✓ Updated October 6, 2026
Last updated: October 2026
The short version: The Switch 2 now sells at $499.99 after Nintendo's September 2026 price increase — up $50 from its $449.99 launch price. It's still the best-selling console of 2026 (nearly 20 million units in its first three quarters), and the verdict is simple: buy the Switch 2 if you want Nintendo's current generation — new exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza don't run on the original Switch. The Mario Kart World bundle ($549.99) is the best value if you don't own the game yet.
The Switch OLED (~$399.99 observed) remains on sale and plays the huge original-Switch library — but it cannot play Switch 2 exclusives. The Switch 2 is more than twice as powerful, has a bigger 120Hz screen, 4K docked output, and full backward compatibility with original Switch games. Our take: buy the Switch 2 unless your budget is strict and you only care about the original Switch's catalog.
Nintendo raised the Switch 2's US price from $449.99 to $499.99 on September 1, 2026, citing rising memory costs and market conditions — the same DRAM shortage hitting every console maker. Nintendo warned shoppers in-store kiosks weeks ahead, earning rare praise for transparency. Like Sony and Microsoft's hikes, this is a structural adjustment, not a temporary spike.
Is the Switch 2 worth $499.99?
Yes for most buyers — the exclusive library (Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza) is only on Switch 2, and the hardware leap over the original Switch is substantial. It's still cheaper than a PS5 or Series X.
Can the Switch 2 play original Switch games?
Yes — backward compatibility covers the vast majority of original Switch titles, physical and digital.
Should I buy the original Switch instead to save money?
Only if your budget is tight and you're content with the existing library. New Nintendo releases are Switch 2-only now.
Will the Switch 2 go on sale for Black Friday?
Nintendo rarely discounts hardware — expect bundle deals or game discounts instead. See our Black Friday tech deals guide.
How does HunterHum pick these?
We track observed prices at official stores and never invent discounts. See how we rate.
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