With the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025, excitement is through the roof—but so are the price tags. Nintendo’s newest hybrid console promises cutting-edge features like 4K docked resolution, DLSS upscaling, a vastly improved screen, and powerful internals. But all of that comes at a cost—and not a small one.
So the big question is: how much more expensive is the Switch 2 compared to the Switch OLED, and is it worth upgrading?
Let’s break down everything: console pricing, games, accessories, and how those compare to the previous generation.
Console Pricing: A $100 Leap
- Switch OLED (2021): $349.99
- Switch 2 (2025): $449.99
- Price Difference: +$100
- Percentage Increase: +28.57%
This is a substantial jump, but not an arbitrary one. The Switch 2 offers a custom NVIDIA chip, 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB storage, and 4K docked support with DLSS. It’s a next-gen leap—both in power and price.
Game Pricing: Matching the Industry Standard
|
Game Type |
Switch OLED |
Switch 2 |
% Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard Game |
$59.99 |
$69.99 |
+16.67% |
|
Deluxe Edition |
$69.99 |
$79.99 |
+14.29% |
Nintendo is aligning with PlayStation and Xbox on game pricing. For the first time, Nintendo first-party titles are launching at $69.99 standard, which could become the new norm.
Accessory Pricing: Higher Across the Board
Let’s take a look at the key accessories and their pricing changes:
|
Accessory |
OLED Price |
Switch 2 Price |
% Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Joy-Con Pair |
$79.99 |
$89.99 |
+12.5% |
|
Pro Controller |
$69.99 |
$79.99 |
+14.29% |
|
Charging Grip |
$29.99 |
$34.99 |
+16.67% |
|
Dock Set |
$89.99 |
$109.99 |
+22.22% |
|
Carrying Case |
$19.99 |
$34.99 |
+75.0% |
|
Camera (new) |
— |
$49.99 |
NEW |
Some accessories, like the camera, are entirely new and support voice and video chat through Nintendo’s GameChat system. Others, like the carrying case, have seen surprising jumps. The case now includes a premium screen protector and reinforced outer shell, which may justify the higher cost—but it’s still notable.
Total Cost of Ownership: Comparing Full Setups
Here’s what a basic and fully accessorized setup looks like:
Base Setup (Console + 2 Games + Pro Controller):
- Switch OLED: $349.99 + 2×$59.99 + $69.99 = $539.96
- Switch 2: $449.99 + 2×$69.99 + $79.99 = $669.96
Increase: $130 (+24%)
Full Setup (Console + 2 Games + All Accessories):
|
Setup Type |
Estimated Total |
|---|---|
|
Switch OLED |
~$770 |
|
Switch 2 |
~$920–950 |
Increase: ~$150–$180 (≈20–25%)
Is It Worth It?
The Switch 2 is clearly more expensive, with increases ranging from 12% to 75% depending on the item. But here’s what you’re getting for that price jump:
What You Gain:
- 4K upscaling and HDR support
- DLSS 3.5-powered frame boosts
- Better Joy-Con sticks with Hall Effect sensors (bye, drift!)
- Built-in voice/video chat
- Magnetic controller attachment
- More onboard storage (256GB)
- Premium visual experience (120Hz display)
What You Lose:
- A bit of battery life (due to higher power draw)
- Full accessory compatibility (some old Joy-Cons won’t work)
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a true generational leap for Nintendo—not just a refresh. It brings modern gaming expectations into a hybrid format without losing what made the Switch special. But with that leap comes a steeper price, putting it closer to the PS5/Xbox Series X than ever before.
If you’re a dedicated Nintendo fan, a tech-savvy player, or someone ready to future-proof your hybrid gaming setup, the Switch 2 is worth it. But for casual gamers, the Switch OLED will still deliver fantastic experiences—especially at its now-lowered price point.