Nintendo Switch 2 could become more expensive as RAM costs jump 41%

Nintendo now pays 41% more for DRAM used in the Switch 2 compared to three months ago. (Image source: Petar)Nintendo sold more than 10 million units of Switch 2 in its first four months, marking the most successful console launch to date. However, soaring DRAM and NAND costs have massively eroded the company’s margins – to the point that price hikes may now be on the table.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Zhiwei Zhuang), Published 12/11/2025 🇩🇪

The Nintendo Switch 2 (available here on Amazon) launched on 5 June 2025 at a recommended retail price of US$449 and sold more than 10 million units within its first four months. This record-breaking figure was driven in part by the console’s wide availability. By contrast, the Sony PlayStation 5 sold 7.8 million units in its first six months but was almost continuously out of stock during this period.

According to Bloomberg, Nintendo is currently grappling with the DRAM supply crisis. The 12 GB of RAM in the Switch 2 now costs the company 41% more than it did three months ago. Furthermore, the console’s 256 GB of NAND flash memory has risen in price by 8% – a development that also affects the affordability of game cards and microSD Express cards.

Bloomberg noted that Nintendo has lost about US$14 billion in market value since early December, with its share price falling to the lowest levels since the Switch 2’s debut due to the console’s rising production costs. DRAM prices are expected to climb further throughout 2026, which may compel Nintendo to raise the Switch 2’s retail price. Meanwhile, laptops scheduled for release next year are projected to be at least 20% more expensive as a result of surging DRAM and NAND costs. Nintendo could settle for lower profit margins instead, but that might add further pressure on its share price. 

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher – Senior Tech Writer – 19407 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

Translator: Zhiwei Zhuang – Translator – 520 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, I moved from Singapore to
Cologne in 2014 and began pursuing a career as a freelance translator. Much of my translation work
focuses on science, engineering and technology. My fascination with computers and mobile
electronics began when I was young. And I have fond memories reading countless tech and gaming
magazines. Working with Notebookcheck gives me the opportunity to incorporate my personal
interests into my professional work.

Hannes Brecher, 2025-12-11 (Update: 2025-12-11)