Nintendo recently declared a price hike for its original Switch, a ‘family of systems and products’, which impacts its foundational market offerings like the first-gen Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, OLED version, and selected accessories. Other peripherals to be affected by this price surge are some items from the Switch 2 stable, specific amiibo products, and the Alarmo. It’s important to note, however, that prices for the Switch 2 console, as well as both physical and digital games for Switch and Switch 2, remain unchanged.
The original Switch is currently offered at $299.99, with the Switch Lite at $199.99, and the OLED version retails at $349.99. There was a pre-announced price increase for the Switch series in Canada which saw its implementation today. It promoted a price surge of $20 CAD for both the original Switch and Switch Lite, vaulting their prices to $419.99 and $279.99 respectively. Further, the OLED version of Switch 1 had its price escalated by $40 CAD, rationalizing its tag to $419.99.
The company’s decision to increase prices has been attributed to the prevailing market conditions. This revision follows close on the heels of the executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The new order imposes increased tariffs on a wider range of countries. During 2019, the majority of Nintendo’s manufacturing was moved from China to Vietnam in an effort to sidestep tariffs. However, with Trump’s latest tariff imposition, Vietnam too will be subject to an added tax of 20 percent on its imports.
In spite of these market dynamics, Nintendo has not shed any light on what the new price points for the original Switch systems will look like post-adjustment. Multiple efforts to reach Nintendo for additional information have gone unanswered.
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