Nintendo Switch 2 Price Hike in Japan Causes Retailer Restrictions

Nintendo Switch 2 prices rise in Japan by 20% to 59,980 yen and in the US by 11% to $499.99. Retailers implement strict sales restrictions to prevent scalping.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Hike in Japan Causes Retailer Restrictions

Nintendo has announced a significant price increase for the Switch 2 console in both Japan and the United States. The new pricing structure takes effect on May 25, 2025, in Japan, and on September 1, 2025, in the United States. This adjustment marks a substantial jump from the previously established price points for the device.

Nintendo raises prices for previous generation consoles in Japan too

The new standard price for the Switch 2 in Japan is 59,980 JPY, which represents a 20 percent increase from the original 49,980 JPY. In the United States, the price rises from 449.99 USD to 499.99 USD, an increase of just over 11 percent. The Japanese model is region-locked and supports only the Japanese language and the Japanese eShop.

The 59,980 JPY price in Japan is approximately 383 USD. The 499.99 USD price in the United States is the final cost for American consumers. Retailers in Japan, such as Bic Camera, are implementing strict sales restrictions to combat scalping. These stores now require customers to possess a store-issued credit card to purchase the console.

Nintendo has also raised prices for its previous generation consoles in Japan. The original Switch OLED, standard, and Lite models saw price hikes ranging from 10,000 to 11,000 JPY. Gaming industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto noted that retailers are taking action to restore order amid the high demand and price changes.

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