Excitement is building for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a rumored announcement on January 16, 2025. Speculation surrounds its design, features, and pricing, which is expected to increase due to inflation and market dynamics. Projected prices range from approximately 399 euros to over 499 euros, depending on configuration and features. Nintendo may adopt a strategy similar to the Wii U, offering multiple models, but a significant price hike from the original Switch’s launch price is anticipated.
The Anticipated Launch of the Nintendo Switch 2
The excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is building as an official announcement is rumored to be just around the corner, potentially taking place on Thursday, January 16, 2025. With the clock ticking down, speculation regarding the console’s design and features has exploded, leaving several key details still shrouded in mystery, including its release date, pricing, and the lineup of games that will debut alongside it.
Understanding Nintendo’s Pricing Strategy
Before we dive into estimating the potential price of the Switch 2, it’s essential to consider the broader context of its launch and Nintendo’s historical pricing strategies. Traditionally, Nintendo has opted for competitive pricing when introducing new consoles. Most of their home consoles have launched at prices below 400 euros, especially when compared to their competitors, PlayStation and Xbox, which typically surpass that threshold.
Looking back at the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, it faced a starkly different market situation than what we anticipate in 2025. The Switch debuted after Nintendo’s previous console, the Wii U, suffered a significant commercial setback, selling only 13.56 million units—approximately a quarter of the Xbox One’s sales. In contrast, the Switch has skyrocketed to success, achieving sales of 146 million units, making it one of the most beloved consoles in gaming history.
Moreover, it’s crucial to remember that Nintendo’s revenue model heavily leans on game sales rather than console sales alone. While they aim to maintain a healthy margin, they’re also known for not selling their consoles at a loss, even during the launch phase. Additionally, we must factor in inflation, especially within the tech industry, which has led to a shift in pricing norms across the board.
Projected Pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2
With these considerations in mind, let’s explore what price we might expect for Nintendo’s upcoming console. Given the current economic landscape, a price increase is likely. This could stem from inflation as well as Nintendo’s stronger market position and rising costs from their technical partner, Nvidia.
Low-End Estimate
If we adjust the original launch price of the Nintendo Switch (330 euros) for inflation, we arrive at a projected price of approximately 394.66 euros in 2025. This estimate aligns with Nintendo’s typical pricing patterns, suggesting a possible launch price of 399 euros, compared to the PlayStation 5’s launch price of 449 euros for its digital edition.
Mid-Range Estimate
Should both Nintendo and Nvidia opt to increase their profit margins, there’s a chance the Switch 2 could be priced similarly to the Wii U, which launched at a premium edition price of 349 euros. Adjusted for inflation, this would equate to around 420 euros in 2025.
High-End Estimate
Taking into account the average inflation rates and the rising tech prices, we could foresee a scenario where the Nintendo Switch 2 could launch at around 499 euros or more. This could be the case if the console features an OLED display and substantial internal storage, drawing parallels to the pricing of devices like the Steam Deck OLED 512 GB, which is currently priced at 569 euros.
Potential Configurations for the Switch 2
What if Nintendo were to surprise us with multiple configurations? Echoing their strategy with the Wii U, where they offered both a Basic edition at 299 euros and a Premium edition at 349 euros, a similar approach could be taken with the Switch 2. This might involve offering different storage options or even distinguishing between LCD and OLED models. Such a marketing strategy has proven effective for companies like Apple, which often features a lower-priced model alongside a more premium option.
However, it’s important to note that this tactic isn’t typical for Nintendo, aside from their earlier Wii U experience. Nevertheless, one clear takeaway from our analysis is the expectation of a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s highly unlikely we will see a new generation console priced as low as 329 euros, as it was in 2017.