According to video game industry analyst Matthew Ball, the Nintendo Switch 2 has already gone through a price increase of around 10%, but most people did not notice because of how Nintendo handled it.
“I think people aren’t recognizing that Switch 2 has done a pretty big price hike,” Ball wrote. “Nintendo has just been able to hide it, but they might not be for much longer.”
Ball explained that Nintendo stopped producing the Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart after only three or four months, which he believes is mainly related to RAM costs. The Nintendo Switch 2 costs $449, while Mario Kart costs $80, bringing the total to $529 if bought separately.
The bundle was previously sold for $500. Now, with the bundle removed, customers can only buy the console for $449, and those who want Mario Kart World must spend an additional $80. This means that most buyers who planned to purchase the game now have to spend about $30 more than before. For around 85% of users interested in the game, this results in a price increase close to 10%.
Rising RAM Costs Could Make Things Worse
Ball also warned that the situation could get worse, as RAM prices are expected to rise again in the coming months. He said there is a lot of discussion about RAM costs and frustration among players, especially when large companies invest heavily in AI while hardware prices increase.
He believes the impact has already been more serious than many think. If the situation continues, it could become even harder for consumers. For example, some people may not be able to afford upgrading their GPU or buying a new one.
Ball pointed out that many console sales, such as the 140 million PlayStation units or 150 million Nintendo Switch units, include replacement systems. Families might buy a Nintendo Switch 2 for $450, but if it breaks after two or three years and prices do not drop over time, replacing it could be difficult.
He raised concerns about what happens if a console or GPU breaks and the owner cannot afford a new one. A product that once cost $200 could now cost $700. According to Ball, this could create a strange and worrying situation for many families in the future.
