Nintendo’s Take on Switch 2 Demand and Pricing—Here’s What We Know

Nintendo is no stranger to console launches that send gamers into full-on frenzy mode. Whether it was the Switch selling out in 2017, the Wii dominating living rooms in 2006, or the GameCube… well, existing, Nintendo has a history of making consoles that people desperately want to get their hands on.

Now, with the Switch 2 on the horizon, Nintendo is gearing up for what could be another high-demand launch, and they’re not taking any chances.

During a recent earnings call, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that the company is preparing for major demand and taking extra steps to avoid another supply crisis like what happened in 2020.

But what about pricing? Will Nintendo’s next console burn a hole in our wallets or stay within a reasonable price range? Let’s break down everything Furukawa revealed about the Switch 2’s anticipated demand, supply plans, and pricing strategy.

Nintendo Is Bracing for a Huge Rush—And Scalpers Might Be in Trouble

Furukawa didn’t sugarcoat anything—Nintendo knows the Switch 2 is going to be in high demand.

“As of now, we are taking the risk and proceeding with production to meet as large a demand as possible.”

Translation? Nintendo is producing as many units as they can before launch, because they know gamers will be fighting to get one the moment pre-orders go live.

The company is using data from:

• The April 4 Nintendo Direct, where they’ll fully reveal the console.
• Hands-on Switch 2 Experience events, where early testers will provide feedback.

From these, Nintendo will estimate demand and adjust production accordingly.

Now, here’s the best part: Nintendo is also setting up measures to prevent scalping, something that plagued the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S launches.

One strategy? A reliable supply chain that keeps shelves stocked.

Another? Blocking scalpers from flipping early demo tickets. Apparently, people have already been trying to sell Switch 2 Experience event tickets on eBay. Classic.

Nintendo Is Working to Avoid Another 2020-Style Shortage

If you remember the Switch shortage of 2020, you probably recall the chaos it caused.

• Resellers were charging double or triple the price.
• Stores had waiting lists months long.
• People were literally hunting for Switches like they were rare Pokémon.

Nintendo isn’t letting that happen again.

Furukawa acknowledged that ramping up production isn’t easy, but this time around, they have a plan to quickly scale up manufacturing if demand explodes.

The good news? Industry analysts say Nintendo has already secured its supply chain to avoid another chip shortage.

The bad news? If demand is too high, you might still struggle to grab one at launch.

Switch 2 Pricing—What’s the Damage?

Let’s be honest—everyone is wondering about the price.

Will Nintendo keep it reasonable, or will we be forced to trade in our souls for one?

While Furukawa refused to name a price, he did drop some hints about the factors influencing their decision:

• Inflation and exchange rates have changed significantly since 2017.
• Nintendo wants to price it within consumer expectations.

Here’s what that likely means:

• The original Switch launched at $300 in 2017.
• Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $388 today.
• Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will cost around $400.

So while a $400 price tag sounds like a jump, it’s actually pretty close to what the original Switch cost in today’s money.

And for those hoping for a price drop on the current Switch, Furukawa shut that down real fast—the OG Switch isn’t getting cheaper anytime soon.

What’s Next? All Eyes on the April 4 Nintendo Direct

For now, we wait. Nintendo isn’t spilling all the beans yet, but come April 4, we’ll get:

• The full Switch 2 reveal.
• First look at launch titles.
• (Hopefully) confirmation of the price and release date.

Until then, keep your wallets ready, and maybe, just maybe, start refreshing those pre-order pages early.