It looks like Nintendo might be changing its pricing playbook with the next-gen Switch. While the original Nintendo Switch launched at a wallet-friendly price—especially compared to heavyweights like the PS5 and Xbox—it seems like the upcoming Switch 2 might not follow the same affordable path.

Analysts Say: Think Bigger Budget

According to a report from Bloomberg, analysts who are in close contact with Nintendo and its partners are predicting that the Switch 2 could land somewhere above US$400 (~RM1,779), and may even hit US$499 (~RM2,219). That would put it right in the same ballpark as the PlayStation 5.

If this holds true, it would mark a major shift for Nintendo, which has long been known for offering a more budget-friendly alternative to the high-powered console scene.

What's Behind the Price Hike?

One of the biggest reasons for the potential price jump? The hardware under the hood.

The original Switch ran on the NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip, which reportedly cost around US$80 per unit. But the Switch 2 is expected to use a much more powerful chip—rumored to be the NVIDIA Tegra T239—that could cost anywhere between US$130 and US$150. That alone could push the retail price higher, not to mention the other upgraded components likely to be included.

Tariffs, Manufacturing, and Risk Management

Another factor influencing pricing is good old international trade. The Bloomberg report also mentions US tariffs that could complicate things further for Nintendo. However, there's some good news on this front: the Switch 2 is expected to be manufactured in both Vietnam and China, which may help reduce the risk of getting hit by tariffs and supply chain issues.

Analysts see this manufacturing diversification as a smart move, giving Nintendo more flexibility and less exposure to potential disruptions.

What About Malaysia?

If you're in Malaysia, you've probably noticed that Nintendo doesn't sell its consoles directly here—they go through local distributors. That means final pricing in Malaysia could end up being even higher, depending on what sort of markup the distributors decide to tack on.

So even if the global price sticks to the US$400–$500 range, local gamers may be looking at something closer to RM2,200 or more once it hits our shores.

Will It Sell Anyway?

Despite the possible price shock, analysts still think the Switch 2 will fly off the shelves—especially in the early months. Nintendo has a loyal fan base and a reputation for fun, innovative gameplay that often transcends the usual power and graphics race.

In other words, the price may go up, but if the games and features hit the right notes, people are still going to line up to get one.