Nintendo Switch: Australia price and release date update

With the Nintendo Mini (NES Classic Edition) currently selling out everywhere and its demand increasing in frantic numbers, the Japanese gaming giant can only hope that the upcoming Nintendo Switch does the same. While the Classic Mini loads on nostalgic magic, the Switch brings about innovative marvels. But the question is, at what price?

READ: Nintendo Switch fans can try out the new console before its release

Aside from its March 2017 release date, Nintendo won’t be making further announcements about the Nintendo Switch until January. There have been a lot of speculations about the Switch’s price tag, but recent reports and leaks might help figure where Nintendo draws the line on its latest console.

Toys ‘R’ Us in Canada actually posted the Nintendo Switch on its website with a CA$329.99 (AU$329.45) price tag. The page has since been deleted, although a cached version has been saved. No details were provided on product accessories and content.

Let's Play Video Games, meanwhile, reported that the basic version of the Nintendo Switch will be priced at £200 (AU$332) upon its launch. The basic set shall only include the console and the controllers. The more flexible model with the larger internal storage and a built-in game will reportedly go for £250 (AU$415).

According to CNET, the $332 price tag is similar to that of the Nintendo 3DS when it made its debut over five years ago. The Wii U, which was released a year after the 3DS was launched, had its basic model go for $350, while the deluxe set was priced at $430.

The UK retailer Gameseek currently lists the Nintendo Switch on pre-order basis for £198.50 (AU$329.58). The site states that the new console will be made available on March 17, which is about the same time most fans expect it to be launched. The Australian retailer EB Games, meanwhile, has the Switch on a placeholder price of AU$999, which is far off the usual price range set by most vendors.