It has been an interesting console generation, to say the least. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X launched in the midst of a global pandemic, while theNintendo Switch’s popularity and dominance over its own lane have continued. While many are apt to compare all three, the truth is theSwitchhas been in a league of its own for some time in terms of popularity and market. This could be one reason why Nintendo Switch games rarely go on sale and why the main console, the Lite version, and the OLED version are constantly the same price years later.
Even with Nintendo doing its own thing, it’s understandable that many would be worried about Switch prices afterSony recently announced it was raising prices on the PS5around the globe. Several countries are seeing price increases up to 20%, and while Sony did not raise prices in the United States, it stands to reason that the US itself may not be clear of the PS5 price increases yet. Many, still, have looked to Microsoft and Nintendo to comment on their plans. Microsoft recently commented, in short, that there were no plans toraise Xbox Series X/S prices, and now Nintendo has weighed in too.
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Responding to VGC’s request for comment, Nintendo’s UK arm reiterated president Furukawa’s statement back in June that it cannot comment on pricing strategies; however, as of this moment at least, Nintendo does not have plans to raise Switch prices in response to the increased hardware cost associated with inflation.
As the spokesperson said, “As our president Mr. Furukawa stated at the 82nd Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in June: ‘While we cannot comment on pricing strategies, we currently do not have any plans to change the price of our hardware due to inflation or increased procurement costs in each country. We will determine our future pricing strategies through careful and continued deliberations.’ While the final price to consumers is always determined by retailers, as Mr. Furukawa stated, Nintendo has no plans to increase the trade price of its hardware.”
It should be noted that the messaging here is pretty clear, and it seems this is something Nintendo somewhat anticipated. After all,when Sony was asked about raising PS5 prices a few months ago, the response given amounted to a non-answer. Of course, this response doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but at least for now, Nintendo Switch fans are in the clear.
It’s no doubt a trying time for several companies, as global inflation costs have skyrocketed, there have been shortages of required components for years now, and there is still the ongoing pandemic to deal with too. It’s hard to say what the long-term effects will be on thePS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, but for the here and now, it’s pretty clear where the chips fall.
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