Gaming expert warns price of major console expected to rise in 2026
2026 is set to be a massive one for the video game world, but with that, expect players to be shelling out an equally massive amount for consoles, titles, and microtransactions.
In terms of games that are due to release this year, the likes of Marvel's Wolverine, Resident Evil: Requiem, and 007 First Light will see us shelling out hundreds. That's before we even get to those continued rumors that GTA 6 will cost over $100.
Of course, you'll want something equally as souped-up to play your shiny games on, with GTA 6 finally putting the stalwart PS4 and Xbox One out to pasture. For years, Nintendo has somewhat lagged behind the competition in terms of third-party games, but as it's made bank with franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon, it's happy doing its own thing.
That's all set to change due to the next Resident Evil coming to the Switch 2, as well as expectations about Call of Duty making its long-awaited return to Nintendo.
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Nintendo had a bumper 2025, thanks mainly to the Switch 2 finally releasing after years of leaks and speculation.
Despite landing in June, it still gave Sony a run for its money as the Switch 2 came close to toppling the PS5 as last year's best-selling console.
Unfortunately, an expanded library of AAA games could be hitting consumers in the pocket, with the price of the Switch 2 expected to climb in 2026. Video game market research company Niko Partners gave 10 predictions for the year, warning that the Switch 2 is likely to face an inflated price tag.
Nintendo might've done a good job at trying to keep scalpers away from bumping up Switch 2 prices, but alongside fears that President Donald Trump's trade tariffs could trickle down to gamers, there's another reason you could be paying more for your consoles.
Niko Partners maintains that artificial intelligence is to blame this time around, with its storage centers inadvertently causing RAM prices to increase. The company explained: "We believe the Switch 2 is set to follow in Sony and Microsoft’s footsteps with its own price hike driven by the impact from tariffs, increased memory costs, and broader macroeconomic conditions."
It notes that while Nintendo decided to stick with the $449 entry price for the Switch 2 despite increased production costs in China, Japan, and Vietnam, it might not hold steady for much longer: "More recently, increased demand for AI data centers has pushed RAM and storage prices up."
This means that Niko Partners anticipates a price rise, noting: "They [Nintendo] may opt to discontinue the $449 SKU and only sell a $499 or higher bundle SKU instead."
Considering there are swirling rumors that the mythical PlayStation 6 could cost up to $799, and with the handheld Xbox Rog Ally coming in at up to $1,000, Nintendo is still at the lower end of the spectrum. Still, remember the Switch 2 lacks the grunt of the others, as it struggles to match Microsoft and Sony's full-fat console capabilities.
While we're not saying you should rush out and buy a Nintendo Switch 2 ahead of a potential price hike, it's something to bear in mind as prices of more than just eggs feel like they're going through the roof.