Will Nintendo Raise the Price of Switch 2 Amid Surging Memory Costs? 'I Cannot Comment on Hypotheticals,' Nintendo Boss Responds

Since launching last June, the Switch 2 has delivered fresh titles from beloved Nintendo franchises—like Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders—as well as high-quality ports from other platforms, including Final Fantasy VII Remake—demonstrating its ability to handle more demanding games than the original. However, the console’s rollout has not been without challenges, including feedback on the Game-Key Card format and ongoing shortages, particularly in Japan, where limited supply led to lottery-based sales for much of 2025. As the Switch 2 enters its second year, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has begun sharing early glimpses of what’s next.

As reported by Nintendo Life, the Japanese newspaper Kyoto Shimbun recently spoke with Furukawa about the future of the Switch 2. Nintendo Patents Watch provided a summary of the paywalled piece, referenced here.

Concerns have emerged about potential price hikes for the Switch 2, driven by current economic conditions and rising memory costs. With powerful AI chips demanding more memory, outlets like CNBC have warned that global demand may outstrip supply in 2026.

Furukawa confirmed that current memory price trends won’t immediately affect Nintendo’s financial health, thanks to existing inventory and long-term supplier contracts. Still, he emphasized the need to “monitor the situation closely.” When asked about possible consumer price increases, he replied, “I cannot comment on hypotheticals.”

According to CNBC, global RAM supply will fall short this year, as tech giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Google prioritize AI chips and server infrastructure—securing components before they reach consumer markets. In December, Micron—the third-largest memory vendor—announced it would exit part of its consumer PC memory business, redirecting production toward AI-focused needs.

Looking ahead, Furukawa hinted at a mix of long-awaited titles and entirely new experiences. “We are developing popular series titles that many fans are waiting for, but also completely new software.” Though the Switch 2 has yet to see a new mainline The Legend of Zelda game, series producer Eiji Aonuma recently suggested the next entry could incorporate elements from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. In 2026, fans can expect Mario Tennis Fever in February, followed by Yoshi and the Mysterious Book later in the year. Furukawa’s remarks suggest more major announcements are on the way.

Beyond enhanced visuals, performance, and storage compared to the original Switch, the Switch 2 has already introduced new features such as GameChat, GameShare, and the JoyCon’s ability to function as a mouse. It will be exciting to see how upcoming exclusives leverage these innovations.