The Console
Nintendo has finally unveiled its upcoming Switch console and many fans will be looking forward to jumping into the action on March 3. The system actually comes in at a fairly reasonable $299.99, but don’t let that fool you. You’ve always got to remember the additional costs you’ll likely end up spending on other things that don’t come inside the box. Here’s how much the Switch will actually cost you.
Let’s get the most obvious part out of the way. You’re gonna need to get your hands on the actual console itself before you start worrying about anything else. The whole thing has an MSRP of $299.99 and will include the console, left and right Joy-Con controllers, Joy-Con Wrist Straps, a Joy-Con grip, the Nintendo Switch dock, an HDMI cable, and an AC adapter. You’ll be able to get it in a Neon variation, which has vibrant red and blue Joy-Con controllers, as well as the standard gray variation.
Switch Console: $299.99
Games
A new system isn’t going to be all that much fun if you haven’t got much to play on it. A menu screen can only be enjoyable for so long and soon enough you’ll be wanting to put your Switch through its paces. Currently, there are only five games launching alongside the Switch on March 3, but there’s always the chance more could be announced in the coming months.
Most fans will be counting down the days until they can finally jump into Link’s next adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. If you’re looking for an innovative title to make use of your Switch, however, 1-2-Switch is something you’ll want to check out. Another surprise title came in the form of Super Bomberman R, bringing the frantic multiplayer fun to Nintendo’s new system.
With these titles settling around the standard $60 mark over on Amazon, you could be adding another $300 to your grand total. For now, though, we’ll say you pick up two games to try out your system. With the chance of more launch titles being announced in the coming days, though, this could always become even more costly.
Switch Console + 2 Games : $419.97 (minimum)
Pro Controller
The Joy-Cons and their grip look like a great way to quickly jump into some multiplayer fun when you’re out on the go. Heck, they even look pretty fun to use in single-player when split apart. However, many players are likely going to want to get their hands on the Switch’s Pro controller and play with a more standard configuration.
With its more ergonomic feel, and the same motion controls, HD rumble, and built-in amiibo functionality of the Joy-Cons, this is the definitive way to play your Switch games. Unfortunately, such a lovely controller will set you back quite a bit at $69.99. A costly additional purchase that many fans are likely going to be clamoring for.
Switch Console + 2 Games + Pro Controller : $489.96 (minimum)
Online Service Subscription Fee
Nintendo’s online services have never quite been on the same level as the likes of Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus, however, Nintendo aims to change that with the Switch’s Online Service (that’s its name, by the way). It’ll allow players to do everything you’d expect from an online service, including playing games online with friends and strangers, allowing access to the online store, and more. You’ll also get access to a free NES or SNES game each month, though when a new month rolls around, you’ll have to wave it goodbye.
Of course, to fund all of these features, Nintendo has adopted a subscription-based model. Exactly how much the subscription will cost users on a yearly basis remains to be seen. However, if we go off its competitor’s similar services, you’re looking at an additional $59.99. It’s not a compulsory addition, obviously, but one that many players are likely to pick up, especially with Splatoon 2 on its way in summer.
Switch Console + 2 Games + Pro Controller + 1 Year of Online Service Subscription : $549.95 (minimum)
Additional Memory
Now this one isn’t going to break the bank admittedly, but we’d strongly advise just getting the purchase out of the way as soon as your shiny new console arrives. The Switch only comes with 32gb of internal memory, but, this can be expanded with a micro SD XC card. Depending on how much you want to spend, it’s expected that the Switch will support up to at least 128gb cards.
Considering you can pick one of these up for as little as $39.99 over on Amazon, it’s most definitely a worthwhile purchase to keep you futureproofed from storage issues down the line.
Switch Console + 2 Games + Pro Controller + 1 Year of Online Service Subscription + 128gb Micro SD Card: $589.94 (minimum)
There you have it. If you’re looking to get yourself all set up with everything you need to fully enjoy your Nintendo Switch, you’re looking at just under $600 before tax. What will you be picking up with your Switch? Let us know down in the comments below.
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