A prominent gaming financial analyst has offered a price prediction for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.  While much remains shrouded in mystery, more details about Nintendo's next-generation console are expected to be unveiled during a Nintendo Direct livestream scheduled for April 2nd.  The initial reveal in January provided a glimpse of the console's design and teased a new Mario Kart title in development.

One of the most pressing questions for gamers is the console's price.  Recent leaks and insider speculation suggest a potential price range between $400 and $500.  For context, the original Switch launched in 2017 at $299.99, with subsequent models remaining within a similar price bracket.

Joost van Dreunen, author of "One Up - Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games" and co-founder of SuperData Research, predicts a $399 retail price for the Nintendo Switch 2.  His analysis, shared in the SuperJoost Playlist newsletter, suggests this price point aligns with current market conditions and Nintendo's platform strategy. This positions the Switch 2 below its main competitors, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, while still commanding a premium over the original Switch.

Dreunen acknowledges potential impacts from tariffs and trade wars but anticipates Nintendo will strive to maintain its established balance of profitability and accessibility. The anticipated backward compatibility with existing Switch games and the console's similarities to its predecessor indicate a focus on retaining current users and encouraging a gradual transition to the new hardware, rather than prioritizing immediate sales.

Furthermore, Dreunen believes Nintendo is less reliant on its online subscription service, Nintendo Switch Online, compared to Sony and Microsoft's respective services.  He also downplays the threat posed by PC-based competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, citing their higher price points.  Ultimately, these are educated projections, and gamers will likely need to wait until the official April 2nd announcement for confirmation on the Nintendo Switch 2's price.