Nintendo announced Monday it will raise prices across its original Switch console lineup in Canada, marking the first time the gaming giant has increased hardware prices in the country since the system launched eight years ago. The company cited "market conditions" for the changes, which will take effect with specific pricing details to be released August 1.
The price increases will affect the Switch OLED Model, standard Switch, and Switch Lite consoles, along with physical and digital games, accessories, amiibo collectibles, and Nintendo Switch Online memberships. However, the recently launched Switch 2 console and its software will remain at current pricing.
The move places Nintendo alongside competitors Microsoft and Sony, both of which have raised console prices this year. Microsoft increased Xbox Series X prices from $499 to $599 in the United States, while Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices for the second time in some regions1. According to Video Games Chronicle, these increases reflect broader economic pressures affecting the gaming industry1.
Currently, the original Switch sells for $400 CAD, with the OLED model at $450 CAD and the Switch Lite at $260 CAD2. The timing comes as the Switch 2, priced at $630 CAD, has become "the fastest-selling console from any company in history" since its June 5 launch2.
The announcement follows months of trade uncertainty between the United States and Canada. President Trump ended trade talks with Canada earlier this year over the country's proposed digital services tax on American tech companies, though Canada has since walked back those plans12.
Industry analysts had warned that tariff discussions could impact gaming hardware pricing. Entertainment Software Association of Canada president Jayson Hilchie told CBC News that "global tariffs introduced by the Trump administration earlier this year will have a tangible and harmful effect on our industry and the millions of Canadians who enjoy gaming"2.
Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser previously acknowledged affordability concerns around the Switch 2's higher price point. "We recognize there are some people that may not be able to afford [the Switch 2] price point," Bowser said in an April interview with CBC. "That's why we wanted to make the other Switch platforms available"3.
The price adjustments affect millions of Canadian gamers, with some expressing frustration on social media about gaming costs in the country. As one Reddit user noted: "Playing games in Canada is tough. The price never moves in your favor except during sales, which doesn't exist for Nintendo games"4.