Nintendo is adjusting Switch pricing in Canada for console and games, but changes won't affect Switch 2

Canadian Nintendo fans received some potentially unwelcome news. The Japanese company distributed a press release revealing that it will announce changes to the Switch price on August 1st. Gamers can expect different MSRPs on consoles, games, accessories, and Nintendo Switch Online. Notably, the revisions won't apply to the Switch 2 generation. The manufacturer doesn't clarify whether products will become more or less expensive, but gamers are fearing price increases.

Considering Nintendo's reference to changing market conditions, many buyers expect the worst-case scenario. Canadian and American customers avoided a Switch 2 price hike amid tensions over U.S. tariffs on China. However, the two countries are also involved in trade disputes, with Canada announcing that it will restart negotiations. The tariff uncertainty has already affected the price and shipments of electronics manufactured in China, though Nintendo shifted some production to Vietnam.

It's also possible that Nintendo will soon make pricing changes public in other nations. However, gamers are questioning how much Nintendo can raise the cost of the original Switch with the new handheld available. The Switch OLED sells for $450 in Canada, while buyers can purchase the non-bundled Switch 2 for $630 CAD. Even the Switch with an LCD screen still costs $400. If the older consoles jump in price by another $50, it makes less sense not to buy the Switch 2.

The cost of Switch games remains high, so players will not be thrilled about paying more for older titles. On the other hand, with backward compatibility and upgrade packs, these games are finding a new life on the Switch 2. Many Switch accessories also have some functionality on the latest handheld.

One change that could affect both generations of Switch owners in Canada is with Nintendo Switch Online. Currently, the service costs only $4.99 per month without the Expansion Pack.