both confidence in their product and adaptation to economic realities, as analysts attribute part of the increase to tariffs on imports from China and Vietnam, where most Switch production occurs 3.

Nintendo appears to be balancing hardware profitability with market expectations, as the Switch 2’s technical upgrades include a larger screen, 1080p handheld resolution, potential 4K docked output, and enhanced controllers 3 4.

B. First-party Nintendo franchises remain critical to hardware adoption cycles

The decision to launch the Switch 2 alongside “Mario Kart World” strategically leverages Nintendo’s most commercially successful franchise, as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has sold a remarkable 67.35 million copies on the original Switch 5.

This launch strategy follows Nintendo’s proven formula, with first-party titles consistently dominating their sales charts—the top five Switch games are all Nintendo-developed and have each sold between 29-67 million units 5.