If you’ve been considering purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2, now may be the time to act. Nintendo has announced a price increase for the console, raising its cost from $450 to $500 in the U.S., effective September 1.
The company attributes the change to “changes in market conditions,” with the global shortage of random access memory (RAM) being a primary factor. Similar price adjustments will roll out simultaneously in other regions:
- Canada: $630 CAD to $680 CAD
- Europe: €470 to €500
- Japan: ¥49,980 to ¥59,980 (effective May 25)
Nintendo stated the revisions are necessary due to market conditions expected to impact prices “over the medium to long term.” The announcement follows Sony’s March price increase for the PlayStation 5, which rose by up to $150 for similar reasons.
“We sincerely apologize for the impact these price revisions may have on our customers and other stakeholders and we deeply appreciate your understanding.”
— Nintendo
The price hike coincides with Nintendo’s earnings report for fiscal 2026, which ended on March 31. During the fiscal year, the company sold 19.86 million units of the Switch 2, launched on June 5, 2025. However, Nintendo forecasts a decline in sales for fiscal 2027, projecting 16.5 million units sold. The company cites both the price increase and “strong launch-year sales” as contributing factors to the expected drop.
Why Are Memory Chips in Short Supply?
The Switch 2 relies on memory chips, which are currently facing severe shortages and price surges. This crisis stems from the booming demand for AI data centers, which require vast amounts of memory to process billions of daily chatbot requests.
Companies like Micron Technology and Sandisk Corporation are experiencing unprecedented demand. Their stock prices reflect this trend, with Micron (Nasdaq: MU) up 653% and Sandisk (Nasdaq: SNDK) up 3,450% year-over-year (YOY).
These manufacturers are prioritizing memory supply for AI data centers, diverting resources away from consumer products. As a result, companies like Nintendo and Sony face higher costs and reduced availability for memory chips.
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