If you’re looking to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2 before Christmas the best time to do so is this weekend, ahead of the price hike.
The ongoing memory shortage has led to price increases across PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles, but it’s also set to impact the Nintendo Switch 2 very soon.
In May this year, Nintendo announced it would increase the price of the Switch 2 worldwide, citing ‘changes in market conditions’ and the ‘global business outlook’. In other words, the component crisis that has seen the rush to build AI data centres create a drastic increase in the cost of RAM and hard drives.
The price hike came into effect first in Japan, but it’s set to be rolled out across the US, Canada, and Europe from Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
From that date, Switch 2 consoles will cost £419.99 in the UK, which is an increase of £24. This increase is a lot smaller compared to the recent price bumps for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but it’s still a notable jump.
That means you’ve only got the weekend and Monday to buy the console at the old price. At the My Nintendo Store, this is £395.99, but there are cheaper deals at Very (£359.99) and Amazon (£378.99) right now.
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The Mario Kart World bundle will return in September too, but at a more expensive price (in the US, it’s $50 more than its launch price last year). A UK price has yet to be announced.
It’s unclear what other retailers will charge after Nintendo enforces the price hike next month, considering the discounts already available, but you’re probably better off taking advantage of any deals now before the Christmas rush.
The only reason to wait is perhaps the Zelda-themed Switch 2 console, which leaked this month. Nintendo hasn’t officially announced the console, but it’s been rumoured for some time and is likely set to launch alongside the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake, which is due to come out at some point in 2026 – probably October or November.
It’s unclear how much that console will cost though, and it’ll probably be more even without the price hike, so if you’re simply looking for a Switch 2 at the cheapest price, you better act fast.
Along with the Ocarina Of Time remake, Nintendo’s line-up for the rest of the year includes Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort.
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