Tech enthusiast Chifundo, who transitioned to full-time freelance writing in 2015 after developing guides for a financial system, advises consumers against delaying the purchase of the new Nintendo Switch 2.

Impending Price Adjustments for the Switch 2

Reports indicate that Nintendo is considering raising the cost of its latest hybrid console, which debuted on June 5, 2025, at its current $449 price point. This potential increase is directly linked to ongoing supply chain issues affecting critical components.

The 'RAMmagedon' Challenge

The Switch 2 requires 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and the industry-wide shortage, termed "RAMmagedon," is showing no signs of easing. This component scarcity presents a significant hurdle for Nintendo's production strategy.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has publicly expressed worries regarding the profitability of the Switch 2 if RAM prices continue their upward trajectory throughout 2026. This concern follows a challenging period for the company.

Financial Setbacks and Analyst Insights

In early February 2026, Nintendo's share price experienced a 10% drop after the company failed to meet its quarterly revenue projections. Despite this, overall revenue for the period still saw an 86% growth.

Prominent industry analyst Matthew Ball suggests that a price increase has already been subtly enacted. He points to the discontinuation of the $499 Nintendo Switch 2 + "Mario Kart World" bundle in December 2025.

The Discontinued Bundle Strategy

Ball noted that terminating the popular bundle after only three to four months was unusually swift. He suspects this move was primarily driven by DRAM constraints.

"It's $449 for the Switch 2. It's $80 for Mario Kart," Ball stated, explaining the bundle's value proposition. He elaborated that by removing the bundle, Nintendo effectively raised the price for approximately 85% of customers who typically purchase the game.

"They now have to spend $30 more. That's getting close to a 10% increase," Ball concluded, confirming that consumers hoping to save money via the bundle are already facing higher costs.

Broader Industry Impact of RAM Costs

The high cost of RAM chips is affecting more than just Nintendo. A January 2026 report from a research firm indicated that Sony might postpone the release of the PlayStation 6 until 2028 or 2029 due to these escalating chip prices.

Furthermore, Valve's anticipated Steam Machine, a hybrid PC/console set for a 2026 release, faces similar uncertainty because of the ongoing component shortages affecting console manufacturing.