Last Updated on January 3, 2022 by Mark P.
You may have noticed that Nintendo Switch pricing seems to be significantly higher than normal. It’s been like this for a while and may continue for the foreseeable future.
Looking for a good deal on a Nintendo Switch?
While most of the usual gaming retailers may be sold out, we did see some available Switches at a few of the larger stores. Check these stores for current availability and pricing:
Current Switches Available at eBay
Because eBay focuses solely on 3rd-party sellers, even when the Nintendo Switch is sold out at stores like Target, Walmart or Amazon, eBay tends to still offer switches for sale. Keep in mind though that you may end up paying a premium as 3rd-party sellers often resell after purchasing at the full retail price. If you’re not looking for a Switch right now, it may be worth waiting a few weeks until the larger big box stores restock them.
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Check Availability & Compare:
Amazon – Check current pricing & availability
Walmart – Check current pricing & availability
So, why is the Nintendo Switch so expensive right now?
The short answer
Nintendo Switches are so expensive right now because there is little to no supply available for US retailers. This is causing the Nintendo Switch cost on the remaining supply to be marked up, mostly by third-party sellers or resellers. Nintendo of America is aware of the shortage and has stated that ‘there is more supply on the way’. The vagueness of this answer is a bit frustrating as it doesn’t state how long this supply shortage will last.
The long answer
With COVID-19 impacting nearly every industry around the world, shipping and supply chains have been hit particularly hard. Fact of the matter is, the retail stock of the Nintendo Switch is practically nonexistent right now, and there’s no word as to when they may be restocked. That being the case, getting your hands on a Switch right now would cost you a whole lot more than usual. Naturally, you’d be hard-pressed to find some recent Switch releases, like Doom Eternal or the new Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
It’s becoming very difficult to find a Nintendo Switch console at is normal retail Nintendo Switch prices, that being around $300. The situation is the same across nearly every channel, which includes eBay, Amazon and Best Buy. The Nintendo Switch Lite, which has a retail price of $200, is not quite as rare as the regular model, but it is still sold out on Amazon, so it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows if you were willing to settle for a Lite.
Nintendo of America is fully aware of the supply shortage, and they are hoping to rectify the situation as soon as possible. Of course, it’s almost impossible to really say when that may be.
A Nintendo spokesperson provided comment to Hollywood Reporter saying, “Nintendo Switch hardware is selling out at various retail locations in the U.S., but more systems are on the way. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
How much is a Nintendo Switch console right now?
If you absolutely need to buy a Nintendo Switch right now, you can still find Nintendo Switches for sale online, but with the situation being so dire, you will be paying exorbitant prices. As of today, the cheapest Nintendo Switch for sale on Amazon right now is more than $400, and the cheapest Lite is $230. Those won’t be able to be shipped for weeks. If you were to pay for either model to be delivered ASAP, you would have to pay approximately $480 or $299 respectively.
The situation on eBay is almost identical. There are plenty of used Nintendo Switch consoles for sale there, but most of them are being sold at retail prices. And if you wanted to get a brand-new Switch from eBay, expect to pay $400 or $250 for a Lite.
Making matters worse is the fact that no one has any idea when this stock situation will get better. With the COVID-19 outbreak actually worsening in some countries, shipping and supply concerns could get much worse before they get better, which means it could be a pretty long time before Switches hit the shelves at local retail stores at the normal Nintendo Switch price.
Frankly, if you don’t have a Switch right now, you’re probably better off waiting to buy a Nintendo Switch until the situation calms down and returns to normal, even if that might be awhile. After all, paying upwards of $150 extra for a new Switch is kind of ridiculous. Unless you have plenty of disposable income to throw around and literally no other way to entertain yourself, we’d recommend steering clear of a Switch in the current market.
FAQs
Did the Nintendo Switch go up in price?
During the pandemic, the price for the Nintendo Switch did go up. However, that was not because Nintendo America raised the MSRP, it was due to a shortage and limited supply. With fewer Switches available and the demand for the Switch rising, those who had the Switch in stock were able to charge more than the regular price.
Why are used Nintendo Switches so expensive?
Used Nintendo Switches are expensive because of limited supply. You have new Switches that are priced higher than normal due to limited in supply so the less expensive used version is now in higher demand as well.
Related: Buy Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch FAQs
What is a Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch has been out for about three years now, and a plethora of new titles that have revolutionized the gaming market have also been released. The Nintendo Switch is the newest gaming console in the Nintendo lineup, a bridge between the home console, the Wii U, and the mobile console the Nintendo DS.
The Nintendo Switch has brought innovation to the gaming scene, as it can be used both as a home console and a portable console. This diversity of console choice makes the Nintendo Switch an interesting console that’s extremely versatile.
The Nintendo Switch was released on March 3rd, 2017, and is the eighth generation console by Nintendo. After the release of the Wii, Wii U, DS, and 3DS, Nintendo decided to connect the two. The Nintendo Switch is a game console that can be hooked up to your television or can be played portably on the already existing screen.
The controllers are also interesting as they can be connected directly to the console in the portable mode or used separately. These controllers are called Joy-Cons and come with a multitude of features. The Joy-Cons come with NFC readers, HD Rumble as well as a gyroscope and accelerometer that can be used for motion tracking.
How much is a Nintendo Switch?
Originally the Nintendo Switch was $300 USD but has increased in price due to the popularity of the Switch causing inventory shortages. The Nintendo Switch Lite featuring only the portable version starts at $200 but has also sold out and increased in price over time. Depending on the kind of console you’re getting and the edition that you’re getting the price could fluctuate. Special editions and console bundles that already come with games and sim cards may be more expensive than the original $300 price tag.
When Will the Nintendo Switch be back in Stock?
It’s not confirmed when the Nintendo Switch will be back in stock but most likely the Switch will be available for purchase during the 2020 holiday season. The 2020 holiday season will come with new console editions, games, and sales, it is highly likely that players will be able to get their hands on a Nintendo Switch this Winter.
Where can I buy a Nintendo Switch?
Players can buy a Nintendo Switch at large retailers such as Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Gamestop, etc. Players are also able to buy the console on their respective websites as well. Websites such as Amazon, eBay, and other third-party websites can also be used to purchase a Nintendo Switch. If you’re impatient or don’t want to have trouble with shipping, buying the Nintendo Switch in-store is the best option.
Does the Nintendo Switch come with Games?
If you’re buying the standard Nintendo Switch, the Switch will not come with any games. If you’re buying a bundle then the Switch will come with the game labeled on the bundle. Nintendo Switch games don’t come cheap and are more expensive than their DS counterparts. If you’re looking to buy a Nintendo Switch remember you’re going to have to fork over some extra money to buy the games.
Does the Nintendo Switch have Bluetooth?
No, the Nintendo Switch does not have native Bluetooth support for external accessories. The Switch only uses Bluetooth with its controllers, not for external accessories such as headphones. However, there are ways to connect a Bluetooth device to the console if you wish so. There are multiple accessories that you’re able to buy that will connect to the switch via it’s charging port. This Bluetooth adapter will allow you to connect your switch to your Bluetooth devices.
Is the Nintendo Switch Worth It?
If you’re a fan of Nintendo and love Nintendo exclusives, you might want to invest in a Nintendo Switch. Whether you love the portability function of the Nintendo Switch, the local multiplayer function, or the motion controls, the Nintendo Switch is a great console for everyone. If you’re not a fan of the Nintendo exclusives or prefer competitive gaming and more serious titles, you shouldn’t get a Switch. The price tag also might not be worth it as the Switch is not as powerful as other gaming consoles or PCs in terms of gaming power. The Nintendo Switch is a versatile console and can be used in a multitude of ways, it’s worth it if you believe that the features it comes with are worth it.
