While we're all eagerly awaiting more information on the Nintendo Switch 2, industry analysts have started to speculate specific launch details. Anticipation is building towards the Switch 2's launch, which will come sometime this year, and analysts believe Nintendo could deliver the biggest launch in game history.
In order to achieve that though, Nintendo may face some uphill battles, especially since many expect that the Switch 2 will have a higher price point than its predecessor. Bloomberg reports that many analysts across the industry anticipate a price tag of "$400 or more."
Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda believes the price could even be pushed as high as $499 thanks to its larger screen, upgraded graphics hardware, and more powerful internal components.
“The original Switch’s Nvidia chip is estimated to cost $80 per unit, while the Switch 2’s chip is likely to be in the $130-$150 range,” analyst Hideki Yasuda said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo goes ahead with $499.”
Macquarie Capital analyst Hiroshi Yamashina predicts the Switch 2's price to be set between $399 and $449.
There's also concern that U.S. tariffs on China could push the price higher. However, Nintendo has a diversified manufacturing footprint that sees the Switch 2 assembled in Vietnam, a major trading partner of the U.S. That could help offset the effects of tariffs.
Despite the increased price tag, it's expected that the Switch 2 will do incredibly well at launch. One Tokyo-based industry watcher even claimed that Nintendo would "sell boatloads" of the Switch 2 in its first couple of months thanks, in large part, to a strong year-one software lineup.
Nintendo hasn't officially unveiled its Switch 2 lineup, although the reveal trailer did tease a new Mario Kart game. Additionally, it's expected that the already-announced Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 will be Switch 2 launch titles. And unlike the original Switch, the presumed improved hardware of the Switch 2 could allow for more third-party support from day one, including possibly even blockbusters like Call of Duty.
The original Switch was priced at $299 at launch, making it an attractive entry for many gamers. But market observers don't expect that a price hike of $100 or more will have much of an impact on the Switch 2's launch.
UBS' Yijia Zhai expects a first-day inventory of 6 million to 8 million units, and if sales go as planned, the Switch 2 would mark the biggest console launch ever. For comparison, the original Switch sold 2.7 million units in its first month, while Sony's PlayStation 5 sold 4.5 million units in its first quarter. Macquarie Capital's Hiroshi Yamashina estimates Switch 2 sales of 20 million units in the first year on the market.
Nintendo could reveal the Switch 2's launch details — including price and release date — during the planned Switch 2 Direct stream on April 2nd. The reception to what is shown there should give us a better idea as to how the sales of the Switch successor could shake out.