Nintendo confirms no Switch 2 price change in the US, but accessories will cost more

There’s fresh news for gamers eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2. While the new console will launch at the previously announced MSRP of $450, despite concerns over new U.S. tariffs, Nintendo has confirmed a price hike for many of its official accessories—a move seen as a response to growing trade barriers.

Following the official reveal of the Switch 2 earlier this month, rumors quickly surfaced suggesting that the price could rise due to the U.S.’s new tariff policies. Nearly two weeks later, Nintendo officially stated that the console’s base price would remain unchanged—but gamers should brace for steeper costs when it comes to accessories.

Specifically, prices for Switch 2 accessories will increase by $5–10 compared to previous versions. This means the new Pro Controller will retail for $84.99, and a pair of new Joy-Con controllers will go for $94.99—a $5 hike each, inching dangerously close to the $100 mark. Other items, such as the detachable camera and AC adapters, are also seeing similar price bumps.

Nintendo also confirmed that pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the U.S. will open on April 24, and both the hardware and game prices will stay the same—despite criticism over the high retail cost of titles like Mario Kart World.

The decision to hold the Switch 2's price steady at $450 is seen as a positive. Analysts believe this figure was likely carefully calculated to absorb tariff effects, with Nintendo instead shifting some of the cost burden to accessories.

For Nintendo, this strategy makes sense: gamers often invest significantly in accessories over the lifetime of a console. Raising accessory prices helps the company maintain profitability without hurting the initial appeal of the console itself.

Could this be the beginning of a new trend? Possibly. Industry rivals like Xbox and PlayStation may consider adopting similar strategies to navigate global market challenges and future trade policies.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, promising exciting upgrades and new possibilities. But you don't have to wait to jump into the world of Nintendo magic. The original Nintendo Switch still delivers everything fans love—versatile play, a massive game library, and iconic titles that never get old. As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.