Well-respected gaming analyst had predicted Nintendo Switch 2 to be priced at $399, slightly higher than the base model but lower than PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. That fits with Nintendo’s strategy of making lower-priced but successful hardware and keeping its existing users.
Nintendo will officially disclose more information about the Switch 2 on April 2, in a Nintendo Direct unveiling where gamers look to hear announcements regarding release games, information, and sheer affirmation price. Leaks and gossip have placed it around $400-$500 but as of now no official affirmation by Nintendo has made it through.
Why Analysts Expect a $399 Price Point
Joost van Dreunen, video game analyst and co-founder of SuperData Research, believes that $399 is the sweet spot for the Switch 2 considering current market conditions. In his SuperJoost Playlist newsletter (via Nintendo Life), he broke down that the price will turn Nintendo profitable and that the price is still affordable so that the system will continue to be appealing to existing and new gamers.
Dreunen did mention, however, that while possible tariffs and foreign trade may impact prices, Nintendo probably has some kind of price strategy to avoid drastic overhauls.
Backward Compatibility and Nintendo’s Strategy
One of the biggest strengths of the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it is backward compatible with the original games of the original Switch. This, the analysts say, is a clear indication that Nintendo would rather retain its current gamers than compete with Sony and Microsoft directly. Instead of asking people to switch to an entirely new platform, the company is gradually shaping them into the new console and making their current game libraries affordable.
Nintendo’s Subscription and Competition Model
Compared to Sony’s PlayStation Plus or Microsoft’s Game Pass, Nintendo is not counting much on subscription services in terms of revenues. Dreunen thinks Nintendo is not so concerned about competition from PC-based handhelds like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally because they are pricier and target a different market.
Though the $399 price tag is an industry estimate and not an official declaration, the fans will need to wait until April 2 to hear Nintendo’s official word on the Switch 2 release date and cost.
