Current Nintendo Switch prices and what comes in the box

A new Nintendo Switch costs between $200 and $350 depending on which model you buy. The standard Switch runs $299, the Switch Lite (smaller, handheld-only) costs $199, and the Switch OLED model (larger screen, better speakers) costs $349. These are the official prices from Nintendo, though you may find sales at retailers like Best Buy, Target, or Walmart.

Each model comes with the console itself, a dock (except the Lite), two Joy-Con controllers, a USB-C charging cable, and a grip to hold the controllers. The Switch OLED includes a larger dock with a wired internet port. None of them come with a game, a memory card, or a carrying case — those are separate purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Switch costs $299, the Lite costs $199, and the OLED model costs $349 at official Nintendo retailers.
  • Every model comes with controllers and a charging cable, but not games, memory cards, or cases.
  • Budget an extra $60 per game, $20 to $50 for a memory card, and $15 to $40 for a carrying case if you want those items.
  • Refurbished Switch consoles from Nintendo cost $20 to $30 less than new ones and come with a one-year warranty.
  • Used Switch prices vary widely depending on condition and where you buy, but typically run $150 to $250.

Games, memory cards, and accessories you'll need to budget for

The console price is only the start. Nintendo Switch games typically cost $50 to $60 each for new releases. Older or less popular games sometimes drop to $20 to $40. The Switch has a small built-in storage (32 GB on the standard model, 64 GB on the OLED), but most games take up 5 to 15 GB, so you'll likely want a memory card. A 128 GB microSD card costs around $15 to $25, and a 256 GB card runs $25 to $50.

A carrying case is optional but useful if you travel with the console. Basic cases run $15 to $25, while more protective cases cost $30 to $50. A screen protector costs $5 to $15. If you want a second set of Joy-Con controllers (useful for multiplayer games), expect to pay $60 to $80 per pair. A charging dock for the controllers costs $20 to $30.

Where to buy and how prices compare

Nintendo Switch consoles are sold at most major retailers: Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Nintendo's own online store. Prices are usually the same across retailers, but sales happen regularly — especially around holidays or when new games launch. Checking multiple stores before you buy can save you $20 to $50 on bundles that include a game or case.

GameStop and other used game retailers also sell used Switch consoles. Prices depend on condition and what's included, but used standard models typically range from $150 to $250. A used Lite might cost $120 to $180. Buying used saves money upfront but means no manufacturer warranty — the seller's return policy is your only protection.

Refurbished Switch consoles from Nintendo

Nintendo sells refurbished Switch consoles directly through its website at a discount: usually $20 to $30 less than the new price. A refurbished standard Switch costs around $270, and a refurbished Lite costs around $170. These are consoles that were returned, tested, cleaned, and repackaged by Nintendo.

Refurbished consoles come with the same accessories as new ones and include a full one-year warranty from Nintendo. If something breaks during that year, Nintendo will repair or replace it. This is a middle ground between buying new and buying used — you save money but get Nintendo's backing if something goes wrong.

Subscription services and online play costs

Playing games online on a Switch requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. A basic subscription costs $20 per year or $5.99 per month. An expanded subscription, which includes access to a library of older Nintendo games, costs $50 per year or $9.99 per month. Family plans are also available: a basic family plan (up to 8 accounts) costs $50 per year, and an expanded family plan costs $80 per year.

Not every game requires online play — single-player games work without a subscription. But if you want to play multiplayer games like Mario Kart, Splatoon, or Fortnite online, you'll need one. The subscription also covers cloud saves, which back up your game progress to Nintendo's servers.

Total cost for a complete setup

If you're starting from scratch and want a full setup, here's what a realistic budget looks like. A standard Switch console costs $299. Add one game ($60), a 128 GB memory card ($20), a carrying case ($25), and a one-year Nintendo Switch Online subscription ($20). That's $424 total for a working system with one game and online play.

If you buy the Switch Lite instead, the total drops to $324. If you go with the OLED model, it rises to $474. These numbers assume you buy one game and basic accessories — if you want multiple games or premium cases, the cost goes up from there. Used or refurbished consoles can cut the initial hardware cost by $30 to $80.

Price differences between regions and retailers

Nintendo Switch prices are set by Nintendo and are the same across major US retailers. However, prices vary by country. In Canada, the standard Switch costs around 379 CAD (roughly $280 USD). In the UK, it costs around £259 (roughly $325 USD). If you're buying from outside the US, check local retailers for the price in your currency.

Some retailers occasionally bundle the console with a game or accessories at a discount. For example, Target or Best Buy might sell a Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe included for $329 instead of $359 if you bought them separately. Watching for these bundles around major shopping periods can save you money on games you were planning to buy anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Switch Lite cheaper to own long-term than the standard Switch?

The Lite costs $100 less upfront, but both models have the same game and subscription costs. The Lite is handheld-only, so you can't connect it to a TV. If you want to play on a larger screen, you'll need the standard or OLED model. The Lite is a good choice if you only play handheld games and want to save money.

Do I need to buy a memory card right away?

Not immediately. The standard Switch has 32 GB of storage, which fits one or two large games. If you buy more games, you'll run out of space and need a card. The OLED model has 64 GB, so it holds more before you need one. Most people buy a memory card within a few months of owning the console.

Can I play Switch games without paying for Nintendo Switch Online?

Yes, if the game is single-player only. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Pokémon Scarlet work without a subscription. You only need it for online multiplayer, cloud saves, and access to the classic game library in the expanded plan.

Are refurbished Switch consoles reliable?

Refurbished consoles from Nintendo are tested and cleaned before sale, and they come with a one-year warranty. They're generally reliable. Used consoles from third-party sellers have no warranty, so there's more risk — but many people buy used without problems. Check the seller's return policy before you buy.

Will the Switch price drop soon?

Nintendo hasn't announced price cuts for the Switch. The console has been on the market since 2017, so it's possible a price drop or new model could happen, but there's no confirmed date. If you want to play now, the current prices are what to expect.