The Nintendo Switch launched at $299 in March 2017

The original Nintendo Switch cost $299 when it released on March 3, 2017. That was the price for the standard model that came with two Joy-Con controllers, a dock, and an HDMI cable. Nintendo set this price point to compete with other home consoles at the time, though the Switch was marketed as a hybrid device that could work both docked on a TV and as a portable handheld.

The $299 price held steady across North America, Europe, and most other regions where the Switch launched that same month. This was Nintendo's official retail price, though some retailers offered bundle deals that included games or accessories for the same amount.

Key Takeaways

  • The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 in March 2017 with two Joy-Con controllers and a dock included.
  • Nintendo released a handheld-only Switch Lite model in October 2019 for $199, making it cheaper but removing TV docking capability.
  • The Switch OLED model arrived in October 2021 at $349, adding a larger screen but costing $50 more than the original.
  • Prices have remained stable since launch across all three models, with no official price cuts from Nintendo.

How the original price compared to other consoles

In 2017, the PlayStation 4 was selling for $299 and the Xbox One for $299 as well, so the Switch matched those prices despite being a newer release. However, the Switch's hybrid design — the ability to detach controllers and play on a TV or as a portable device — was a feature neither the PS4 nor Xbox One offered, which justified the equivalent price tag.

The Switch was more expensive than Nintendo's previous handheld, the 3DS, which had launched at $249 in 2011. But it was positioned as a replacement for both a home console and a handheld system, so the higher price reflected that dual purpose.

The Switch Lite brought a lower entry point

Nintendo released the Switch Lite on October 5, 2019, at $199. This model removed the dock and TV connectivity, making it a handheld-only device with smaller Joy-Con controllers permanently attached to the sides. The $100 price difference from the original Switch made it the cheaper way to enter the system, though you gave up the ability to play on a television.

The Lite was designed for players who wanted portability as the primary use case or who already owned a Switch and wanted a second device. It became popular with younger players and as a travel option for existing Switch owners.

The OLED model cost more at launch

The Nintendo Switch OLED model released on October 8, 2021, at $349. This version kept the hybrid design of the original but added a larger 7-inch OLED screen instead of the original's 6.2-inch LCD panel. It also included a wider, adjustable stand and improved audio, but these upgrades came with a $50 price increase over the original model.

The OLED model was positioned as a premium option for players who wanted the best screen quality and didn't mind paying more. The original Switch remained available at $299 for those who wanted to save money, and the Lite stayed at $199 for handheld-only players.

Nintendo has not cut prices since launch

Unlike most gaming hardware, Nintendo has kept the Switch models at their original launch prices. The original Switch still costs $299 at retail, the Lite remains $199, and the OLED model stays at $349. This is unusual — most consoles see price reductions after a few years — but Nintendo's strong sales and continued demand for the Switch have meant no official price cuts.

Third-party retailers sometimes offer discounts or bundle deals, but these are not official price changes from Nintendo. The company has maintained consistent pricing across the Switch's entire lifespan, which is now over seven years old.

What you got for the $299 launch price

The original Switch's $299 price included the console itself, two Joy-Con controllers (one red, one blue), a dock for TV play, an HDMI cable, and a USB-C power adapter. You did not get a game included, though Nintendo sold the console bundled with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for $329 at launch.

The Joy-Con controllers were a significant part of what you were paying for — they could detach from the sides of the console to play multiplayer games, or be used separately as individual controllers. This modularity was central to the Switch's design and contributed to its higher price compared to a traditional handheld.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Switch price ever go down?

No. The original Switch has remained $299 since March 2017. Nintendo has not issued an official price cut, though you may find sales or bundles from retailers. The Switch Lite has stayed at $199 and the OLED model at $349 since their respective launches.

Was $299 expensive for a console in 2017?

No — it matched the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, which were also $299 at that time. The Switch's hybrid design justified the price, since it worked as both a home console and a portable device, something the other two could not do.

Which Switch model should I buy if I want the cheapest option?

The Switch Lite at $199 is the least expensive model. It only plays in handheld mode and cannot connect to a TV, but it is fully portable and plays the same games as the other models. If you want TV play, the original Switch at $299 is your only option.

Why does the OLED model cost more?

The OLED screen is larger and has better picture quality than the original's LCD screen. It also includes a wider stand and improved speakers. These upgrades added $50 to the price, making it the premium option for players who prioritize screen quality.