Nintendo has issued an apology for the upcoming price increase of the Switch 2, while promising a stronger lineup of games to justify the cost. The company may now be selling the console at a loss, as president Shuntaro Furukawa admitted that the price hike does not fully compensate for rising manufacturing expenses.
Mystery Surrounding Nintendo Directs
One of the biggest puzzles currently surrounding Nintendo is the absence of a major first-party Direct to outline the rest of the year's game releases. While Sony and Xbox have held their equivalent events, Nintendo has only hosted six minor Directs so far in 2026, with no major new game announcements. The company has now pledged to improve its communication and game lineup going forward.
Price Hike Details
The new UK price for the Switch 2 has not yet been announced, but it is expected to rise by approximately £30 to around £430, following similar moves by Sony and Microsoft. The increase is driven by a global memory crisis, with RAM chips being prioritised for AI data centres. Furukawa stated: 'We sincerely apologise to our customers for the considerable inconvenience and trouble this will cause. While we wanted to prioritise a wide adoption, it was challenging to bear the rising costs over a long period. The [new] pricing does not fully account for all cost increases.' This suggests Nintendo may still be losing money on each console, and further price increases could be on the horizon.
Promises of a Robust Software Lineup
Furukawa did not provide specifics on upcoming games or a future Direct, but he assured fans: 'We will prepare a robust software lineup to enhance the Switch 2 ownership value. We will work diligently to overcome this barrier.' Industry observers expect a major Direct in mid-June, during Nintendo's traditional not-E3 slot.
Rumoured Titles
Several credible rumours have emerged, including a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which multiple sources claim will launch this year. Other rumoured games include a new Wii Sports-related title, a non-remake Star Fox game for 2027, a Super Metroid remake, and a Wario Land game potentially releasing in 2027. Currently confirmed first-party titles for 2026 are Star Fox, Splatoon Raiders, and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, along with FromSoftware's The Duskbloods, though the latter has not been seen since last year.
Nostalgia as a Strategy
If the Ocarina of Time remake is positioned as the big Christmas title, it would fit Nintendo's tendency to rely on nostalgia during tough times. The N64 classic remains one of the most beloved games in the company's history, and a remake could drive significant console sales.
