Nintendo's Canadian Price Hike: Eh, What's Going On?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Nintendo's hinting at price hikes for Switch consoles, games, and memberships in Canada, blaming "market conditions," but the Switch 2 is (supposedly) safe for now. Looks like our Canadian friends might need to start saving those loonies!
Right, so Nintendo's throwing a bit of a curveball, eh? Seems like our Canadian mates are about to feel a pinch in their wallets when it comes to all things Switch. According to Eurogamer, Nintendo's hinting at price increases for consoles (that's the regular Switch, the OLED, and even the Lite), games (both physical and digital – ouch!), accessories, and even those Nintendo Switch Online memberships. Bloody hell, that's almost everything!
Nintendo's blaming "market conditions," which, let's be honest, is corporate speak for "things cost more now, sorry." They haven't given a precise date, but revised prices are supposed to hit the Canadian Nintendo store on August 1st. So, keep an eye out, Canucks!
Now, here's the slightly less grim bit: Apparently, the mythical Nintendo Switch 2 (or whatever they're actually calling it – the suspense is killing me!) is dodging this bullet... for now. "This pricing change does not apply to the Nintendo Switch 2 system, accessories, or software," Nintendo stated. Which, naturally, makes you wonder if they're planning a separate, even bigger price hike for the new console later on. Cautiously optimistic, remember?
This all comes amidst ongoing trade shenanigans between the US and Canada, and follows a pause in the Switch 2 launch strategy earlier in the year. Remember Trump's tariff tantrum? Good times... not. Nintendo did increase prices for Switch 2 accessories in the US back then, so the writing's been on the wall, hasn't it?
It's worth remembering Nintendo's not alone here. Sony's already bumped up PS5 prices (again!) blaming a "challenging economic environment," and Microsoft followed suit with Xbox Series X/S price increases. And $80 for some games? Fair dinkum, that's a bit steep, even for a triple-A title. Feels like everyone's trying to figure out how much they can squeeze us gamers for before we all start hoarding retro consoles and playing emulators full-time. (Not a bad idea, actually...)
Will these price changes spread beyond Canada? That's the big question. I reckon we should all keep our eyes peeled and our wallets ready... or start practicing our bartering skills. Who knows, maybe you can trade a rare Amiibo for a copy of the new Zelda. Stranger things have happened, right?
Tags: Nintendo, Switch, Price Hike, Canada, Gaming News
Original article: Eurogamer