It was only a matter of time before the global economic shift caught up with our favourite handheld hybrid. After Nintendo confirmed international price adjustments for the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Australia has officially followed suit. If you have been sitting on the fence about picking up the latest hardware, your window of opportunity to save a significant amount of money is closing fast.
As of 1 September 2026, the recommended retail price for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Australia will jump by AU$70. Currently sitting at a base price of AU$699.95, the console will soon cost AU$769.95. For those across the Tasman, the news is even heavier; New Zealanders will see an increase from NZ$799.95 to NZ$969.95.
But Why?
In a statement released by Nintendo Australia, the company attributed the change to “various changes in market conditions,” which they expect to persist over the medium to long term. While the term “market conditions” is often corporate shorthand for fluctuating exchange rates and rising logistics costs. Yep, the RAM shortage is certainly part of the problem, it’s hitting Nintendo now and all so people can continue to watch AI generated cat videos in their social feed.
Interestingly, this new base price of AU$769.95 is the historical price point for Nintendo Switch 2 bundles. Previously, that extra $70 secured you the console along with a game like Mario Kart World, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, or the title they are about to bundle that has been a proven console mover Pokopia.
It is worth noting that the original Nintendo Switch (the OG model) is not part of this price revision. If you are looking for a secondary device for the household or a more budget-friendly entry into the Nintendo ecosystem, those prices remain stable for now.
Is the Switch 2 Still Worth the Investment?
Despite the sting of a price increase, the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a remarkable piece of engineering. Its ability to bridge the gap between high-fidelity home gaming and seamless portability has kept it at the top of many wishlists. However, a $70 increase is not insignificant, it is essentially the cost of a brand-new first-party game.
For the budget-conscious gamer it would be worth looking at buying one now. Securing a bundle today for $769.95 effectively saves you the cost of the game compared to what you will be paying in September.
Nintendo acknowledged that “pricing changes can be challenging for customers” and expressed appreciation for the continued enthusiasm of their community. While enthusiasm remains high, the urgency to purchase has certainly shifted into high gear. You have until 1 September to make your move at the current valuation.
