Nintendo raises US switch prices by 15%
▼ Summary
– Nintendo increased prices for Switch consoles and accessories in the US, citing “market conditions,” with hikes up to 15% for consoles and 33% for select Amiibos.
– The Switch OLED model rose from $349.99 to $399.99, while the Switch Lite increased from $199.99 to $229.99, among other product price adjustments.
– Nintendo’s price hike follows a strong financial quarter where its revenue more than doubled, though the company didn’t specify exact reasons for the increases.
– The move may be linked to US tariffs on foreign goods, including a 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports, where Nintendo shifted production from China in 2019/2020.
– Nintendo warned future price adjustments may be necessary but currently has no plans to change Switch 2 or NSO membership pricing.
Nintendo has implemented significant price increases across its Switch console lineup and accessories in the United States, marking the first major adjustment since the system’s launch. The changes, effective immediately, reflect shifting economic factors affecting the gaming giant’s operations.
Consumers will now pay between 10% to 33% more for various products, with the standard Nintendo Switch rising from $299.99 to $339.99. The premium Switch OLED model jumps to $399.99, while the budget-friendly Switch Lite increases to $229.99. Accessories haven’t been spared either, Joy-Con controllers now cost $89.99, and certain Amiibo figures have surged by as much as 33%.
This move follows Nintendo’s recent financial report, which revealed a 100% increase in quarterly revenue. While the company attributes the price adjustments to “market conditions,” industry analysts point to broader economic pressures, including tariffs on imported goods.
Back in 2019, Nintendo shifted production from China to Vietnam to avoid U.S.-China trade tensions. However, proposed tariffs on Vietnamese imports complicated those plans. Though the final tariff rate settled at 20%, lower than initial threats, the additional costs appear to have influenced Nintendo’s pricing strategy.
For now, the company has no plans to alter pricing for the upcoming Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch Online memberships, though it hasn’t ruled out future adjustments. With no official statement clarifying the exact reasoning behind the hikes, speculation continues about whether inflation, supply chain challenges, or other factors played a role.
As gamers weigh the impact on their wallets, Nintendo’s decision underscores the broader challenges facing tech companies in an unpredictable global market. Whether competitors follow suit remains to be seen.
(Source: Games Industry)
