Hardware Pricing
Ongoing coverage on Hardware Pricing.
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Nintendo announces price increase for Switch 2 handheld — but you still have time to beat it
Nintendo has announced a price increase for its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 handheld console, set to take effect on September 1, 2026, in North America and Europe, and May 25, 2026, in Japan. The price will rise to $499.99 in the US, with similar increases in Canada and Europe, and a significant jump in Japan for both hardware and online subscriptions. This decision comes amid broader market conditions and price adjustments seen across the industry, including by Sony and Microsoft for their current-generation consoles.
Nintendo is raising Switch 2 prices around the world
Nintendo is increasing the prices of its Switch hardware and Nintendo Switch Online services in key markets including Japan, the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company cited "various changes in market conditions" and ongoing memory shortages as reasons for the revisions, which will take effect in late May and early September 2026.
Nintendo is raising the price of the Switch 2 later this year
Nintendo is increasing the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Nintendo Switch 2 by $50 in the US, effective September 1, 2026, with regional variations. The company cited changes in market conditions and global economic outlook as reasons for the price hike. In Japan, both the Switch 2 and existing Switch models will also see price increases starting May 25, 2026.
Nintendo Switch 2 price increases are coming, Nintendo announces
Nintendo has announced upcoming price increases for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its other console models, effective May 28 in Japan and September 1 in North America and Europe. These revisions reflect broader trends in the electronics industry facing increased component costs. The company is also adjusting prices for Nintendo Switch Online in Japan.
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 now starts at $1,200, but the version I'd consider is currently AWOL
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is now available starting at $1,200, a price point that is considered high despite a supposed 25% discount. The article compares it unfavorably to the Xbox Ally and Steam Deck, questioning the value proposition of current high-end gaming handheld prices.
As Nintendo reportedly faces pressure to raise Switch 2 prices, Star Fox demonstrates it's standing by its pledge to make digital games cheaper
Nintendo is reportedly facing pressure from investors to increase the price of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 due to component costs, despite concerns about consumer spending. In contrast, the company is making digital versions of games like the new Star Fox 64 remake cheaper than physical copies in some regions, a strategy previously seen with Yoshi and the Mysterious Book.
The Nintendo Switch 2 could see a $50-100 price hike says report as pesky investors complain about the launch price
A report suggests the Nintendo Switch 2 could see a $50-$100 price increase due to investor pressure and a memory crisis, though some analysts believe this is not enough to ensure profitability. Analysts Hideki Yasuda and Michael Pachter offer differing opinions on the potential price hike's impact.
Nintendo Is Under Pressure To Increase The Switch 2 Prices
Nintendo is facing investor pressure to increase the price of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 due to rising memory costs and concerns about profitability. Despite the original Nintendo Switch surpassing the Nintendo DS in sales, the company's stock has fallen, leading to discussions about pricing strategies. President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that the company will carefully consider all factors before making a decision.
Switch 2 Reportedly Too Good a Deal, Investors Want That Fixed
Nintendo may face shareholder pressure to increase the price of the upcoming Switch 2 console, which is reportedly being sold at a loss. Analysts are divided on whether price hikes would benefit or harm the company's stock performance and consumer appeal. Nintendo is also encouraging digital game sales to offset hardware costs.
Steam Controller release date revealed as Steam Machine price increases
Valve has announced the release date for the Steam Controller as May 4th, priced at £85, and confirmed that the Steam Machine's release has been impacted by memory shortages, shifting its window to the first half of 2026. Hardware engineer Steve Cardinali explained that the controller's release was prioritized over the Steam Machine due to development unaffected by shortages. Pricing for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame remains unconfirmed, though they are expected to be more expensive than initially planned.
Evening Interviews
Valve discusses Steam Controller pricing, the ongoing RAM shortage impacting hardware production, and provides an update on the development of the Steam Deck 2. The interview covers various aspects of their hardware initiatives.
Valve on the $99 Steam Controller: 'I do know price has gone up from where we originally wanted it to be'
Valve designer Lawrence Yang acknowledged that the Steam Controller's final price of $99 is higher than originally intended due to external factors. Despite the increased cost, Yang believes the controller's unique PC functionality will still drive sales, and regional pricing variations are expected due to import duties.
AI Yi-Yi!
China has blocked Meta's proposed $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, citing antitrust concerns. Meanwhile, Intel has warned that CPU prices may increase due to rising costs associated with artificial intelligence development and implementation.
Gamers, it's time to get excited — the Steam Machine's price and launch date may be imminent
Valve is reportedly nearing an announcement for the price and release date of the Steam Machine, with rumors suggesting the company may sell the device at a loss. This follows recent sightings of the Steam Controller, leading to speculation that both hardware components are close to launch. The pricing strategy is being considered amidst a global memory crisis impacting PC hardware costs.
Valve could sell the Steam Machine at a loss, and that would be a win for everyone
Valve may sell the Steam Machine at a loss initially to encourage lower MSRPs from console makers. Rumors suggest the Steam Controller will launch on May 4 for $99, potentially helping to recoup hardware losses. This strategy mirrors traditional console makers who sell hardware at a loss to drive game and add-on sales.
Steam Controller Price Leaks Online
A leaked YouTube video revealed that Valve's upcoming Steam Controller will be priced at $99.99. Valve has also indicated that ongoing RAM and storage shortages may impact the release dates for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, potentially delaying them into 2026, despite earlier hopes for a first-half-of-the-year launch.
Leak suggests solid pricing for Steam Machine, but even that might be too high to save it
A leak suggests Valve is targeting a $650 to $750 price range for the Steam Machine, influenced by fluctuating RAM prices and the AI market. This pricing places it competitively against the PlayStation 5 Slim but potentially above other consoles and custom PCs, raising concerns about its market viability. The article speculates that Valve should instead focus on iterating the Steam Deck.
"We need to adjust our pricing" - The cost of the Meta Quest 3 and 3S is rising by up to $100, and that plays right into Valve's hands if the Steam Frame ever launches
Meta is increasing the prices of its Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S VR headsets by up to $100 starting April 19, 2026, citing rising component costs. This price adjustment may benefit Valve's upcoming Steam Frame by reducing the price gap between the devices. Meta reaffirmed its commitment to VR despite recent layoffs and market speculation.
Sony should re-release the PS4 to combat rising prices - Reader’s Feature
A reader proposes that Sony should re-release the PlayStation 4 instead of focusing on the upcoming PlayStation 6 to combat rising hardware prices. The author argues the PS4 offered a better balance of power and affordability, and that continuing its production with updated features like the DualSense controller would be more beneficial for both consumers and developers than releasing a more expensive, incrementally powerful next-generation console.
PS5 and Switch 2 prices set to rise again as memory chip costs more than double
Rising memory chip costs, driven by high demand from AI data centers, are projected to increase hardware component prices by up to 75%. This trend is expected to lead to price hikes for current and future consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, and potentially delay next-generation hardware releases. Valve has also acknowledged that these shortages have altered its launch plans for its Steam Machine.
