Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Worth It in 2026, Now It Costs $499?
Nintendo raised the Switch 2 price to $499.99 in the US. What you get, the best reasons to buy, who should wait and how it compares with PC handhelds.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025 at $449.99. On September 1, 2026, Nintendo raised the US price to $499.99, blaming changes in market conditions. Analysts pointed to tariffs and rising memory costs.
So, is it still worth buying? For most families and Nintendo fans, yes. Here's why, and when you might wait.
New prices
| Region | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| US | $449.99 | $499.99 |
| Canada | $629.99 | $679.99 |
| Europe | €469.99 | €499.99 |
Japan saw a bigger increase earlier in 2026.
What you get
- A much bigger, sharper screen than the original Switch: 1080p with up to 120Hz
- 4K output to your TV when docked
- 256GB of storage, expandable with microSD Express cards
- New Joy-Con controllers that attach magnetically and can work like a mouse in supported games
- GameChat for voice and video chat with friends
- Backward compatibility with most original Switch games, so your old library comes with you
Reasons to buy
- Nintendo's games. Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Donkey Kong and Mario Kart only exist on Nintendo hardware.
- Family-friendly. Local multiplayer with the included Joy-Con is still the best "everyone on the couch" experience.
- Play anywhere. Switch from TV to handheld instantly.
- Your old Switch games look and run better on many titles.
Reasons to wait
- You already own an OLED Switch and mostly play older games.
- You mainly want the latest third-party games (big shooters, sports titles, open-world blockbusters). A PlayStation, Xbox or gaming PC runs those better.
- You're hoping for a bundle deal. Holiday bundles can add a game for little extra.
How it compares with PC handhelds
PC handhelds like the 
Steam Deck play your Steam library on the go, often with cheaper games thanks to frequent Steam sales. But they don't run Nintendo games, and they take more tinkering.
Want PC gaming on your TV instead? Valve's new Steam Machine is aimed at that. See the Steam Machine, explained.
The verdict
| You... | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Love Nintendo games | Buy |
| Have kids who play together | Buy |
| Own an OLED Switch and play older games | Wait |
| Mainly play big third-party releases | Consider PlayStation, Xbox or PC |
Why are consoles, phones and laptops all getting pricier at once? Read why tech prices are rising in 2026.
