The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console may not be as affordable as people think. An analysis examines the potential price of this highly anticipated release.
While Nintendo continues to dominate the market with its Switch, rumors about the next console are becoming more and more persistent. According to several recent reports, the new device (Nintendo Switch 2) could be released in the first half of 2025. However, the technical and financial details are causing discussions, especially with regard to positioning against the competition.
A competitive price for the Nintendo Switch 2?
According to analyst Hideki Yasuda of Toyo Securities, Nintendo’s future console would have a price of less than $499 in the United States. This price, which may seem affordable for the American market, could be perceived differently in Europe and Asia. In fact, the equivalent in yen or dollars could surprise some consumers. This different perception is mainly due to current exchange rates, which have a major impact on purchasing power depending on the region.
To illustrate his point, the analyst cites the example of the cost of a Big Mac in the United States compared to its price in Japan, pointing out a notable difference due to currency conversion. The same is also true in Europe, especially in France. Not to mention the average salary, which is much higher in the United States than here. This raises questions about how Big N intends to position its Nintendo Switch 2 globally, taking into account the economic differences between regions.
Technical performance lagging behind?
Another point raised by Yasuda concerns the console’s performance. According to him, the Nintendo Switch 2 could be less powerful than the PlayStation 4 Pro, a console released in 2016. This estimate could disappoint some consumers who would expect a more efficient console. Especially given the price indicated. However, this is in line with Nintendo’s historical strategy, which favors innovation and user experience over the race for pure performance. This approach has often allowed Nintendo to stand out in the market. But it could also make some buyers hesitant to invest in a Nintendo Switch 2 that is technically inferior to its competitors. For comparison, the PS5 was launched for $450.
Source: Hideki Yasuda
