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If you're hoping to buy a Nintendo Switch 2, now is an ideal time. The Japanese gaming giant announced that prices of the gaming console are going up starting in September.
Nintendo hasn't confirmed the exact UK figure yet, but the console is expected to cost roughly £30 more, bringing it to around £430. In the US, the price has been confirmed to jump by $50, taking it from $449.99 to $499.99. European gamers will see a €30 increase, pushing the console to €499.99.
This is due to spiralling component costs amid a worldwide shortage of memory chips. This is the fault of Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres gobbling up global supply at an incredible rate to power their facilities.
Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, said in a statement: "We sincerely apologise to our customers for the considerable inconvenience and trouble this will cause," he said. "While we wanted to prioritise a wide adoption, it was challenging to bear the rising costs over a long period."
However, if you're looking to buy the gaming console before the price rise takes effect, Amazon has it marked down to £359 — was £385.
Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon before prices rise in the UK
You can get the Nintendo Switch 2 on sale before its anticipated price hike in a few months. With improved graphics, faster loading, and a longer battery life, take your gaming on the go for your holidays with the Switch 2. Whether you're flying, road-tripping, or relaxing by the beach, you can enjoy your favourite games anytime, anywhere, as a portable, hybrid console
Several tech firms have felt the effects of the mass shortage. Sony's PlayStation 5 saw a price hike of £90. The founder of British start-up Nothing also confirmed that smartphone prices will rise this year.
Apple may also be raising the prices of its new MacBook Neo, according to tech analyst Tim Culpan.
Mr Furukawa also admitted that the new pricing "does not fully account for all cost increases." This means Nintendo might now be losing money on every console it sells, despite the anticipated hike.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is designed to play games on an even larger screen compared to its predecessor
| NINTENDO PRESSIf you're thinking about picking one up before the price jump, you've got roughly four months to act.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is designed to play games on an even larger screen compared to its predecessor. The Switch 2 dock, used to connect the console to a TV, now supports 4K video resolution and 120 frames per second frame rate. It also supports HDR and frame rates up to 120 fps, meaning you can enjoy vibrant colour, clarity, and smoother gameplay.
The detachable Joy-Con controllers have been updated and now magnetically attach to the Switch 2 console. In addition, either Joy-Con 2 controller can be operated like a computer mouse by sliding it on a surface.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
In addition, the kickstand built into the back of the Switch 2 is now fully adjustable for the first time, and the console will include a second USB-C port, which can be used for charging or to attach an accessory, such as the new Switch 2 Camera, which is used for social gaming with friends.
Looking ahead, Nintendo expects to shift fewer consoles in the coming year. The company forecasts selling 16.5 million Switch 2 units in the financial year through March 2027 – that's down nearly 17% from the 19.86 million sold in its first year.