Is The Nintendo Switch 2 Really That Expensive? A History Of Console Prices Over The Years

Nintendo has announced its subsequent console, the Nintendo Switch 2. Greater than a mere improve from its predecessor, the brand new handheld console marks the following technology of Nintendo gaming. The brand new system helps as much as 60fps in 4k decision whereas docked, and a powerful 120fps in 1080p. Its new HD LCD show helps HDR and VRR, and a built-in chat system–that seems to be pretty just like Discord, by way of UI–resolves a long-standing gripe in opposition to Nintendo. Along with these adjustments, the unit itself showcases markedly improved craftsmanship with its bigger show, built-in microphone, heftier kickstand, and extra intuitive Pleasure-Cons. The one downfall? Its price ticket.

The Nintendo Change 2 at the moment prices $450, and that is assuming the Trump Administration’s upcoming tariffs do not trigger that quantity to grow even larger. A fast Google, Reddit, BlueSky, or X search will reveal that web customers aren’t too comfortable about the fee, with many citing the Change 2’s steep game prices and the present state of the financial system as main elements of their frustrations.

Nevertheless, some have been fast to level out that, when adjusted for inflation, this $450 value level is not out of the abnormal. So is the Nintendo Change 2 egregiously dear, or are we simply forgetting how costly consoles may be?

Earlier than we dig in, although, let’s acknowledge how solely evaluating console inflation does not inform a whole story. For instance, it does not take into accounts elements equivalent to software program costs or the price of a console’s numerous equipment and peripherals. It additionally does not account for the way disproportionately costly life has gotten.

Although the Tremendous Nintendo Leisure System’s authentic value again in 1991 would equate to roughly $530 USD immediately, the common dwelling value half of what it does today–even when adjusted for inflation. It is also necessary to think about that the federal minimal wage in America nonetheless sits at $7.25 when, if correctly adjusted for inflation, it ought to be nearer to $17. When housing alone prices double and what we’re incomes is considerably much less priceless, what we do with our cash turns into much more valuable. Briefly, expendable earnings ain’t what it was once, people.

As such, if the Nintendo is unreasonably costly turns into a little bit of a posh query, and I am only a author who loves video video games, not an economist. I do know my reply, however let’s dive into some console historical past that may assist you to kind your individual. For these able to make the plunge, remember to try our preorder guide earlier than the console releases on June 5–though keep in mind that Nintendo has at the moment suspended preorders within the US as a way to “assess the potential impression of tariffs and evolving market circumstances.”