Nintendo has confirmed a pretty painful round of price increases across its Switch ecosystem, covering the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, existing Switch models, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions.
The company announced the changes on May 8, citing shifting market conditions and its wider global business outlook as the reason behind the revisions. Basically, Nintendo is adjusting prices in multiple major markets — and while Malaysia was not specifically named in the announcement, SEA buyers should absolutely keep one eye on this.
Switch 2 is getting more expensive
In Japan, the Japanese-language Nintendo Switch 2 system will go from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980 starting May 25, 2026. Based on the USD figures provided, that is roughly a jump from about US$318 to US$382 — around RM1,490 to RM1,790 before any local taxes, distributor pricing, or retailer markup.
That is not a small bump, bro. For Malaysian players who often compare Japan, US, and local import pricing before buying a console, this could make early Switch 2 purchases feel noticeably heavier on the wallet.
The original Switch family is also affected. Nintendo’s OLED model in Japan is moving from ¥37,980 to ¥47,980, which is roughly US$242 to US$305. The standard Switch and Switch Lite are also set for price increases, though the source material does not list every new figure.
US, Canada, and Europe are next
Nintendo also confirmed price revisions for the United States, Canada, and Europe later in 2026.
In the US, the Nintendo Switch 2 will rise from US$449.99 to US$499.99 on September 1, 2026. Converted roughly, that is about RM2,100 to RM2,350 before Malaysia-side pricing factors. Canada will see the console move from CA$629.99 to CA$679.99, while Europe goes from €469.99 to €499.99.
Again, this does not automatically mean Malaysian official pricing will change by the same amount. But historically, when big console markets move upward, import sellers and regional retailers tend to react. If you are planning to grab a Switch 2 close to launch or through grey import channels, expect pricing to be volatile.
Nintendo Switch Online also kena
The price changes are not only for hardware. Nintendo Switch Online memberships are also going up.
In Japan, a standard 12-month individual plan will increase from ¥2,400 to ¥3,000 from July 1, 2026. The Family membership rises from ¥4,500 to ¥5,800.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier is also getting more expensive. The yearly individual plan will move from ¥4,900 to ¥5,900, while the Family plan climbs to ¥9,900.
South Korea is also listed for Switch Online pricing changes, and Nintendo says more regions are expected to follow. That part matters for SEA because many players here rely on regional account strategies, family plans, or cheaper overseas subscriptions depending on availability and pricing.
What this means for Malaysian gamers
For now, the key takeaway is simple: do not panic-buy, but do budget smarter.
If you already own a Switch, this mainly affects online renewals and the long-term cost of staying inside Nintendo’s ecosystem. If you are waiting for Switch 2, the new US price of US$499.99 gives us a clearer idea of where premium import pricing could land once local sellers factor in shipping, warranty risk, currency exchange, and demand.
Nintendo ended its announcement by apologising to customers and stakeholders for the impact of the price changes, while thanking them for their understanding.
Console gaming was already not cheap in Malaysia, and this move makes the Switch 2 conversation even more interesting. The hardware still has massive hype, but at this price range, Nintendo really needs the launch library and upgrade value to hit hard.
Source: Dexerto Gaming