Nintendo Switch 2 $100 Cheaper in Japan: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

1. Nintendo announced the Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct event on April 2, 2025, with a global release set for June 5, 2025.
2. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 will begin on April 8, 2025, exclusively through the My Nintendo Store.
3. The standard price for the Switch 2 will be approximately $449 in the US and €469 in Europe, while Japan will feature two models, including a budget version.
4. The Japanese budget model will be priced at 49,980 yen (around $341) and is only available through local retailers, with restrictions on language and account registration.
5. The cheaper Japanese model can function outside Japan, but users will face limitations, such as a fixed Japanese language setting and access only to the Japanese eShop.

It finally occurred: On April 2, Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct event. The new gaming console is set to be released globally on June 5, 2025, with pre-orders beginning on April 8 solely through the My Nintendo Store. In the US, the standard version will be priced at approximately $449, while in Europe, it will be around €469. However, in Japan, Nintendo is opting for a different strategy by introducing a notably less expensive model.

Two Versions for Japan

Nintendo is launching two different models of the Switch 2 in Japan: the regular model priced at 69,980 yen (which is about $478), available through the My Nintendo Store Japan, and a more affordable version for 49,980 yen (around $341), which is only sold by local retailers. This budget-friendly model is limited to the Japanese language and requires a Nintendo account that is registered within Japan. Industry analyst Dr. Serkan Toto mentioned to VideoGamesChronicle that Nintendo views Japan as its core market. To keep its dominant position there, the company seems to be intentionally lowering the price of the entry-level model. “Japanese customers generally don’t prefer multilingual hardware,” Toto remarked.

Importing the Cheaper Model

In theory, gamers from other countries could also obtain the Japanese Switch 2. Nevertheless, since the lower-priced version is exclusively available in physical shops, you would need someone in Japan to buy and send it to you. Be mindful that shipping costs and import taxes might greatly diminish your savings. If you’re still considering getting the economical model, it’s essential to be aware of the restrictions that come along with it.

The less expensive Japanese Switch 2 can function outside of Japan as long as you create a Nintendo account set to Japan – no need for a VPN. Physical games from different regions should work without issues, as the console isn’t region-locked for cartridges. However, the system language is fixed to Japanese and cannot be altered. Users will also have access only to the Japanese eShop, where much of the content is solely offered in Japanese. Furthermore, as of March 25, 2025, the Japanese eShop has stopped accepting foreign credit cards or PayPal accounts.

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