The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally made its debut in the market and created a lot of hype among gamers of all ages. It's packed with many new features and has increased performance. But there's something else to think of when upgrading - the possible repair expenses. If you plan to buy one of these consoles, it is good to know that keeping it in perfect condition may cost more this time around.
Information from Nintendo in Japan reveals that replacement parts for the Switch 2 have seen enormous spikes in prices - sometimes as high as an incredible 92 percent compared with the original Switch models. This is not one or two parts; all major parts that are part of the console are suddenly falling under a price hike.
Let's take a look at some of the most lucid spikes:
- The Motherboard: This is where the biggest leap is. The cost of changing the motherboard-the one with the brand-new, powerful Tegra T239 chip, 12 GB of power-efficient LPDDR5X RAM, and speedy UFS 3.1 storage-stands at around $175. This is a whopping 67 percent above the original Switch. Ouch.
- The Screen: That gorgeous new IPS display with its 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10, VRR feature Repairs have also shot up considerably between 30 and 60 percent.
- The Docking Station: Even the dock isn't immune. Want to replace the part responsible for sending images to your TV It's going to cost around $44, up from the previous $25.
- Controllers: Your trusty Joy-Cons and Pro Controller will also cost more to repair. About 40% more expensive are Joy-Con repairs while 50% higher are the Pro Controller repairs.
Thus, fees for repairs are considerably changed.
And the plot thickens. Apparently, Nintendo will also be revamping repair charges since, before, lumping together several components would mean just a single package fee. Now, it seems you'll have to pay for each element to be repaired.
For instance, replacing a USB-C port or cartridge slot might require around $63, while audio module defects or damages to the SD card (reader) could cost about $45.
These increased repair costs, however, come on top with the higher initial purchase price for the console itself. The Nintendo Switch 2 was launched for a surprisingly high price of $499, compared to the $299 price tag of the original Switch.
Keeping that said, while the Nintendo Switch 2 has a smashing new gaming experience, it would be wise to keep in mind that it will most likely require some digging into your wallet regarding maintenance, should something go wrong, in comparison to the first generation.
