Nintendo confirms global Switch 2 price hikes, with US hardware rising to $499.99

Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 2 hardware is getting more expensive across several major markets. From September 1, 2026, the US price will rise from $449.99 to $499.99, Europe will move from €469.99 to €499.99, and Canada will increase from $629.99 to $679.99. Japan will see price increases earlier, from May 25, with the Japanese-language Switch 2 model moving from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980. Nintendo is also raising prices for several older Switch models in Japan and adjusting Nintendo Switch Online pricing in Japan from July 1. The company says the move is due to changes in market conditions and the global business outlook. For players, the timing is uncomfortable. Switch 2 is still early in its life, and a price rise can affect upgrade decisions, family purchases and regional adoption. For Nintendo, the message is more complicated: the system is selling strongly, but memory prices, component costs and exchange-rate pressures are clearly forcing a rethink. GameForce Asia readers should treat this as one of the biggest hardware stories of the year, because it may affect bundles, imports, grey-market pricing and retailer promotions across Asia as well.