Gaming enthusiasts looking forward to Nintendo's next big release might need to adjust their budget as the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is predicted to be priced at $400, according to an industry analyst. This marks a $100 increase from the original Switch's launch price tag. Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, expects the new console to be more of an iteration than a complete revolution, retaining many features of the current Switch, including its portability to support hit franchises like Pokémon.

The Switch 2 is also speculated to come with an LCD screen, similar to the entry-level Steam Deck, which shares the $400 price point. The prospect of games costing more was also raised, with new game releases possibly hitting $70—evidenced by Nintendo's release of Tears of the Kingdom at that price earlier this year. Despite no official word from Nintendo, predictions are strong that the Switch 2 will be announced before the year ends, making it a hot topic for gaming communities and consumers alike.

Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be compatible with existing Switch games?

While specifics on compatibility have not been officially released, based on Nintendo's history with backward compatibility and the predicted similarities of the Switch 2 to its predecessor, it's likely that the Switch 2 will maintain compatibility with the existing library of Switch games.

The Nintendo Switch, released in March 2017, was regarded as a hybrid console that offered both handheld and docked gaming experiences. It has since become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with a strong library of exclusive titles like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe". With anticipation building for the Switch 2, Nintendo fans are eager to see how the company will evolve the console's versatile gaming experience to new heights. The potential price increase signals significant hardware improvements and possibly new features that aim to justify the higher cost, continuing Nintendo's legacy of innovation in the gaming industry.