In a surprising move announced just after celebrating a major sales milestone, Nintendo has confirmed that prices for the original Nintendo Switch family of consoles and accessories will be increasing in the United States beginning August 3, 2025. While the company cites “market conditions” as the reason behind the hike, it hasn’t provided exact figures—though at least one major retailer may have revealed the new pricing ahead of schedule.
From standard consoles to collectibles like amiibo and the quirky Alarmo clock, many beloved items are about to get more expensive.
Target Leak Reveals New MSRP for Switch Consoles and Accessories
Although Nintendo hasn’t officially published the new prices, Target temporarily updated its listings, giving fans and consumers a glimpse of what’s to come. The leaked prices suggest increases across the board for all current Nintendo Switch models:
- Nintendo Switch: $339.99 (previously $299.99)
- Switch Lite: $229.99 (up from $199.99)
- Switch OLED Model: $399.99 (up from $349.99)
Accessories are not being spared either:
- Joy-Con 2 Controllers: $99.99 (up from $94.99)
- Alarmo Clock: $109.99 (up from $99.99)
Nintendo has since confirmed that adjusted pricing will officially take effect on August 3, with finalized details to be published at the Nintendo U.S. store.
Nintendo’s Reasoning: “Market Conditions”
In its official statement, Nintendo of America attributed the price adjustments to “market conditions,” but didn’t elaborate on the specific factors driving the changes. While inflation and global supply chain shifts may be contributing factors, Nintendo’s decision comes at a time when other hardware manufacturers are keeping prices relatively steady or even offering discounts on older-generation consoles.
This isn’t the first time Nintendo has bumped up prices in 2025. Earlier this year, the company raised prices on Switch 2 accessories—despite the console not yet being released at the time. The upcoming Switch 2, which remains unaffected by this new price change, is already the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched.
What It Means for Buyers
If you’ve been waiting to grab a Switch or pick up extra accessories, now might be your last chance to buy at the current price before the increase hits. Nintendo’s decision could also influence the second-hand and reseller markets, potentially inflating prices even further if demand spikes ahead of the change.
The higher prices may be harder to justify, especially as rumors about a potential Switch 2 launch window gain momentum. Still, the original Switch remains one of the most successful consoles of all time, and many gamers may choose to invest now rather than wait for the follow-up system’s full release slate.
As of now, Switch 2 pricing remains unchanged, though its accessory costs were already increased earlier this year. It’s worth noting that Nintendo’s pricing strategy appears to separate the legacy console lineup from its next-generation offerings.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo’s quiet but wide-reaching price hike for its flagship Switch family signals a shift in the company’s U.S. strategy, possibly setting the stage for the Switch 2 to take center stage in 2026. While the timing—right after celebrating a sales milestone—might feel awkward to some fans, it’s a reminder that even gaming giants must adapt to changing market realities.
With price bumps just days away, it’s a good time to act fast if you’ve had your eye on any Nintendo hardware or accessories. Whether you’re upgrading to an OLED model or finally investing in the long-mocked but oddly beloved Alarmo clock, August 2 may be your last chance to do so without paying more.
