Nintendo has confirmed it has a number of unannounced Swap 2 video games set for launch later this yr, as the corporate responds to questions on its determination to lift console costs.
Final week, Nintendo confirmed it was mountaineering the Swap 2’s worth globally, with adjustments set to happen this month in Japan, or on September 1 in North America and Europe. Within the U.S., Swap 2 goes up by $50, from $449.99 to $499.99. In Canada, Swap 2 rises from $629.99 to $679.99. In Europe, Swap 2 goes up from €469.99 to €499.99.
The corporate had been below stress from shareholders to up the price of its console (which it has reportedly been promoting at a loss, in a change from the Swap 1 period), even when it now expects to promote fewer Swap 2 consoles over the subsequent 12 months than the machine’s first yr on sale. It is a scenario Nintendo has defined by suggesting that Swap 2 gross sales are merely stabilizing following the console’s explosive arrival.
Nintendo has additionally acknowledged the value hike will impression the console’s affordability — probably pricing some clients out of a sale. It is a delicate stability, and one which Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has now sought to clarify in additional element throughout a current investor meeting.
“We’ve not mentioned the precise impression this worth change may have on Nintendo Swap 2 gross sales, however we perceive that it’s going to increase the barrier to buy to some extent,” Furukawa defined (through machine translation). “Nonetheless, crucial factor within the gaming console enterprise is to supply partaking gameplay that gives worth past the value. We and our software program companions will proceed to launch numerous titles, and we goal to develop the market by conveying these titles together with the brand new experiences distinctive to the Nintendo Swap 2.”
Right now, Nintendo shares are down 8% for the reason that firm’s worth rise announcement. The inventory worth has been falling steadily over the previous yr since its peak across the much-hyped Swap 2 launch. Now, it sits at its lowest since August 2024, and down 34% for the reason that yr started.
Nintendo Collection Tier Listing
Nintendo Collection Tier Listing
“The adoption fee of the Nintendo Swap 2 is increased than that of the Nintendo Swap,” Furukawa stated in response to a different investor query. “At this level, we have now no specific considerations about its momentum. The truth that Pokémon Pokopia contributed to {hardware} gross sales reaffirmed that having software program that clients wish to play is a crucial think about encouraging the transition to the Nintendo Swap 2.
“We’ve many new titles deliberate for the Nintendo Swap 2, and we’ll rigorously convey the attraction of every title in order that clients can transition to the Nintendo Swap 2 at their very own timing,” he continued, earlier than including:
“Relating to the longer term, we’re getting ready a wide range of new titles for Nintendo Swap 2, no matter whether or not they’re so-called main titles or not. As well as, we have now new titles ready for the second half of this fiscal yr, along with these already introduced, and we’ll present particulars on the acceptable time.”
This remark will little question spark additional hypothesis across the previously-leaked The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Swap 2 port that Nintendo is now widely-expected to have ready within the wings this Christmas.
The corporate already has a strong lineup of Swap 2 video games because of launch over the approaching months, together with Yoshi and the Mysterious E-book on Might 21, Star Fox on June 25, Rhythm Heaven Groove on July 2 (additionally out there on Swap 1) and Splatoon Raiders on July 23. Hearth Emblem: Fortune’s Weave has additionally been confirmed to launch this yr some level, and followers are additionally anticipating FromSoftware unique The Duskbloods.
Lastly, Furukawa was additionally requested to clarify why the Swap 2 worth hike was mandatory, moderately than persevering with to subsidize the console to the extent it has. His response was, basically, that working prices have risen completely, moderately than the present financial local weather being a blip.
“If the associated fee improve had been short-term and anticipated to subside comparatively shortly, we might have pursued company efforts resembling bettering manufacturing effectivity and aimed to develop the put in base whereas sustaining the {hardware} worth,” Furukawa recommended. “Nonetheless, given the current surge in element costs, notably reminiscence, and the traits in change charges and oil costs, we consider that these market surroundings adjustments are anticipated to proceed for the medium to long run.
“Due to this fact, we consider that sustaining the earlier worth would considerably worsen the profitability of the {hardware}, probably impacting our medium to long-term enterprise operations. With the intention to sustainably develop our gaming console enterprise, it’s mandatory to keep up a wholesome income construction when contemplating the enterprise as a complete. Due to this fact, though it was a troublesome determination, we have now determined to move on a portion of the prices to the gross sales worth.”
Final week, a bunch of Nintendo followers confirmed that they had filed a class-action lawsuit demanding that any forthcoming tariff refunds obtained by the corporate are returned to clients, who’ve paid increased costs on Swap 2 equipment and Swap 1 consoles over the course of the previous yr, lengthy earlier than the console itself is raised in worth.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You possibly can attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social