Nintendo recently announced it will increase prices for most of its Switch products in Canada. The company blames current market conditions for this decision, which affects nearly every Nintendo product Canadian consumers can buy.
The price increases will impact all Switch console models – the standard Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite. Nintendo will also raise prices on Switch accessories, both physical and digital games, amiibo collectibles, and even Nintendo Switch Online subscription services.
Nintendo plans to reveal the new pricing on August 1st through its Canadian online store. This date likely marks when the higher prices take effect across the country. The company made it clear that these price changes won’t affect the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, its accessories, or related software.
Trade Tensions Drive Gaming Price Hikes
Nintendo’s price adjustment comes during a period of trade uncertainty between the United States and Canada. Earlier this year, the company temporarily paused its Switch 2 launch plans for both countries due to tariff concerns from the Trump administration.
While Nintendo decided against raising Switch 2 prices, it did increase costs for Switch 2 accessories in the United States. The company warned that future price adjustments remain possible depending on market conditions. Currently, it’s unknown if Canada’s price increases will spread to other countries.
Gaming Industry Responds to Economic Challenges
Nintendo joins other major gaming companies in raising prices due to economic pressures. Sony increased PlayStation 5 prices in April, citing difficult economic conditions. Microsoft followed in May with worldwide price increases for Xbox Series X/S consoles and raised some game prices to $80.
Sony hasn’t ruled out additional price increases, stating it continues evaluating whether to pass tariff-related costs to consumers. This trend shows how global trade tensions and economic uncertainty directly impact gaming prices.
Canadian gamers should prepare for higher costs across Nintendo’s product lineup starting August 1st. The price increases reflect broader economic challenges affecting the entire gaming industry, not just Nintendo’s operations in Canada.
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