Summary
Even though video game consoles have gained more popularity among players in recent years, they have often been viewed as luxury items due to high prices. In fact,the most expensive Nintendo consolesshow how this hobby can require considerable investment, including systems that were once among the most popular the company released.
Looking at the launch prices of certain consoles, especially older models, they might seem affordable by current standards. However, inflation was lower then, so when adjusted to today’s rates, some could even exceed the price of the Nintendo Switch 2, making that shift in cost shows why older consoles can become surprising examples of how prices change over time.
10Nintendo 3DS
Handheld Needed A Price Cut To Remain Competitive
Released as the successor to the popular Nintendo DS, the Nintendo 3DS had early launch issues due to its high price. After its first six months, the company cut its cost to $169.99, helping it reach a broader audience. This move boosted sales and popularity,especially once it received a solid librarywith titles likeThe Legend of Zelda: A Link Between WorldsandPokémonin full 3D.
This price reduction proved effective and allowed the system to bounce back in the market. The handheld console attracted new owners who were drawn to its mix of traditional gameplay and 3D innovation. The system’s library included many standout releases that strengthened its reputation, making it a notable success over time, despite its early struggles as one of the more expensive Nintendo consoles at launch.
9GameCube
Console Did Not Sell As Expected, But It Has Great Games
Today, adjusted for inflation,the GameCube would cost about $358, which is far higher than its original $199 in 2001. Even though it launched at a slightly better price than the PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox, limited third-party support hurt its commercial performance. Many developers favored other platforms, which held back the console’s library and made it less appealing to certain groups of players.
Despite that, the GameCube was Nintendo’s first system to use optical discs instead of cartridges, marking a shift for the company.It still featured standout titleslikeSuper Mario Sunshine,Metroid Prime, andThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The lack of a majorMariogame at launch hurt initial reception, sinceLuigi’s Mansiontook that slot. However, the console found a loyal fan base over time.
8Virtual Boy
Nintendo’s First Attempt At Virtual Reality Resulted In A Costly Console
As one of the earliest video game consoles toattempt any kind of Virtual Reality, theVirtual Boy was a bold project in a time with limited tech. Even for 1995, many considered it one of the most expensive Nintendo consoles ever. Its high cost contributed to low sales and a restricted audience. That challenge, along with other issues, caused the system to fade from the market quickly.
Although the idea was unique, the Virtual Boy had weak support, including from Nintendo itself, which only released about 22 games for it. Another drawback was the health concerns some players reported, like dizziness and headaches. This combination of problems and high price sealed its fate as a commercial disappointment, though it remains a curious piece of retro gaming history.
7Nintendo Switch
This Console Is One Of Nintendo’s Greatest Successes
Launched in 2017, the Nintendo Switch blended handheld play with a traditional home console approach. Its strong library with games likeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,Tears of the Kingdom, andSuper Mario Odysseycontributed to its massive success. This hybrid idea encouraged players to enjoy games anywhere, establishing the system as one of the top sellers in Nintendo’s lineup.
Even with inflation raising its launch cost to about $391, many do not see the Nintendo Switch as one of the most expensive Nintendo consoles. Because it is still active in stores, and some sellers offer it atprices below its initial amount. The console’s portability, paired with a catalog of must-play titles, helped it remain a strong contender in modern gaming.
6Wii
Players Experienced Motion Controllers On This Console
The Wii is among the most expensive Nintendo consoles when adjusted for inflation, sitting around $394 today. Yet it was also a bestseller, surpassing 100 million units worldwide. Much of its successstemmed from the motion controllersthat let people who were not typical gamers try it. That innovative input brought an expanded audience, especially older players, to the system’s many unique experiences.
Many Wii editions also shipped withWii Sportsat no extra cost, showcasing how the system’s movement-based controls worked. This accessible title helped the console gain popularity.Other notable games, such asSuper Mario GalaxyandThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, made the Wii stand out. Despite its higher price, it became a milestone in Nintendo’s history thanks to its ease of use and broad appeal.
5Nintendo 64
The Console Revolutionized 3D Gaming
Although not Nintendo’s top seller, theNintendo 64 earned a spot among the most expensive Nintendo consoles. Released in 1996, itintroduced many players to true 3D gamingthrough classics likeSuper Mario 64andThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. These releases rank among the most influential titles in gaming history, showing how bold design can change an entire industry.
When adjusted to modern inflation, its $199 launch price would exceed $400 now. Despite being a base console without special editions, that figure places the Nintendo 64 in a high-cost category. Although it fell behind the PlayStation in overall sales, its lasting impact and genre-defining titles have kept it iconic. Many still regard it as a pivotal system that shaped modern 3D games.
4Nintendo Switch 2
One Of Nintendo’s Most Expensive Consoles If Not Adjusted For Inflation
This new system evolves the hybrid concept introduced by the original Nintendo Switch. At $449 in the United States, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a higher base price than many prior Nintendo platforms. Its more powerful hardware and added featuresaim to create a premium experience for players. That approach raises its cost but reflects a focus on stronger performance and broader functions.
By blending portability with improved power, theNintendo Switch 2 occupies a higher tier in Nintendo’s ecosystem.It stands closer to traditional home consoles in performance, while still letting players enjoy on-the-go gaming. This positioning comes with a cost that ranks it among Nintendo’s priciest devices. Even so, it carries forward the versatility that turned the first Switch into a major success.
3Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Inflation Places It Among Nintendo’s Most Expensive Systems
Adjusted for inflation, the SNES would cost about $465 today,making it pricier than the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite that figure, it defined an era through standout titles. It had a vast catalog, with games likeSuper Mario World,The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, andDonkey Kong Country. These releases shaped entire genres and cemented the SNES as a legendary console.
The SNES also hosted many popular JRPGs such asFinal Fantasyinstallments. That variety established its status as a cornerstone of retro gaming. Though expensive by current standards, it was still a massive hit, setting high benchmarks in 2D graphics and gameplay design. This blend of innovation and content explains why it remains revered and influential among fans even decades later.
2Wii U
Price Was One Factor Behind The Low Success Of Nintendo Wii U
One key issue for the Wii U was how it seemed too much like the Wii, confusing casual audiences while lacking enough novelty for core Nintendo fans. Although its price was lower than competing consoles, it had minimal internal storage. Owners often had to buy external storage, which raised total costs to match the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This hurt its appeal from the start.
Even as one of the most expensive Nintendo consoles ever,the Wii U had weaker hardware than its rivals. This limited third-party support,making its library less robust. Combined with a small lineup of launch titles, this led to poor sales, hovering at about 13 million units. Despite some standout games, these challenges prevented the Wii U from gaining the momentum that other Nintendo systems enjoyed.
1Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo’s First Major Console Is Still The Most Expensive With Inflation
Though $199 may sound low today, adjusting for inflation makes the NES thepriciest console Nintendo has ever produced, at around $584 in current money. It launched while the industry recovered from the 1983 video game crash. That backdrop made its price high for many consumers, yet it became a massive success thanks to groundbreaking titles and a renewed interest in home gaming.
The NES stood out with classic games likeSuper Mario Bros.,The Legend of Zelda, andMetroid, establishing iconic franchises that continue to flourish and its success revived the console market and proved there was still an appetite for new systems. Although it was one of the most expensive Nintendo consoles when factoring in modern values, the NES is known for shaping the future of gaming on a global scale.
