Nintendo Switch 2 Price to Rise by $50 Next Week as Industry-Wide Memory Shortage Bites

Gamers still on the fence about Nintendo's latest console have just under a week to lock in the original price. Starting September 1st, the Switch 2 base model—which does not include a game—will cost $499.99, a roughly 11% increase over its launch price.

Nintendo has framed the increase as a response to rising component costs, particularly for high-speed RAM and storage. The company is far from alone. The wider consumer electronics market has been grappling with what analysts call 'RAMageddon'—a sustained shortage of memory chips driven by booming AI server demand and constrained fabrication capacity. The Steam Deck OLED, for example, has seen a $200-plus price jump over its original MSRP, making Nintendo's $50 adjustment relatively modest by comparison.

In an effort to soften the blow, Nintendo recently announced two Switch 2 bundles shipping this fall that include a game at a slight discount. Both bundles will be priced well over $500, but offer buyers a small saving compared to purchasing console and game separately.

For those who already own a Switch 2, the price change does not affect existing units. The console received strong reviews at launch, with praise for its 7.9-inch LCD display, magnetically attached Joy-Con 2 controllers, and backwards compatibility with most original Switch games. The game library continues to expand, with upcoming titles including a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and FromSoftware's The Duskbloods.

Retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Target are currently still listing the console at $449.99. Whether stock will hold until the deadline is another question—Nintendo has not commented on supply levels, but past console launches have seen periods of scarcity.

Why This Matters

Consumers face a higher barrier to entry for Nintendo's latest console, potentially slowing adoption in a market already squeezed by inflation.
The price increase reflects broader supply chain pressures in the semiconductor industry, signaling that component cost volatility will persist for consumer electronics.
Nintendo's bundle strategy aims to preserve value perception, but the move could shift buyer expectations toward higher-priced console bundles as the new normal.

Background

Nintendo launched the Switch 2 in mid-2025 at $449.99, a price point that was considered aggressive but competitive against premium handhelds like the Steam Deck. The industry landscape has since shifted due to 'RAMageddon'—a coined term for the acute shortage of DRAM and NAND memory chips driven by AI data center buildouts and constrained manufacturing capacity. Multiple PC and console makers have raised prices in response. Nintendo initially absorbed some of the cost, but with the shortage showing no signs of easing, the company chose to pass along part of the burden to consumers. The price increase was announced in early August, giving buyers a roughly three-week window to decide.

Key Perspectives

Consumers: Many early adopters and enthusiasts express frustration that the price is rising so soon after launch. Others note that the increase is smaller than competitors' and that the console's library justifies the cost. Prospective buyers face a deadline pressure that could drive a last-minute surge in sales. Nintendo: The company has not issued a detailed public statement beyond acknowledging component cost pressures. By announcing the increase well in advance and offering discounted bundles, Nintendo appears to be trying to manage backlash and maintain goodwill. Analysts: Market observers point out that Nintendo's price increase is relatively modest compared to rivals, which may limit damage to sales momentum. However, the timing—just as the holiday season approaches—could dampen demand among price-sensitive families. The bundles may help offset sticker shock by framing the purchase as a complete package.

What to Watch

Sales data for the week leading up to September 1st to see if the price hike triggers a buying frenzy.
Nintendo's next earnings report for any commentary on whether the increase affected unit sales or profit margins.
Whether other console or handheld makers follow with their own price adjustments in the coming months.

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