PS5 Will Soon Be Cheaper Than Switch 2 in Japan, But Is It Going to Make Any Difference?

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Surprisingly, when the price goes up on May 25th, the new Switch 2 will actually be more expensive in Japan than the PlayStation 5.

Nintendo, just like other companies that make gaming consoles, has faced a lot of pressure to keep the price of its systems consistent.

The company explained the price increase is due to shifting market conditions, specifically rising memory costs driven by demand from artificial intelligence, as well as the global economic effects of conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Okay, so here’s the really surprising part: the Switch 2 version that’s only available in Japan is getting a price hike. It’s going up about $63, from around $320 to about $383. That’s a pretty noticeable jump, honestly!

Last month, Sony raised prices on all PS5 consoles globally, but kept the price of the Japanese version – which can only be used with Japanese language settings – at ¥55,000 (around $351).

Okay, so here’s the deal: from May 25th, the PS5 is going to be about ¥4,980 cheaper than the Switch 2 – that’s roughly $31, before you even look at any sales or special offers. Just the base price, basically.

Will the Lower Price Improve PS5’s Fortunes in Japan?

The PS5 has been struggling against the Switch 2 in its home territory.

According to a new Famitsu report (shared by Gematsu), the Switch 2 sold 45,000 units in the week ending April 26th, significantly outpacing the PS5, which sold 13,000 units.

The PS5 has been available for a few more years than the Nintendo Switch, and that age is likely impacting how well it performs now.

PlayStation’s biggest issue in Japan is a lack of games that appeal to local players.

According to the latest Famitsu sales data, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was the top-selling game, selling an additional 178,000 copies. Since launching in mid-April, the life simulation game has sold nearly 750,000 units in Japan.

Coming in at number two is Pokémon Pokopia, a Switch 2 exclusive that’s almost reached one million sales since launching in early March.

Although Tomodachi Life is available on the original Switch, the best-selling games in Japan are almost entirely Nintendo games. This includes Switch 2 exclusives such as Mario Kart World, as well as the updated version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Of the week’s 30 best-selling games, only two were for the PlayStation 5: Pragmata and Crimson Desert.

Although free-to-play games, such as the new game NTE, are likely to be hits for Sony in Japan, the fact that they’re also available on PCs and phones means they won’t significantly boost PS5 sales.

We believe Nintendo’s recent price hike will probably decrease Switch 2 sales, rather than boost PS5 sales.

Even if it gets cheaper, Japanese gamers won’t be able to play games like Tomodachi Life or Pokémon Pokopia on a PlayStation 5. This is a significant issue for Sony, especially in Japan, its home market.

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2026-05-08 20:07