### Nintendo's Price Hike in Canada: A Strategic Move Ahead of Switch 2 Launch Nintendo has announced a significant price increase for its original Switch console, accessories, games, and Amiibo figures in Canada, set to take effect on August 1, 2025. This decision comes as the gaming market experiences changing conditions, and it appears to be a strategic move as the company prepares for the anticipated launch of the Switch 2. Notably, the new pricing will not affect the upcoming Switch 2, which raises questions about the company's pricing strategy and market positioning in the lead-up to this new console release [https://www.gizchina.com/2025/07/02/nintendo-is-raising-switch-prices-in-canada-just-before-the-switch-2-takes-over]. ### Breakdown of Nintendo's Price Adjustment Strategy 1. **Price Increases Across Products**: - The original Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, games (both physical and digital), and accessories will see price hikes. - Nintendo Switch Online memberships are also included in this price adjustment [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-is-changing-the-switch-price-for-millions-of-people-soon/1100-6532846]. 2. **Market Conditions as a Driving Factor**: - The company cites changing market conditions as the primary reason for the price increase, similar to recent adjustments made by competitors like Sony and Microsoft for their consoles [https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/2075898/nintendo-follows-ps5-xbox-price-increase-switch-games-accessories-canada]. 3. **Exemption of Switch 2**: - Interestingly, the new pricing structure does not apply to the Switch 2, which suggests that Nintendo may be positioning the new console as a premium offering, potentially to differentiate it from the older models [https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-raising-the-prices-of-some-of-its-products-in-canada-but-oddly-not-the-switch-2-and-what-could-this-mean-for-other-regions]. ### Supporting Evidence of Price Changes - **Effective Date**: The price changes will be implemented starting August 1, 2025. - **Affected Products**: - Original Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Switch OLED Model - Nintendo Switch Lite - Physical and digital games - Accessories and Amiibo figures - **Market Context**: The price adjustments are believed to be influenced by U.S. tariffs and trade disputes, which have affected pricing strategies across the gaming industry [https://www.notebookcheck.net/Nintendo-is-adjusting-Switch-pricing-in-Canada-for-console-and-games-but-changes-wont-affect-Switch-2.1047965.0.html]. ### Conclusion: Implications of Nintendo's Pricing Strategy In summary, **Nintendo's decision to raise prices for its original Switch products in Canada reflects a strategic response to evolving market conditions**. The company is likely preparing for the launch of the Switch 2, which remains unaffected by these price hikes. 1. **Price increases are set for August 1, 2025**. 2. **Affected products include the original Switch, its accessories, and games**. 3. **The Switch 2 is exempt from these changes, indicating a potential premium positioning**. This pricing strategy may signal broader trends in the gaming industry, as companies adapt to market pressures and consumer expectations [https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-announces-switch-price-increases-in-canada-amid-us-trade-tension].