Even with Switch 2 available, original Nintendo Switch prices are going up not down

It's usually the other way around

Nintendo Switch
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Quick Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 may be available now but that hasn't lead to a price drop for the last-gen Switch consoles. Not in the US anyway.

Tariffs are likely to blame for a price rise by as much as $50 per console.

Those hoping to get a bargain on an original, Lite or OLED Nintendo Switch now that the Switch 2 has arrived should look away now – contrary to tradition, the prices are actually going up not down.

That's in the US, at least. The Japanese gaming giant has decided to raise the prices of its Switch hardware, and while it hasn't revealed exactly why, it definitely looks like Trump's tariffs are to blame.

The original Switch has gone up to $339.99 from $299.99 – a rise of $40. The Switch OLED is now $399.99, having only a week ago been $349.99 – so an even bigger bump. And the Switch Lite will now set you back $229.99 from $199.99.

Thankfully, those considering a Switch 2 instead will be pleased to note that it has so far remained exempt from Nintendo's new pricing structure. So a base Switch 2 will still cost you $449.99 – just $50 more than a Switch OLED.

There are two game bundles now too, one with a Switch 2 and Mario Kart World, the other including Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A (available from 16 October). Those each cost $499.99.

Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and Nintendo Switch Online membership are unaffected as well.

The newly raised Switch prices are not just relevant to Nintendo's own web store either, as VGC noted before the weekend, numerous retailers have been boosting their prices too.

That being said, Amazon.com seems to have frozen its prices for the time being. In fact, the Switch OLED is listed for just $339.99 at present, which is $10 off its original price tag. You might want to be quick though, as we're not sure how long that'll last.

In all honesty though, considering how much fun we've had with the Nintendo Switch 2 here at T3, we'd suggest you maybe save a bit more and consider one of those instead. It's not too dissimilar a concept but so much better in almost every way.

Rik Henderson
News Editor

Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.

Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.

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