Why is the Nintendo Switch 2 so much more expensive than the original Switch? (2025)

Many are shocked at the price hike in the new Nintendo Switch 2 compared to its predecessor.

The new Nintendo Switch 2 console is to be released in June, and is available to pre-order from April 8. But many are baffled by the extreme price hike in the new console compared to the original Nintendo Switch, which was released in 2017.

Nintendo announced on Wednesday, April 2 that the new Switch console will be released at a launch price of £395.99, while a bundle that includes Mario Kart World will be available for £429.99.

This is a whopping price increase compared to the original Nintendo Switch console, which cost £279.99 on its release eight years ago.

Gamers are also shocked by similar price jumps in the Nintendo Switch 2 games on offer for the new console. Mario Kart World will cost gamers £66.99 for a digital version of the game, or a whopping £74.99 for a physical version.

And Donkey Kong Bananza will cost £58.99 for a digital version, and £66.99 for a physical copy of the game.

The Switch 2 will come with visual upgrades over the original console, including 1080p screens and the possibility of playing in 4K resolution if connected to a compatible television.

Some of the controls have also been upgraded, including the Joy-Con controllers, which can now function as a mouse.

But exactly why is the new Switch console- and its accompanying games- so much more expensive than its predecessor? There are some theories behind Nintendo's price hikes.

Forbes reported that there was some confusion surrounding the price of the new console, as Nintendo failed to announce how much it cost during an hour-long presentation on Wednesday that focused on the Switch 2's new features.

Oddly, the company announced the price in a press release later that day.

Some experts have indicated that President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China may have contributed to Nintendo's price hike.

Serkan Toto, CEO & Founder of Tokyo-based Kantan Games Inc., told the Financial Times that the steep prices may suggest that Nintendo is trying to protect itself in case tariffs hit supply chains harder than expected.

While some of its consoles are manufactured in China, the Financial Times also reported that the company had moved some of its production to Vietnam, possibly to avoid Trump's tariffs.

A New York University professor who teaches about the business of video games, Joost van Dreunen, also told gaming outlet Polygon that Trump’s Chinese tariffs would make gaming consoles more expensive.

Gamers have taken to social media to air their grievances on the price hikes. And it's safe to say they aren't happy.

One user said on X: "I’m going to say this with no malice… I genuinely think the Switch 2 is going to be a generational FLOP for Nintendo.

"These price tags have created such negativity around its release that I’m actually flabbergasted. They f***** this up BAD."

Another said: "Those prices for Switch 2 games killed any and all excitement I had for it. Nintendo can go f*** themselves."

And a third unhappy gamer said: "Loving all the stuff we are seeing for Nintendo Switch 2. Except the prices. Holy s*** the prices. F*** Donald Trump and his Tariff bulls****."