You can get the Nintendo Switch 2 for under $350 – but there’s a huge catch

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been a huge pain point for consumers ahead of its launch in June, to the point that it’s stifled hype for console.

It’s been nearly 10 years since the original Nintendo Switch came out in 2017, and the console wasn’t all that powerful when compared to other consoles even at the time it released. The refresh is much needed for Nintendo’s flagship so they can keep innovating and pushing their games further.

However, with pre-orders in the US getting delayed due to the looming price increase tariffs may bring, consumers in the States especially are wary of how much this new console will cost.

As it turns out, though, Japan is pricing their Nintendo Switch 2 much differently domestically than they are in the rest of the world. However, the Japan-only version of the console has a number of huge caveats.

Nintendo Switch 2 is significantly cheaper in Japan

When going to Japan’s online store for the Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll notice that there are 2 versions of the console.

The “Multi-Language System” is priced at 69,980 Japanese Yen, or around $480 USD at the current exchange rate. Getting a version of the system that has multiple languages baked into it and can be used in countries outside of Japan actually costs more than it does in the US by comparison.

However, the “Japanese Language Only” version of the system is 49,980 Yen ($343 USD), making it over $100 cheaper than the version people are getting in the rest of the world.

Nintendo

So, what’s the catch? Other than the fact it’s only usable if you know Japanese, that is.

Well, it’s only available for purchase in Japan, can only be used with Japanese Switch 2 accounts, and can only be set for online use in that region. Nintendo is insistent on keeping this console in Japan and has taken every measure to try and ensure this version doesn’t get bought by people outside of Japan.

However, its actual specs and features are completely identical outside of these artificially placed restrictions. There isn’t anything different about the console from a hardware standpoint.

While it’s possible that someone could get their hands on a console like this and jailbreak it, someone that determined to break the law would probably just build an emulator instead and rip games to play on their PC. Although that route has its own fair share of risks including litigation from Nintendo.

That said, someone who knows Japanese and is willing to use a VPN could theoretically get their hands on a Switch 2 for much less than everyone else is paying by using a third party vendor in Japan. If you’re someone who’s incredibly determined to get a discount on the console, this may not be a bad option.