Former Nintendo marketers think Switch 2 Lite release date could come within months at $350 price

Recently, a gamer unearthed a new product code on the Nintendo Account portal. Debates immediately began over whether “OSM” may refer to a Switch 2 Lite or a Switch 2 OLED. Ex-Nintendo employees Kit & Krysta believe that a Switch 2 with a lower price is inevitable to expand the system’s audience. While only speculating, the podcasters think that a Switch 2 Lite announcement could come in February.

Nintendo may prioritize a budget console

Krysta Yang participated in the launch of the Switch Lite in September 2019. The budget handheld came out around 2.5 years after the original console hit the market. Nevertheless, in a new video, she highlights reasons why Nintendo will not wait as long to reveal a Switch 2 Lite release date.

In previous generations, Yang notes that the manufacturer sought to offer a “family of systems” with low, mid, and high-end options. Having a more affordable alternative is particularly important considering the loftier Switch 2 price.

Although rebounding in December, sales of the console declined as 2025 unfolded. Without a bundle, the first Switch launched at $299.99, a significantly lower MSRP than the newer $449.99 handheld. The lack of a system-selling game is a factor, but a cheaper alternative would also convince more buyers to upgrade.

How much would a Switch 2 Lite cost?

As for the Switch 2 Lite price and specs, Kit Ellis offered some guesses. A $350 mark may seem extravagant, given that the original Lite was only $199.99. Still, Nintendo is contending with higher storage and memory costs triggered by the AI boom. A Switch 2 price increase is possible, widening the gap between the two handhelds.

Ellis expects that the rumored hardware would be exclusively mobile, lacking the $125 dock. Nintendo could also not include detachable Joy-Cons, further cutting costs. Kit & Krysta didn’t discuss a smaller screen, but a compact display would make the device more portable.

It’s important to remember that it’s not even clear what the leaked “OSM” code stands for. Regardless, for the former Nintendo marketers, it’s a matter of when, not if, a cheaper console surfaces. Ellis advised keeping an eye out for a potential February Nintendo Direct. The company may want to pencil in a Switch 2 Lite release date before the next fiscal year ends in late March.