Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Switch 2, is anticipated to launch with a price tag lower than $499, according to a Japanese securities analyst. This prediction comes despite the Switch 2’s expected enhancements, including 4K visuals powered by a new NVIDIA Tegra T239 chip with DLSS technology. While these advancements would normally suggest a higher price point, akin to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the analyst, Hideki Yasuda of Toyo Securities, believes Nintendo will prioritize affordability.
Yasuda’s prediction, shared in a research note to investors, reflects the established trend of Nintendo’s pricing strategy. The original Switch, priced at $299, has achieved tremendous success, selling over 143 million units globally since its 2017 launch. Although Nintendo has also released a higher-priced $349 Switch OLED, accounting for approximately 18% of total Switch sales, the company’s history suggests they value accessibility and a wider audience. This pricing philosophy has played a significant role in the Switch’s widespread popularity.
While the Switch 2 is expected to offer a more premium gaming experience, with 4K visuals and advanced technology, Nintendo’s history indicates they are unlikely to abandon their strategy of making gaming accessible to a broad range of consumers. This suggests that the Switch 2, despite its upgraded features, might still be priced more competitively than its rivals in the next-generation console market.
