Summary
The price tag of the Nintendo Switch 2 is much more affordable in Japan, but there are some differences between this cheaper version and the default version. In early January 2025, Nintendo announced that a successor to the Switch would be coming with a first-look trailer, which showed how the console looked. However, players would have to wait nearly three months to learn more about theSwitch 2. On April 2, Nintendo hosted the Switch 2 Direct, and millions of fans tuned in to find out every detail about the upcoming console.
During the Switch 2 presentation, players eagerly awaited the price to be revealed. While exciting new titles, such asMario Kart World, were shown in great detail, as well asupgrades to Switch 1 titles, likeSuperMario Party JamboreeandBreath of the Wild, the price remained a mystery until after the presentation. As soon as the Switch 2 Direct ended, information on how much it would cost started popping up on the Nintendo website and local retailers in some countries. Most fans were shocked when they discovered that the Nintendo Switch 2 would cost $450 without any additional items or games.
It seems that the $450 price tag is more or less the same in every country except for Japan. In Japan, players thinking of buying the Nintendo Switch 2 have the opportunity to get it for ¥49,980, which is around $340. The cheaper version of the Switch 2 is the same when it comes to hardware and specs, but it is only available in Japanese, and gamers cannot change its language. Additionally, it requires a Japanese account, andNintendo Switch 2 online featurescannot be used outside of that region. Gamers who live in Japan but don’t speak the language can get the default version of the console, but it costs an additional ¥20,000, meaning it’ll be available for about $430.
How Much Does the Nintendo Switch 2 Cost in Japan?
While it may seem odd that Nintendo would reduce the price by $120 to add these restrictions, it also makes it clear that there is no reason why the Nintendo Switch 2 needs to be so expensive. There is no doubt that Nintendo has been making some strange decisions with the Nintendo Switch 2. Players were also appalled when they discovered thatNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourwould be sold for over $6rather than given away as a free add-on, as it’s a game that looks like a tech demo for the console.
In the past, Nintendo had no issuesgiving players free gameswith their consoles, such asWii SportsorAR Games, and this could’ve been the case this time around as well. Despite its low price tag, it’s hard to believe thatNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourwill sell many copies, as it was not well-received by fans.
Nintendo Switch 2
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on July 07, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
