Japanese gaming giant Nintendo has announced it will raise the retail prices of its original Nintendo Switch consoles and select accessories from August 3, citing “market conditions” as the reason behind the move.
While the company did not elaborate, industry analysts believe the term “market conditions” alludes to renewed U.S. tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump, which now extend to Vietnam — a key manufacturing base for Nintendo.
The price increase will affect the standard Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and the OLED model — which currently retail for $299.99, $199.99, and $349.99 respectively. Some accessories, amiibo figures, and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo will also become more expensive.
Potential impact of U.S. tariffs
Nintendo had previously shifted much of its manufacturing from China to Vietnam to sidestep tariff implications during Trump's first term. However, with Washington now expanding reciprocal tariffs to Vietnamese imports, Nintendo's strategic buffer has shrunk.
Trump’s revised trade policy, which was announced earlier this week, includes tariff revisions on electronics, apparel, and consumer goods manufactured in Vietnam — one of Asia’s fastest-growing manufacturing hubs and a major electronics exporter to the U.S.
Although Nintendo has not yet disclosed the updated retail prices, the company’s announcement confirmed that pricing for its latest console — the Nintendo Switch 2, launched on June 5 at $450 — remains unchanged for now. However, the company warned of possible adjustments in the near future.
“Pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, physical and digital Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games, as well as Nintendo Switch Online memberships, will remain unchanged at this time,” Nintendo stated on Friday. “However, please note that price adjustments may be necessary in the future.”
Switch 2 sees strong sales despite economic pressures
Despite rising production and shipping costs, Nintendo reported strong first-quarter performance. The company confirmed that it has sold 5.82 million units of the Switch 2 since its release less than two months ago — a sign of continued consumer enthusiasm amid inflationary headwinds.
Nintendo’s earnings reflect resilience in global demand for gaming consoles, driven by a surge in digital gaming, pandemic-induced habits, and the growing popularity of exclusive game titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Time and Metroid Resurgence.
What this means for gamers and retailers
Retailers and gamers alike may feel the ripple effects of Nintendo's pricing changes. For gamers, especially those in the U.S. and Europe, the hike might prompt earlier-than-expected transitions to the newer Switch 2, while retailers might accelerate promotions or bundles to offload older inventory before the prices take effect.
Meanwhile, smaller markets like Pakistan — where Nintendo consoles are imported via third-party retailers — are also expected to see a proportional increase in prices due to global supply chain dependencies.
Analysts react
“Given the increasing trade pressures and inflation in key markets, Nintendo’s decision to raise prices is more of a necessity than a choice,” said Masayuki Ota, a gaming industry analyst based in Tokyo. “The real question is how long they can hold prices steady on the Switch 2 without impacting profitability.”
Nintendo has traditionally resisted price hikes for its consoles, relying instead on hardware longevity and high game sales to drive revenue. However, this move signals a potential shift in strategy as the company navigates a more volatile global trade landscape.
