In a move that has sent ripples through the portable-gaming community, Nintendo disclosed a universal price adjustment for its second-generation console. Effective September 1, the American retail price climbs to $499.99, up $50 from the launch figure. Parallel hikes appear in Canada ($679.99), Europe (€499.99) and Japan, where the device jumps from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980 on May 25. The company also announced steeper fees for its online service and physical accessories in Japan, citing “medium-to-long-term market shifts” as the driving force.
Beyond the sticker shock, Nintendo’s latest earnings release paints a cautious picture for the console’s future. The Switch 2 sold 19.86 million units in fiscal year 2026, surpassing the original Switch’s 15.05 million first-year sales, but the company expects a dip to 16.5 million units in FY27. Executives attribute the projected shortfall to “rising component prices, especially memory, and tariff measures,” which together could shave roughly ¥100 billion from revenue. This mirrors recent pricing moves by Sony and Microsoft, suggesting an industry-wide response to inflating hardware costs.
Sanrio Games launches with Hello Kitty party title
While Nintendo wrestles with higher costs, the Japanese brand Sanrio is stepping onto the console stage with an ambitious new venture: Sanrio Games, an internal development and publishing studio. Its inaugural release, Sanrio Party Land, drops this fall on both the Switch and the freshly priced Switch 2. The game drops players into a pastel-filled town populated by iconic mascots such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and My Melody. Players can customize their avatars, explore a vibrant hub, and challenge friends in board-style mini-games that blend social simulation with party-game chaos.
Sanrio’s leadership frames the studio as a long-term pillar for the company’s entertainment portfolio. President Tomokuni Tsuji highlighted the “Minna Nakayoku” philosophy—everyone getting along—as the foundation for expanding beyond merchandise and theme parks. Senior Executive Officer Kosuke Hamasaki added that a steady stream of ten titles over the next three years will cement Sanrio’s position as a “global IP platformer.” The announcement also referenced recent Sanrio-related releases, from the 2025 family-friendly shooter Hello Kitty and Friends Freeze Tag Party to the sports-crazed Sanrio Characters Jump Festa!, indicating a broader strategy to diversify the brand’s game library.
Five Switch 2 games that define the new console
Even with a higher price tag, the Switch 2 is already cultivating a respectable library of exclusives. Below are five standout titles released specifically for the upgraded hardware, each showcasing the console’s enhanced performance and creative direction.
Donkey Kong Bananza
After a decade of dormancy, the classic platformer returns in full 3-D form. Donkey Kong Bananza drops players on Igot Isle, where the ape teams up with Pauline to thwart the nefarious VoidCo. The game introduces fluid digging and climbing mechanics that feel fresh while preserving the series’ signature charm. Critics have hailed it as one of 2025’s best releases, noting its balance of nostalgic design and modern polish.
Pokémon Pokopia
Borrowing the social-simulation formula of Animal Crossing, Pokémon Pokopia casts players as a Ditto tasked with reviving a post-apocalyptic region. By cultivating habitats and coaxing Pokémon back into the wild, gamers engage in a cooperative sandbox that supports up to four participants online. The blend of world-building and creature collection offers a novel angle on the beloved franchise.
Star Fox (2026 remake)
The iconic space-faring series receives a full remake on the Switch 2, rebuilding Star Fox 64 from the ground up. Enhanced visuals, branching mission paths, and an expanded multiplayer component make it the most visually impressive entry in the saga to date. While the English voice work received mixed feedback, the Japanese track remains a solid alternative for purists.
Splatoon Raiders
Following the success of Splatoon 3, Splatoon Raiders offers a narrative-driven single-player experience that still delivers the franchise’s signature ink-based combat. With over 100 weapons and gadgets, players chase treasure across the quirky world of Splatville, providing a fresh yet familiar splash of chaos while the community awaits a full sequel.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
Rounding out the list, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave pushes the tactical RPG series into new strategic territory with dynamic map-shaping mechanics and a story that weaves multiple character arcs together. The title exemplifies how Nintendo’s first-party studios are leveraging the Switch 2’s hardware to deepen gameplay complexity without sacrificing accessibility.
Combined, these releases illustrate why the Switch 2, even at a higher price point, remains a compelling platform for both legacy fans and newcomers. As Nintendo navigates tighter margins, the company’s focus on fresh, high-quality experiences may prove vital in sustaining the console’s momentum throughout the next fiscal year.
