Nintendo Launches Budget-Friendly Japanese-Only Switch 2, Duolingo Reacts

If you've been eagerly awaiting details about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the recent announcements about its release date and technical specifications have undoubtedly sparked plenty of curiosity. Even more intriguing is the revelation regarding the pricing of first-party Nintendo games on the new console. Naturally, speculation has turned to the cost of the console itself.

Although no official price tags were revealed during the Nintendo Direct event, hints began surfacing on Nintendo's localized websites, providing insights into the system's potential cost. Interestingly, it seems the most budget-friendly way to acquire the new hardware is by being based in Japan.

As noted in a playful tweet from Duolingo, the language-learning app, Japan offers two versions of the Switch 2: a multi-language edition priced at 69,980 yen (approximately $477) and a Japanese language-only model for 49,980 yen (around $341).

Gamers, learn Japanese to save $133! https://t.co/misNmSstIf

— Duolingo (@duolingo) April 3, 2025

This marks the only instance worldwide where a single-language console is available at a reduced price, allowing players who are comfortable with Japanese to save over $100 compared to the multi-language version sold globally for $449.99 in the U.S.

According to some experts, the higher global pricing might be influenced by factors such as U.S. President Donald Trump's recently introduced international tariffs. As Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, suggested, "Nintendo likely considered possible tariffs, the ongoing inflation, and Sony's bold move with the $700 PlayStation 5 Pro."

Additionally, Japan remains a crucial market for Nintendo, holding a significant 24% share of the Nintendo Switch installed base in 2024, compared to just 2% for Xbox Series X/S and 9% for PlayStation 5. Aligning the Japanese Yen pricing with the U.S. Dollar could drastically impact Nintendo's competitive edge in Japan, effectively doubling the price compared to the original LCD Switch model. Conversely, maintaining lower USD-based prices could lead to issues with grey market imports into other regions.

Even for fluent Japanese speakers, obtaining the cheaper system comes with challenges. According to Nintendo's official site, the Japanese-language version is restricted to use within Japan, with only Japanese language support and requiring accounts linked to Japan. Coupled with its availability solely through the Japanese My Nintendo Store, the console is effectively region-locked to maintain affordability for local users.

For deeper insights into the pricing dynamics and expert opinions, read our comprehensive analysis here. To stay updated on all things Nintendo Switch 2, revisit our coverage of this week's Nintendo Direct here.