Nintendo physical games to cost $10 more than digital versions on Switch 2

Nintendo has confirmed that it is increasing prices for Nintendo physical games released on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, a shift from its previous pricing strategy, where digital and physical versions carried the same cost.

The company said on Wednesday, March 25 that the price change will apply to first-party titles, with physical cartridges set to carry a higher manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) than their digital counterparts available through the eShop.

Nintendo physical games have higher MSRP than digital copies

Nintendo announced that it is raising the prices on the Switch 2's physical game cartridges, noting that Nintendo physical games will follow a different MSRP compared to the digital versions. The change applies only to games published by Nintendo and does not affect pricing decisions made by third-party developers.

The company added that retailers may still adjust prices independently, meaning final costs could vary depending on where the game is purchased. Nintendo also indicated that pricing may differ from title to title.

First-party Nintendo physical games affected first

The price increase will initially apply to first-party releases. Nintendo will now charge gamers an extra $10 for physical copies. The upcoming Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, scheduled for release on May 21, will be the first title to feature two separate MSRPs.

Preorders for the game already reflect the updated pricing in the United States. Instead of the previous $59.99 standard price, the physical version is listed at $69.99 when purchased directly from Nintendo, while digital copies remain at $59.99.

Why Nintendo increased pricing

Nintendo did not provide a detailed explanation for the price hike but said its games “offer the same experiences whether in packaged or digital format, and this change simply reflects the different costs associated with producing and distributing each format and offers players more choice in how they can buy and play Nintendo games.”