Quick Summary

  • Nintendo Switch 2 supply is stable globally, except in Japan where demand remains high.
  • Nintendo plans to enhance software offerings with a mix of sequels and new IPs.
  • A price increase to around $499 is possible due to rising RAM costs.
Nintendo Switch 2 with Animal Crossing game Display

Introduction

2026 is shaping up to be a critical year for Nintendo. With the Switch 2 already breaking early sales records—selling over 10 million units in its first few months since the June 2025 launch and claiming the title of the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever—fans and investors alike are watching closely to see how Nintendo handles pricing, supply, and software momentum moving forward.

The console's explosive debut saw massive demand, with shipments hitting 10.36 million by September 2025 and strong performance in regions like Japan (up 11% vs. the original Switch's launch year). However, holiday 2025 sales showed signs of cooling: down ~35% in the US, 16% in the UK, and softer overall compared to the original Switch's first holiday period, attributed to economic pressures, higher pricing, and a lack of major blockbuster Western titles.

A recent exclusive interview with Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in Japanese newspaper Kyoto Shimbun (January 12, 2026) has sparked fresh debate—especially around rising hardware costs and future game strategy. Furukawa confirmed global supply has stabilized (easy to find in most stores), except in Japan, where high demand requires more time to meet. He emphasized enhancing software from 2026 onward, developing both awaited popular series and completely new titles to keep momentum strong.

On pricing, Furukawa dodged direct hypotheticals but noted Nintendo is closely monitoring volatile RAM costs (skyrocketing due to AI demand, with relevant modules up ~41% recently) and tariffs—no immediate impact thanks to medium-to-long-term procurement plans, but the situation demands vigilance. Speculation persists that a hike (possibly to $500+) could come if shortages persist into 2026.

Switch 2 Supply: Stable Globally, Still Tight in Japan

According to Furukawa, global supply of the Nintendo Switch 2 has largely stabilized—except in Japan. While consumers in the US and Europe can easily find the console in stores, Japan continues to see shortages, highlighting just how strong domestic demand remains.

Despite reports of softer holiday sales in regions like the UK and France, the Switch 2 still holds the title of one of Nintendo's fastest-selling consoles ever. Economic pressure and higher launch pricing may be slowing momentum in some markets, but demand hasn't disappeared.

Nintendo's Software Plans for 2026

Nintendo confirmed it will "further enhance software offerings from 2026 onwards", including both popular franchises and entirely new titles. This statement leaves room for interpretation.

Some fans expect enhanced versions of older Switch games, while others are hoping for bold new IPs—something Nintendo has successfully done in the past with franchises like Splatoon. Relying too heavily on enhanced ports risks alienating long-time Switch users who've already played these titles.

Nintendo's strength has always been variety. Experimenting with new genres and targeting a slightly older audience could help the Switch 2 stand apart in a crowded console market.

The Price Increase Question No One's Avoiding

When asked directly about a potential Switch 2 price increase, Furukawa declined to comment on "hypotheticals." But the reality is hard to ignore.

RAM prices have nearly tripled over the past 18 months due to AI-driven demand and supply constraints. Since the Switch 2 uses 12GB of RAM, future production runs will inevitably cost more. While current inventory may be protected by older contracts, upcoming manufacturing cycles won't be.

A base price increase to around $499 in 2026 feels less like speculation and more like an eventuality—especially as other console makers also face rising component costs. This trend mirrors broader tech pricing shifts, similar to what we've seen across smartphones and AI hardware in 2026.

What This Means for Nintendo Fans

Nintendo isn't in trouble—but it is at a crossroads. The Switch 2 has already cemented its place as a massive success, becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever with over 10.36 million units shipped by late 2025. Yet, sustaining that explosive momentum into 2026 and beyond will demand careful navigation of challenges like component costs, regional supply issues, and delivering compelling software.

While global availability has largely stabilized—making it easy to walk into stores in the US and Europe and grab one—Japan continues to face high demand and lingering shortages. Fans there are still relying on lotteries for popular bundles, a reminder that Nintendo's home market remains its most passionate.

Holiday sales painted a more mixed picture: softer than the original Switch's record-breaking 2017 season in key markets (down ~35% in the US, 16% in the UK), partly due to economic headwinds and a higher launch price point. Still, the Switch 2 outperformed its predecessor in full-year comparisons in places like Japan (+11%) and the UK (+6%), proving its broad appeal.

Looking ahead, Furukawa's comments signal optimism on the software front. Nintendo plans to "further enhance offerings from 2026 onwards," blending highly anticipated sequels from beloved franchises with entirely new IPs. The upcoming Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (launching January 15, 2026) is a perfect early test—complete with enhanced resolution, mouse controls, expanded online play (up to 12 players), and a free v3.0 update adding a resort hotel, more storage, and collaborations.

On the pricing front, rising RAM costs driven by AI demand have raised eyebrows, with some modules up ~41%. Furukawa was cautious, noting no immediate financial impact thanks to long-term procurement deals, but emphasized close monitoring. He declined to rule out future adjustments, calling it "hypothetical" for now.

Ultimately, success hinges on:

  • Delivering blockbuster first-party titles to drive hardware sales.
  • Maintaining transparent communication around pricing and availability to keep trust high.
  • Balancing nostalgia-driven updates (like enhanced classics) with bold, innovative new experiences to attract both longtime fans and newcomers.

Final Thoughts

Switch 2 price hike may be inevitable amid soaring RAM costs (up ~41% due to AI demand) and tariffs—Furukawa called it "hypothetical" but confirmed close monitoring, with no immediate hit thanks to long-term deals. Yet, stellar software can soften the blow, as Nintendo ramps up "enhanced offerings" from 2026 with fan-awaited series and bold new IPs.

Despite softer holiday sales (down 35% US vs. original Switch), the console's record launch (10M+ units) shows staying power—if Nintendo prioritizes fresh experiences over ports (beyond tomorrow's Animal Crossing Switch 2 Edition Jan 15 launch), 2026 could be legendary.

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will the Nintendo Switch 2 price increase in 2026?

A: While Nintendo hasn't confirmed a price increase, rising RAM costs (up ~41% due to AI demand) and component shortages make a price hike to around $499 highly likely. Furukawa confirmed they're monitoring the situation closely.

Q2: Why is the Switch 2 still hard to find in Japan?

A: Domestic demand in Japan remains extremely high, outpacing supply despite global availability improving. Japanese consumers often face lottery systems for popular bundles, unlike in the US and Europe where the console is readily available.

Q3: Is Nintendo focusing more on old games than new ones?

A: Nintendo plans to balance both—they've committed to "enhanced offerings" including popular franchise sequels AND entirely new IPs. However, fans are hoping for more original titles rather than just enhanced ports of older Switch games.

Q4: Could software bundles offset a price hike?

A: Yes, Nintendo may introduce game+console bundles to add value and justify higher pricing. Special editions with popular titles like the Animal Crossing Switch 2 Edition could help soften the impact of any price increases.

Q5: How does the Switch 2 compare to original Switch sales?

A: The Switch 2 had a record-breaking launch with over 10 million units sold in its first few months, making it Nintendo's fastest-selling console ever. However, holiday 2025 sales were softer (~35% down in US) compared to the original Switch's first holiday season.

Q6: What new features can we expect from upcoming Switch 2 games?

A: Upcoming titles like Animal Crossing Switch 2 Edition showcase enhanced graphics, expanded multiplayer (up to 12 players), new control options (mouse support), and significant content updates. Future games will likely leverage the Switch 2's improved hardware for better visuals and gameplay features.

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