Nintendo Co., Ltd. will increase the retail price of its Switch 2 console by ¥10,000 starting May 25 [1], [2].

This price adjustment reflects the growing financial pressure on hardware manufacturers as critical component costs climb. Because the console is a primary driver of Nintendo's revenue, any change in pricing strategy can impact global adoption rates and consumer demand for the next-generation system.

The company announced the hike on May 8 [1], [2]. The new Japanese retail price will be ¥49,980 [1]. Nintendo said a surge in the cost of semiconductor memory components was the primary driver for the decision [1], [3], [4], [5].

While the specific figures for other regions have not been finalized, Nintendo said that price hikes are also planned for the U.S. and Europe [1], [2]. At the exchange rate present during the console's launch, the approximate U.S. price was ¥64,000 [1].

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed the challenge of balancing production costs with consumer accessibility. "We must consider a price that is easy for customers to seek," Furukawa said [1].

The shift comes as the semiconductor industry faces volatility in memory pricing. These components are essential for the high-performance capabilities of the Switch 2, and the rising costs of these parts have forced the company to adjust its margins, a move that may signal broader trends in the gaming hardware market.

“Nintendo will increase the retail price of its Switch 2 console by ¥10,000 starting May 25.”

This price hike indicates that the volatility of the semiconductor supply chain continues to impact consumer electronics. By raising prices in Japan, the US, and Europe, Nintendo is prioritizing profit margins over a low entry price to offset the increased cost of memory chips. This may set a precedent for other hardware manufacturers facing similar component shortages or price surges in 2026.