Nintendo Announces Major Price Hikes Across Entire Switch Lineup; Next-Gen Console Also Affected

Nintendo has announced that it will revise the manufacturer's suggested retail prices for its major hardware products, including the upcoming "Nintendo Switch 2," starting May 25. With this price revision, the "Nintendo Switch 2 (Japan/Domestic)" model, which was previously expected to be priced at 49,980 yen, will now be 59,980 yen—a significant increase of 10,000 yen.

Current Models to See Universal Price Increases of Approximately 10,000 Yen

The price hikes are not limited to the next-generation machine but extend to the entire current Nintendo Switch series. The specific changes (all prices including tax) are as follows:

• Nintendo Switch (OLED Model): 37,980 yen → 47,980 yen
• Nintendo Switch: 32,978 yen → 43,980 yen
• Nintendo Switch Lite: 21,978 yen → 29,980 yen

In addition to hardware, Nintendo also plans to revise the prices of its traditional products, such as Western playing cards, Hanafuda, and Kabufuda, in order to ensure the continued supply of these items.

Social Media Shaken as Last-Minute Demand Triggers Inventory Wars

Following this sudden announcement, social media has been flooded with cries of shock and confusion from users, with many commenting that "a 10,000 yen hike is painful" and "I have to buy it now." Terms like "Japan/Domestic Model" have begun trending, reflecting the high level of consumer concern.

On major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Rakuten, users are rushing to secure stock at current prices before the hike takes effect. Some sites are already experiencing unstable inventory levels, with items frequently falling in and out of stock, while popular software bundles and limited editions are selling out rapidly. As the May 25 deadline approaches, the scramble for stock at physical and online stores across Japan is expected to intensify further.

The context

For several years, the Japanese market has faced significant inflationary pressure and a weakening yen, leading many electronics manufacturers to raise prices on hardware that had remained stable for years. Nintendo's decision to raise prices across its entire lineup, including the highly anticipated successor to the Switch, marks a significant shift in its domestic pricing strategy. Furthermore, the inclusion of Hanafuda and Kabufuda cards in the price revision serves as a reminder of Nintendo’s 135-year history, which began as a traditional card manufacturer in Kyoto long before it became a global leader in video games.