Nintendo Switch 2 price in Japan shocks former PlayStation executive as a risk Sony wouldn't take

Since Shuhei Yoshida left PlayStation earlier this year, he has shed insight into how the company views its rivals. The former President of Sony Interactive Entertainment recently appeared on the Kit & Krysta podcast. The interview revealed how some decisions Nintendo made surprised Yoshida. One development that drew a reaction from him was the lower-than-anticipated Switch 2 price in Japan.

Gamers in the U.S. pay $450 for the non-bundle version of the Switch 2. Meanwhile, in Japan, the region-specific console only costs 49,980 yen, which converts to roughly $345. However, the international language alternative demands $483. Japanese buyers would need the pricier variety to link foreign Nintendo Switch Online accounts. Nevertheless, Yoshida suggests that PlayStation wouldn't have priced a handheld with Switch 2 specs similarly.

The fact that the Yen is weaker compared to the U.S. dollar than in the past likely impacted the Switch 2 price. Also, Nintendo reportedly viewed it as a means to prevent resellers from importing the system from other regions. Finally, there was a disputed rumor that the company gave Japanese retailers a larger share of profits from console sales.

During the interview, Yoshida hinted that Nintendo would take risks to maintain its dominance in Japan. Even if it earns less hardware revenue, continuing to lead the gaming market would have long-term benefits.

The former PlayStation executive stressed that Sony didn't consider Nintendo as a rival outside of Japan. In other parts of the world, it battled Xbox in a war between cutting-edge consoles. On the other hand, the companies were more competitive in Japan, where Microsoft struggled to establish a foothold. Both gaming giants recognize that different approaches are needed to excel in these distinct markets.

Leaks about a new PlayStation handheld have become more frequent. The device could have native support for PS5 games. If the current Sony leadership thinks like Yoshida, the console may cost Japanese gamers considerably more than the Switch 2.