Should You Buy the Switch 2 Now as Nintendo Dodges Price Hike Questions?
Due to the demands from AI, RAM prices have been surging, and it is widely believed that the increases will continue as 2026 progresses. That and other factors have led to concerns from video game fans that console costs could also rise in the coming weeks and months.
Now, comments from the President of Nintendo have left the door open to the possibility that the price of the Switch 2 could go up. That has left observers wondering if they should act now by buying the console before it might become more costly.
Why Nintendo Fans May Want To Buy the Switch 2 Now To Avoid a Potential Price Hike
During a January 2026 interview with Kyoto Shimbun that was reported on by IGN, the President of Nintendo Co., Ltd., Shuntaro Furukawaka, was asked if the increasing costs of RAM could cause the price of the Switch 2 to rise. Furukawa's response to that question notably didn't rule out the possibility. “I cannot comment on hypotheticals.” While it is important to note that Nintendo's President explained factors that make it unlikely that climbing RAM prices will force an immediate price increase, he also stated that Nintendo "must monitor the situation closely."
There is another important reason to think that the Switch 2 could become more expensive soon, the company's competitors have recently normalized the practice of raising hardware costs. On August 21st, 2025, CBS News reported on Sony announcing plans to increase the price of the Sony PlayStation 5 by $50, starting on August 21st, which made the console cost $549. Similarly, a September 19th, 2025 IGN article reported that Microsoft announced consumers would have to pay as much as $70 more for Xbox consoles starting on October 3rd. The outlet detailed the following price increases:
- Xbox Series S 512GB: $399.99 (up $20 from $379.99)
- Xbox Series S 1TB: $449.99 (up $20 from $429.99)
- Xbox Series X Digital: $599.99 (up $50 from $549.99)
- Xbox Series X: $649.99 (up $50 from $599.99)
- Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: $799.99 (up $70 from $729.99)
These factors combined make it reasonable to conclude that buying a Switch 2 now to avoid higher pricing may be wise.
Why Panic Buying Nintendo’s Switch 2 Today to Avoid a Potential Price Hike Seems Unnecessary
People learning that something that they've wanted to buy may soon undergo a significant price rise may inspire them to rush out to buy it, even if they aren't in a good position to make that purchase at the moment. However, there is a simple reason why that likely isn't necessary.
IGN's coverage of Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawaka's recent interview also revealed why Switch 2 pricing adjustments likely won't happen soon. During his January 2026 interview, Furukawaka stated his belief that RAM price hikes shouldn't immediately create upward pricing pressure for the company. The Nintendo boss explained that a significant inventory of RAM and strong contracts with suppliers should ensure the company won't be affected by chips becoming more expensive, for now at least.