Nintendo Switch prices will rise starting at the end of this month. The change appears to be driven by supply chain uncertainty from the Middle East and higher memory prices.
Korea Nintendo said in a notice on the 8th that, "After reviewing future global business viability in line with various market environment changes, we have decided to change the suggested retail prices of Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles in Korea."
Starting on the 25th, the price of the standard Nintendo Switch model will rise by 50,000 won, from 360,000 won to 410,000 won. The Nintendo Switch OLED model will go from 415,000 won to 465,000 won, and the Nintendo Switch Lite will rise from 249,800 won to 279,800 won.
Nintendo Switch 2 prices are scheduled to be adjusted in September. Korea Nintendo said detailed timing and pricing information will be released later.
Industry officials point to the so-called "chipflation" phenomenon as the driver of the price hikes. Demand for artificial intelligence (AI) server semiconductors has surged recently, sending D-RAM and solid-state drive (SSD) prices sharply higher.
Sony Interactive Entertainment also said it would raise PlayStation 5 (PS5) prices starting on the 1st for similar reasons. The standard model increased from 748,000 won to 948,000 won, and the Digital Edition rose from 598,000 won to 858,000 won. The high-performance PS5 Pro climbed 16%, from 1,118,000 won to 1,298,000 won.
Online service subscription fees will also rise. The company said the move is meant to align service prices by country. The Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) individual plan will increase from 4,900 won to 5,900 won per month, and from 19,900 won to 24,900 won per 12 months. The family plan will go from 37,900 won to 47,900 won for 12 months. The new rates take effect on July 1.
Prices for the "NSO + Expansion Pack," which offers additional content, will also rise. The 12-month individual plan will go from 39,900 won to 49,900 won, and the family plan will increase from 74,900 won to 84,900 won.