Rumors of a Switch 2 price hike have been floating around the web for some time, with Nintendo previously dismissing the idea. Well, now it has finally happened, as the pressure of industry-wide memory shortages has reached the Japanese video game giant. Nintendo has officially announced a range of price changes for the Switch 2 in various regions.

Japan, the United States, Canada, and Europe are all affected right now, with a revised price for the UK and other European countries not using the Euro to be “shared at a later date,” according to a Nintendo representative (via Nintendo Life). Japan is feeling the brunt of a larger set of changes, as the original Switch is also more costly, alongside Nintendo Switch Online.

Nintendo finally crumbled to the pressure of RAM shortages

In its announcement, Nintendo points towards “market conditions” and its consideration of “global business outlook” as reasons for the Switch 2 price changes. A former sales lead at Nintendo previously said such a situation was unavoidable, and would “eventually” happen, no matter how much Nintendo was trying to delay it.

Price changes in the United States, Canada, and Europe will take effect on September 1, 2026. Price changes in Japan will take effect on May 25, 2026.

Although memory shortages are not specifically mentioned by Nintendo in its official statement, this is likely one of the biggest contributing factors. A report from late last year suggested the company has been spending 41% more on RAM to build the Switch 2 due to high demand driving inflation.

On the plus side for Japanese customers, they still comparatively get a decent deal on the Switch 2 thanks to its cheaper Japanese-language, region-locked version. However, inside Japan, the original Switch and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions are also taking a hit to help Nintendo recover some costs. These changes do not affect the rest of the world.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.