Nintendo Switch prices to increase in the US starting this weekend: A comprehensive analysis of the impact, background, and measures Japanese users should take

1. What Will Happen: Price Revision Focusing on "Old Generation Switch Family" in the US

• Nintendo announced that it will raise the prices of the original Switch family (Standard/Lite/OLED) and some accessories, amiibo starting from this weekend onwards. The current US prices are Switch $299.99 / Lite $199.99 / OLED $349.99, and the new prices have not been disclosed at the time of the announcement. The prices for the Switch 2 console and both generations' package/DL software are planned to remain unchanged. The Verge

• As a preceding case, in Canada, a price increase of +$20 CAD for Standard/Lite and +$40 CAD for OLED was implemented at the end of June. The US is following suit. The Verge

• Several industry media are also reporting on the US site revision from August 3 (Sunday) and the price increase of some Switch 2 accessories.  Business InsiderNintendoSoup
  
  

2. Organizing Price Increase Targets and Non-Targets (US)

Targets (Expected)

• Switch (Standard) / Switch Lite / Switch OLED

• Some accessories (dock, controllers, charging-related, etc.)

• amiibo (selected items)

• Some Switch 2 accessories (excluding the console)
  Non-Targets (Unchanged)

• Switch 2 console

• Switch and Switch 2 software (package/DL)
  (Policy at the time of announcement. There is a non-zero possibility of changes depending on future market and tariff trends.)  The VergeBusiness Insider
  
  

Point:The main focus is on "cost correction of old generation hardware (current Switch)." It seems that maintaining the price of Switch 2 immediately after release is prioritized. The Verge

3. Why Now: Dual Pressure from Market Environment and Tariff Restructuring

• Nintendo explains the reason as **"market conditions."** In the background, there is a review and expansion of tariffs imposed by the US on Asian countries, and it is pointed out in the news that there is an **upward observation of tariff strengthening on imports from Vietnam (such as 10% → 20%)**. A significant amount of Switch and Switch 2 for the US market is said to be produced in Vietnam, increasing the risk of cost transfer.  The VergeTom's Hardware
  
  

• By spring 2025, in response to the tariff shock, there have been successive reviews of the start of US reservations for Switch 2 and "wait-and-see" responses regarding price and supply. The Verge
  
  

• However, there is also a view that the launch price of $449.99 for Switch 2 is not solely due to tariffs, and it involves a mix of cost structure, supply and demand, and exchange rates. IconEra
  
  

4. Recent Timeline (Simplified Chronology)

• End of June 2025: Price increase for old generation Switch in Canada. The Verge

• End of July 2025: Price increase in the US from August 3 reported by various papers. The VergeBusiness Insider

• Tariff Aspect: Strengthening of import taxation on Vietnam and others continues, raising the anticipated distribution costs of game consoles in the US. Tom's Hardware
  
  

5. Practical Impact on Japanese Users

1. Domestic Official Price

• At the time of writing, no official price increase announcement has been confirmed in Japan. However, due to the dual factors of exchange rates (yen depreciation) and overseas price revisions, there is a possibility that domestic prices and market prices may be affected (caution advised).
  
  

2. Parallel Imports & US Shop-Linked E-commerce

• E-commerce platforms that immediately incorporate US revisions and personal imports are susceptible to impact, so pay attention to the price movements of peripherals like Joy-Con/Pro controllers.
  
  

3. Used, Subscription, and Repair

• To counter increased switching costs, utilizing used products (with operational guarantee) or subscription-based repairs/extended warranties can help minimize short-term expenses.
  
  

4. Segmentation with Switch 2

• The price increase of the old generation is seen more as a move to reduce inventory and optimize costs rather than to steer users towards Switch 2. In the US, since the Switch 2 console price remains unchanged, there is a focus on how the entry-level options will relatively change. The Verge
  
  

6. Price Scenario: How Much Will It Increase? (US Estimate)

• Referring simply to Canada's results (+$20 CAD / +$40 CAD), a revision of about $10 to $30 in the US is quite conceivable (editorial estimate).

• However,

  exchange rate differences, retail strategies, and inventory duration may cause variations by SKU.

• Accessories/amiibo may be revised gradually depending on the timing of replacing distribution inventory. The Verge
  
  

Note: The final new prices in the US have not been announced by Nintendo. Let's confirm the official figures in future updates. The Verge

7. "When to Buy?" Purchase Decision Flow (For Residents in Japan)

• Want to secure Standard/Lite/OLED in the short term (within 2 weeks)

  • Prioritize domestic official products while the new product market in Japan is stable. Even if the direct impact of US revisions is limited, parallel imports tend to rise.
    
    

• Adding accessories assuming Switch 2

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