Now that we have the much-awaited release date and tech specs for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with insights into the pricing of first-party Nintendo games on the new console, the conversation naturally shifts to the cost of the system itself. Although the Nintendo Direct presentation didn't confirm any prices, regional pricing details have surfaced on Nintendo's country-specific websites, revealing that the most cost-effective way to own the new hardware is to be in Japan.
A witty tweet from Duolingo, the language learning app, pointed out that Japan offers two versions of the Switch 2: a multi-language model priced at 69,980 yen (approximately $477) and a Japanese-only version at 49,980 yen (about $341). This means that gamers willing to play in Japanese can save over $100 compared to the international model, which is set at $449.99 in the U.S.
Gamers, learn Japanese to save $133! https://t.co/misNmSstIf
— Duolingo (@duolingo) April 3, 2025
Japan's unique position as the only country offering a mono-language console at a reduced price could be attributed to its status as a key market for Nintendo, with 24% of the Nintendo Switch installed base in 2024, compared to 2% for Xbox Series X/S and 9% for PlayStation 5. According to experts' opinions, the higher international price might be influenced by factors such as the recently announced international tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Nintendo likely considered possible tariffs, the current global inflationary climate, and the precedent set by Sony charging $700 for the PlayStation 5 Pro last year," remarked Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games.
James McWhirter, an analyst at Omdia, added, "If Switch 2 pricing in Japanese Yen were aligned with the U.S. Dollar price, it would significantly undermine Nintendo's position in Japan, effectively doubling the list price compared to the classic LCD Nintendo Switch model. Conversely, maintaining region-specific pricing that is much cheaper in USD terms could lead to issues with grey imports to other regions."
Even for those fluent in Japanese, acquiring the cheaper system isn't straightforward. Nintendo's website clearly states, "The Japanese-Language System (Japan only) is designed for use in Japan only. Only Japanese is available as the system language, and only Nintendo accounts with the country/region set to Japan can be linked to this system." Additionally, the Japanese-only variant is exclusively available through the Japanese My Nintendo Store, effectively region-locking the console to maintain lower prices for Japanese consumers.
For a deeper understanding of why the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games are priced so high, check out our in-depth analysis as we discuss with industry experts. To stay updated on everything revealed during this week's Nintendo Direct, catch up on all the details right here.
