Nintendo Comments on Potential for Switch 2 Price Increase

A future version of the Nintendo Switch might cost more than the original. Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, stated the company will carefully consider all options before making a decision. One reason for a potential price increase is a worldwide shortage of RAM, which is causing the cost of computer parts to rise significantly.

Nintendo recently announced its financial results, and the news is impressive: the original Nintendo Switch has become the company’s best-selling console ever, surpassing the DS. As of December 31, 2025, over 155.37 million Switch consoles (including the Lite and OLED models) have been sold worldwide. The DS sold 154.02 million units during its entire run. While these numbers are fantastic, Sony’s PlayStation 2 remains the best-selling console of all time with over 160 million units sold.

A Switch 2 Price Hike is Not Off the Table

Although the Switch 2 has seen strong game sales in its first six months, Nintendo is still considering raising its price. According to Furukawa, a price increase is unlikely for the rest of the year, but it hasn’t been ruled out, as it depends on market conditions and production costs. A major concern is the ongoing shortage of RAM, which has been impacting the tech industry since late 2025. This shortage is largely due to high demand for memory from AI data centers, like those run by OpenAI. To prioritize supplying these AI systems, some manufacturers are shifting production away from consumer goods. For example, Samsung and SK Hynix, leading memory manufacturers, have made deals with OpenAI to support their AI server infrastructure.

Because of supply issues, the cost of computer parts like RAM, storage drives, and graphics cards has gone up significantly. This is hitting consumers hard, as these components are essential for PCs, gaming consoles, and other electronics. For instance, a set of RAM that cost around $90 in September 2025 is now selling for over $400. Manufacturers, like Micron, predict these shortages could continue well into 2026.

The RAM Crisis Could Still Impact Nintendo’s Bottom Line

So, Nintendo’s planning for the next year until March 2026, starting a new one in April. The head guy, Furukawa, has been saying the memory chip shortage shouldn’t mess with Switch 2 sales right away, and he’s sticking to that. But he also said if memory prices keep going up, it could end up hurting Nintendo’s profits next year. We don’t know how much the Switch 2 might cost if they do have to raise the price, but right now it’s looking like $449 before taxes. With PlayStation 5 and Xbox already getting more expensive, I’m a little worried the Switch 2 might follow and end up costing more than we expect.

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While details about the Switch 2 are still unclear, Nintendo might reveal some of its plans for the rest of 2026 soon. Several industry experts are suggesting a Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase could happen this week, though Nintendo hasn’t confirmed anything. If you’re hoping to buy a Switch 2 in 2026, it’s probably a good idea to start paying close attention to announcements – it shouldn’t be too much longer before we hear more.

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2026-02-03 23:38