Nintendo Switch 2 costs $349 for the standard model

Nintendo announced the Switch 2 will launch at $349 in the United States. That is $50 more than the original Switch cost at launch in 2017, though the original price has varied over time as Nintendo released different versions. The $349 price covers the console with two Joy-Con controllers and a dock.

Nintendo has not announced pricing for other regions as of now, so international costs may differ. The company typically adjusts prices by country based on local taxes and market conditions, so if you are outside the US, check Nintendo's official regional website for your area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 standard model costs $349 and includes the console, two Joy-Con controllers, and a dock.
  • You can expect to pay more if you want additional controllers, a carrying case, or a screen protector, as these are sold separately.
  • The Switch 2 plays games that are not compatible with the original Switch, so your existing game library will not work on the new console.
  • Nintendo has not announced a cheaper or more expensive version of the Switch 2 at launch, unlike some previous console releases.

What the $349 includes and what costs extra

The $349 Switch 2 bundle comes with the console itself, a pair of Joy-Con controllers (one for each hand), and a docking station to connect to your TV. You also receive a USB-C cable and power adapter. This is everything you need to start playing games that are released for the Switch 2.

Anything beyond that base package costs extra. A second pair of Joy-Con controllers runs around $80, a carrying case typically costs $20 to $40 depending on the style, and a screen protector is usually $10 to $15. If you want a Pro Controller (a larger, traditional gamepad style), that is a separate purchase as well. Nintendo has not announced the Switch 2 Pro Controller price yet, but the original Switch Pro Controller costs $70.

How the Switch 2 price compares to other current consoles

The PlayStation 5 starts at $499 for the standard model with a disc drive, or $399 for the digital-only version. The Xbox Series X costs $499, and the Xbox Series S is $299. The Nintendo Switch 2 at $349 sits between the Xbox Series S and the PlayStation 5 digital model in terms of raw price.

However, price alone does not tell the full story. The Switch 2 is a hybrid console that works both docked to a TV and as a handheld device, while PlayStation and Xbox are primarily home consoles. Games for each system are different — you cannot play a PlayStation game on a Switch 2, for example — so the choice depends on which games you want to play, not just which console costs less.

Games for the Switch 2 cost the same as other platforms

Nintendo has not announced a different pricing structure for Switch 2 games. Most new games on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch currently cost $60 to $70 at launch. Some games cost less, and some cost more, depending on the publisher and the game's scope. Older games and smaller indie titles often cost $20 or less.

The Switch 2 will not play games made for the original Switch, so you cannot reuse your existing game library. If you own Switch games and want to play them on the new console, you will need to repurchase them. Nintendo has not announced whether any games will be offered at a discount for owners of the original versions.

Where to buy the Switch 2 and payment options

The Switch 2 will be sold through major retailers including Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon, as well as directly from Nintendo's online store. Prices should be the same across all retailers at launch, though some may offer bundle deals (console plus a game, for example) that change the total cost.

Most retailers accept standard payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment services like PayPal. Some retailers offer financing options that let you pay in installments — Best Buy and Amazon both have programs that split the cost into monthly payments with no interest if you pay within a set timeframe, though the exact terms vary. Check with your preferred retailer for their current financing offers.

Storage and online service costs beyond the console price

The Switch 2 comes with internal storage, but Nintendo has not announced the exact amount yet. The original Switch had 32 GB of built-in storage, though most of that was taken up by the system itself, leaving around 26 GB for games. If the Switch 2 follows a similar pattern, you will likely want to buy a microSD card to expand storage, which typically costs $15 to $30 depending on the size.

Nintendo Switch Online is a separate subscription service that costs $20 per year for the basic plan or $50 per year for the Expansion Pack, which includes access to classic games and DLC for certain titles. This is not included in the $349 console price. You need an active subscription to play most games online with other people, though some games have free online play without a subscription.

Trade-in value if you own an original Switch

If you own an original Switch and want to upgrade, retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon offer trade-in programs. The trade-in value for an original Switch varies based on its condition and which model you have (the original, the Switch Lite, or the Switch OLED), but typically ranges from $100 to $200. This can reduce the effective cost of upgrading to the Switch 2, though the exact amount depends on the retailer and the current market.

Some retailers also run promotions where they increase trade-in value for a limited time, so if you are planning to upgrade, it is worth checking multiple retailers to see which offers the best deal. Keep in mind that trade-in value is usually lower than selling the console privately, but it is faster and requires less effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my original Switch games on the Switch 2?

No. The Switch 2 uses different hardware and will not play games made for the original Switch. If you want to play those games, you will need to keep your original console or repurchase the games for the Switch 2 if they are released for the new system.

Is there a cheaper version of the Switch 2?

Nintendo has not announced a cheaper model at launch. The company released different versions of the original Switch over time (the Lite and OLED models), so a lower-cost Switch 2 variant may come later, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Do I need to pay for Nintendo Switch Online to use the Switch 2?

You need a subscription to play online multiplayer in most games, but single-player games work without it. The basic subscription costs $20 per year. Some games offer free online play without a subscription, so check the specific game's requirements.

What if I buy the Switch 2 and it breaks — is there a warranty?

Nintendo includes a one-year limited warranty with the Switch 2, which covers manufacturing defects. Accidental damage is not covered. You can purchase extended warranty or accidental damage protection from some retailers at the time of purchase, though this adds to the total cost.

Will the Switch 2 price drop soon after launch?

Nintendo consoles typically hold their launch price for at least a year. Price drops usually happen when a new model is released or during major sales events, but there is no set schedule. If you are waiting for a price cut, it could be several months or longer.