RAM (Random Access Memory) is the system memory included in consoles and PCs. For example, the Switch 2 includes 12 gigabytes of RAM, shared between its OS (operating system) and games. Many expect the current RAM crisis to generally increase console prices. However, the Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has recently made more reassuring remarks about how the RAM crisis might affect Switch 2 console pricing, during an interview with Kyoto Shimbun.
Shuntaro Furukawa discussed Nintendo’s plans for 2026 and the Switch 2 during that interview. One interesting point of discussion was that the Switch 2 has had a lower profit margin than the original console. Nintendo’s financial briefings have explicitly confirmed that much.
The global RAM crisis has increased manufacturing costs for the Switch 2 console and others. A huge increase in demand for RAM from AI data centers has been the primary trigger for that crisis. Memory manufacturers, such as Samsung and SK Hynix, have established deals to reserve RAM for AI data centers, which has generated a supply shortage for consumer products.
Mr. Furukawa discussed the RAM market in more detail with Kyoto Shimbun. He explained that, “We procure from suppliers based on our medium- to long-term business plans, but the current memory market is very volatile. There is no immediate impact on earnings, but it is something we must monitor closely.”
What that means is that the RAM crisis has not had an immediate impact on Nintendo’s financial performance. That is not necessarily a firm promise that Nintendo won’t increase the Switch 2 console price. However, it is at least a reassurance that the RAM crisis will probably not immediately affect the pricing of the Switch 2.
When asked more specifically about potential Switch 2 console pricing increases, Mr. Furukawa effectively declined to comment. Mr. Furukawa responded, “I cannot comment on hypotheticals.” Thus, he did not necessarily rule out price hikes for the Switch 2 in the longer term, but for now, it seems pricing will remain unchanged.
Nor is the RAM crisis the only thing that can potentially affect the Switch 2 console price. Mr. Furukawa also spoke about tariffs, which the USA has significantly increased during President Trump’s second term. Mr. Furukawa stated, “While it’s difficult to accurately gauge the future impact, our basic policy is to recognize tariffs as a cost and pass them on to prices as much as possible, not just in the US.” That statement confirmed Nintendo’s policy is to increase prices in response to tariffs.
Therefore, it is certainly feasible that Nintendo may increase the cost of the Switch 2 console due to tariffs and the RAM crisis in the longer term. Nintendo raised the price of the original Switch in 2025 because of market conditions. Yet, Mr. Furukawa’s recent remarks have highlighted that Nintendo will probably refrain from increasing Switch 2 pricing in the first one or two quarters of 2026 at least.
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