As discussion around the Nintendo Switch 2 price continues to dominate headlines, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser has weighed in directly on the growing debate. In a new interview with Canada’s CBC, Bowser addressed concerns about affordability and shared more details on Nintendo’s long-term hardware strategy.
Mario in a screenshot from the trailer to Mario Kart World – YouTube, Nintendo of America
The Switch 2, launching on June 5, 2025, carries a retail price of $449.99—making it the most expensive home console Nintendo has ever released. Combined with first-party game prices reaching $69.99 to $79.99, some fans and analysts have raised questions about whether the company risks pricing out segments of its audience.
In response, Bowser acknowledged that affordability is on Nintendo’s radar:
“We recognize there are some people that may not be able to afford [the Switch 2] price point,” he said. “That’s why we wanted to make the other Switch platforms available, so [people] still have an opportunity to come into our gaming universe, be a part of these characters in these worlds, and see value, if you will, in whatever rung of the platform they come in.”
Bowser and Bowser Jr. demonstrate Nintendo’s new parental controls – YouTube, Nintendo of America
Bowser went on to emphasize that Nintendo will continue to sell and support the original Switch family, including the base model, the OLED model, and the more affordable Switch Lite, into 2026. Several new first-party titles are still planned for the original hardware, offering players an alternative path into the ecosystem.
No Price Drops Announced for Existing Hardware
While Bowser’s comments suggest Nintendo is looking to serve players at different economic levels, the company has not announced any price reductions for the Switch 1 lineup. As of now:
• The original Switch remains priced at $299
• The OLED model is available for $349
• The Switch Lite continues to retail at $199
A screenshot from the trailer to Mario Kart World – YouTube, Nintendo of America
With the Switch 2 launching at $450, players hoping for a more accessible upgrade path may be left waiting. The price difference between the current and next-gen platforms is significant, especially considering the long lifespan of the original Switch, which debuted in 2017.
A Mixed Reaction from Fans and Media
Though Bowser’s intent may have been to reassure consumers of Nintendo’s broader hardware support, reactions to the statement have been varied across social media, forums, and industry commentary.
Some players welcomed the transparency, appreciating that Nintendo acknowledged the economic realities some consumers face. Others, however, expressed frustration that the solution offered—buying or staying with a nearly eight-year-old device—feels insufficient without corresponding price cuts.
The joycons for the Nintendo Switch 2 – YouTube, Super Nintendo Fan
A common refrain among commenters was the notion that the older Switch systems still cost nearly the same as they did at launch, despite aging hardware and limited future-proofing. Without a discount, critics argue, the alternative option may not offer the value Bowser is suggesting.
Others took a more neutral or supportive stance, arguing that continued support for Switch 1 is still a net positive, especially for families with young children or casual players who don’t necessarily need next-gen performance or features like GameChat and HDR support.
Switch 2 Price Set Before Tariff Uncertainty
Bowser also confirmed in earlier interviews that the $450 Switch 2 price was set prior to President Donald Trump’s recently announced tariffs. These tariffs—part of a larger initiative to reshape U.S. trade relationships—have already prompted Nintendo to delay preorders in the U.S. while the company assesses potential impacts on supply chain costs and logistics.
Donald Trump sits down at an interview with Sean Hannity – YouTube, Fox News
As it stands, Nintendo has not announced any changes to the Switch 2 price, but has said it will provide preorder updates at a later date.
Nintendo’s Tiered Strategy Moving Forward
Bowser’s comments to CBC closely mirror his previous remarks to The Washington Post, where he explained that Nintendo is now embracing a “variable pricing” model for both games and hardware. This means pricing will be determined based on factors like development costs, content scale, and replay value.
“It’s more about what we think is right for our content, what is the right value for the consumers as they come into our platform,” he said.
That philosophy appears to extend to the hardware side as well, where Nintendo is offering a multi-tiered ecosystem rather than pushing all users to the newest device at once.
A screenshot from the trailer to Mario Kart World – YouTube, Nintendo of America
Still, with the Switch 2 price drawing strong attention, it’s clear that Nintendo’s messaging in the coming months will be critical to setting expectations—and ensuring that the company’s long-standing reputation for family accessibility remains intact.
What do you think about Nintendo’s response to pushback on the Switch 2 price? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
In a typical executive fashion he went “Those who don’t have money for Switch 2 can buy the Switch instead!”. The arrogance of a market leader is as expected as the sunrise.
Prices usually come down in time.
Nintendo is blowing this.
“That’s why we wanted to make the other Switch platforms available, so people still have an opportunity to come into our gaming universe…“
Doug Bowser sounds like Don Mattrick to me. These two are in the same category of arrogant leaders.