Nintendo says shifting market conditions and long-term pressures are behind the sweeping changes.
Nintendo has officially announced a major round of price revisions affecting the Nintendo Switch 2, existing Nintendo Switch models, and several subscription services across multiple regions.
The announcement was published on 8 May, 2026 through an official notice from Nintendo Co., Ltd., with the company citing “changes in market conditions” and the wider global business outlook as the key reasons behind the adjustments.
The biggest change comes with the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which will see price increases in Japan later this month, before rolling out across the United States, Canada, Europe, and other territories later this year.
Nintendo Switch 2 price increase announced for Japan, US, Canada and Europe
In Japan, the Japanese-language version of the Nintendo Switch 2 will rise from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980 starting 25 May 2026. Nintendo clarified that the multi-language version sold through My Nintendo Store will remain at its current price.
The existing Nintendo Switch family is also receiving significant price increases in Japan:
- Nintendo Switch OLED Model: ¥37,980 to ¥47,980
- Nintendo Switch: ¥32,978 to ¥43,980
- Nintendo Switch Lite: ¥21,978 to ¥29,980
Outside Japan, Nintendo confirmed that the following Nintendo Switch 2 price revisions are effective from 1 September, 2026:
- United States: US$449.99 to US$499.99
- Canada: CAD$629.99 to CAD$679.99
- Europe: €469.99 to €499.99
Nintendo also stated that further price revisions are planned for additional regions, although local subsidiaries will provide more detailed information closer to launch.
Why is Nintendo increasing Nintendo Switch 2 prices?
According to Nintendo’s statement, the company made the decision “in light of changes in market conditions” while also considering its long-term global business outlook.
While Nintendo did not go into specific detail, the announcement strongly suggests that rising production, distribution, and operating costs are continuing to impact the gaming industry worldwide.
The announcement follows several challenging months for the Nintendo Switch 2. Earlier reporting from Bloomberg highlighted a growing memory crisis affecting storage availability for the platform, while The Japan Times reported in March that Nintendo had scaled back production of the console, after demand in the United States reportedly failed to meet internal expectations.
Nintendo Switch Online subscription prices are also going up in Japan
Nintendo also confirmed pricing changes for Nintendo Switch Online in Japan beginning 1 July, 2026.
Updated prices include:
- Individual 1-month membership: ¥306 to ¥400
- Individual 3-month membership: ¥815 to ¥1,000
- Individual 12-month membership: ¥2,400 to ¥3,000
- Family 12-month membership: ¥4,500 to ¥5,800
Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships will also increase:
- Individual 12-month membership: ¥4,900 to ¥5,900
- Family 12-month membership: ¥8,900 to ¥9,900
Nintendo confirmed that Nintendo Switch Online price revisions are also planned for South Korea, though regional pricing details have not yet been announced.
Nintendo playing cards and Hanafuda products affected by price revisions
Alongside its gaming products and online services, Nintendo revealed that several of its traditional card products available in Japan will also move to open pricing from 25 May 2026. This includes Nintendo Standard Playing Cards, character-themed card sets featuring franchises such as Super Mario, Splatoon, The Legend of Zelda, and Kirby, as well as multiple Hanafuda and Kabufuda card products.
Nintendo said the decision was driven by rising costs, including increased material prices, adding that the changes are intended to help ensure continued product availability. The company ended its announcement by apologising for the impact the revisions may have on customers and stakeholders, while thanking players for their understanding.
