Nintendo has announced that it would now charge different amounts for digital and physical copies of the identical Switch 2 games, starting with next month’s launch of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book.
Yoshi was previously announced with a price of $59.99, which stays in place today for its digital version. But its physical counterpart will now be sold at $69.99 — a full $10 costlier.
In an announcement issued moments ago, Nintendo said that its higher price point for physical games “simply reflects the various costs related to producing and distributing” boxed copies.
“Starting in May 2026, and starting with pre-orders for Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, recent Nintendo published digital titles exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 can have an MSRP that’s different from physical versions,” Nintendo wrote.
“Nintendo games offer the identical experiences whether in packaged or digital format, and this modification simply reflects the various costs related to producing and distributing each format and offers players more alternative in how they can purchase and play Nintendo games.
“As at all times, retail partners set their very own prices for physical and digital games, and pricing for every title may vary.”
Today’s statement references recent Nintendo games specifically, which seems to suggest that existing titles (similar to Mario Kart World, which is already $79.99 when bought either digitally or physically) won’t retroactively see their boxed prices raised.
Still, it will mean that future games already announced for the console shall be impacted, including Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Splatoon Raiders. And basically, Nintendo is understood for attracting a younger audience still keen to purchase physical copies of games — way over on either PlayStation or Xbox.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Nintendo had in the reduction of on manufacturing Switch 2 consoles following weaker than expected holiday sales for the console. Nintendo recently confirmed it had sold fewer Switch 2 consoles internationally over the vacation period than it had once hoped, particularly within the U.S. — though the impact of this had also been dulled somewhat by stronger sales in its homeland of Japan.
Like other electronics corporations, Nintendo’s profits have been under pressure attributable to the rising cost of components similar to semiconductors, in addition to issues surrounding tarriffs and logistical difficulties currently impacting global trade. The corporate increased prices of assorted Switch 2 accessories prior to the console’s launch, and bumped up the value of the aging Switch 1 last 12 months. As of yet, Nintendo has not increased the price of Switch 2 because it seeks to swell the console’s userbase, but warned this “could also be essential in future.”
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You’ll be able to reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social