The price tag of the Nintendo Switch 2 is much more affordable in Japan, but there are some differences between this cheaper version and the default version. In early January 2025, Nintendo announced that a successor to the Switch would be coming with a first-look trailer, which showed how the console looked. However, players would have to wait nearly three months to learn more about the Switch 2. On April 2, Nintendo hosted the Switch 2 Direct, and millions of fans tuned in to find out every detail about the upcoming console.

nintendo switch 2 dropped ball with ui
Nintendo Switch 2 May Have Dropped The Ball in One Key Area

The Nintendo Switch 2 seems like a solid piece of hardware, all things considered, but there's one aspect of the console that feels underwhelming.

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  • ¥49,980 / $340 for the Japan-exclusive version of the Switch 2

It seems that the $450 price tag is more or less the same in every country except for Japan. In Japan, players thinking of buying the Nintendo Switch 2 have the opportunity to get it for ¥49,980, which is around $340. The cheaper version of the Switch 2 is the same when it comes to hardware and specs, but it is only available in Japanese, and gamers cannot change its language. Additionally, it requires a Japanese account, and Nintendo Switch 2 online features cannot be used outside of that region. Gamers who live in Japan but don't speak the language can get the default version of the console, but it costs an additional ¥20,000, meaning it'll be available for about $430.

How Much Does the Nintendo Switch 2 Cost in Japan?

While it may seem odd that Nintendo would reduce the price by $120 to add these restrictions, it also makes it clear that there is no reason why the Nintendo Switch 2 needs to be so expensive. There is no doubt that Nintendo has been making some strange decisions with the Nintendo Switch 2. Players were also appalled when they discovered that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour would be sold for over $6 rather than given away as a free add-on, as it's a game that looks like a tech demo for the console.

In the past, Nintendo had no issues giving players free games with their consoles, such as Wii Sports or AR Games, and this could've been the case this time around as well. Despite its low price tag, it's hard to believe that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will sell many copies, as it was not well-received by fans.

Nintendo Switch 2 Tag Page Cover Art
Nintendo Switch 2
Brand
Nintendo
Operating System
Proprietary
Storage
256GB internal / MicroSD
Resolution
1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)

The successor to 2017's Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on June 5, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.

App Store
Nintendo eShop
Wi-Fi
Yes
Ports
2x USB Type-C / 3.5mm audio
HDR Support
Yes
Original Release Date
June 5, 2025
Original MSRP (USD)
$449.99
See at Official Site