Nintendo Switch 2 Price Hike Hits, But AliExpress Deal Stays Under €387 2026

The Nintendo Switch 2 price hike is now official, with the console moving from €469.99 to €499.99 across retailers. However, AliExpress is still offering the original model for just €386.89 when you use coupon code ESFS30 and pay with PayPal, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers.

What the Nintendo Switch 2 Price Hike Means for Buyers

Nintendo announced the increase months ago, but it took effect today. The €30 jump pushes the Switch 2 firmly into premium territory, especially compared to its launch price. For anyone who has been on the fence, this is a clear signal that waiting longer will likely cost more.

The hike applies to the standard Switch 2 model, not the new V2 revision that features a removable battery. That distinction matters: the AliExpress deal is for the original version, which is nearly identical in performance and only slightly heavier (10 grams) with a 1% smaller battery capacity.

Why the AliExpress Deal Stands Out

At €386.89, the AliExpress offer undercuts the new official price by over €110. Even before the hike, it was a solid discount. The coupon ESFS30 is stackable with PayPal payments, and the promotion is part of AliExpress's broader gaming sale, which includes other Nintendo hardware and accessories.

This isn't the first time AliExpress has beaten mainstream retail on Nintendo products. The platform has consistently offered aggressive pricing on consoles, often leveraging limited-time coupons to drive traffic. For savvy shoppers, it's a reliable source for day-one savings.

What You Get with the Nintendo Switch 2

The Switch 2 is a beefed-up version of the original hybrid console. When docked to a TV, it can output games in 4K, while portable mode still delivers strong performance. This flexibility remains its core appeal: one device for both home and on-the-go gaming.

After more than a year on the market, the exclusive library has matured. Standout titles include Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia, and the upcoming Fire Emblem release, which arrives in just a few weeks. There are also remakes and enhanced ports that take advantage of the improved hardware.

• Price hike: Switch 2 now costs €499.99 officially, up from €469.99.
• AliExpress deal: €386.89 with coupon ESFS30 and PayPal.
• Model difference: Original vs. V2 (removable battery, 10g heavier, 1% less battery).
• Performance: 4K output when docked, solid portable mode.
• Game library: Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia, Fire Emblem, and more.

How the Switch 2 Compares to Other Console Deals

While the AliExpress offer is currently the cheapest way to get a new Switch 2, other retailers are also running promotions. MediaMarkt, for instance, has an outlet sale that includes the Switch 2 and PS Portal at reduced prices. These deals often come and go, so timing is crucial.

The table shows that AliExpress is the clear winner on price, but MediaMarkt bundles offer added value with games and online subscriptions. Depending on your needs, either could be the better choice.

Should You Buy Now or Wait?

With the price hike in effect, waiting is unlikely to yield a lower official price. Nintendo rarely discounts its hardware, and the Switch 2 is still selling well. The AliExpress deal is time-limited, so if you want the lowest price, acting soon is advisable.

Keep in mind that the AliExpress model is the original version, not the V2. The differences are minor, but if you prefer the removable battery, you'll need to pay the higher price elsewhere. For most gamers, the original is perfectly fine. The background to this story is set out in AliExpress Gaming Sale: Nintendo Switch 2 and More Deals. A related thread runs through Samsung 512GB MicroSD Express Hits Lowest Price for Switch. Earlier coverage in MediaMarkt Outlet Sale: Nintendo Switch 2 and PS Portal Deals shows how the argument developed.

If you're looking for more Nintendo deals, the AliExpress Gaming Sale includes the Switch 2 and other hardware at discounted rates. It's worth checking regularly, as stock and coupons change quickly. Meanwhile, the MediaMarkt Outlet Sale offers the Switch 2 and PS Portal at low prices, which could be a good alternative if you want local warranty and support. For those interested in the latest Zelda edition, the Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition sold out fast, showing how high demand remains. And if you're concerned about comfort, the Switch 2 grip and case bundle fixes comfort and protection, a useful accessory for long sessions. A closer look at the same subject appears in MediaMarkt Outlet Deals: Nintendo Switch 2 and OLED From €184. Anyone following the wider picture can start with HomePod mini 2 vs Original: Is the $60 Price Hike Worth. The same theme surfaces in Kindle Colorsoft Hits Record Low Price Before Amazon Price Hike, which takes a different angle.

For a broader view of current promotions, the MediaMarkt Outlet Deals include the Switch 2 and OLED from €184, which is great for budget buyers. Also, the Nintendo Switch 2 price hike has led to first deals arriving with the new version, so you might find the V2 at a slight discount if you shop around. Finally, the Nintendo Switch 2 bundle at MediaMarkt offers the console, a game, and online for €499, a solid all-in-one option. Context on how this played out before sits in MacBook Air M5 Deal: Best Discount Since Apple Price Hike. A companion piece, AliExpress Fall Sale: Save Up to €60 on Nintendo Switch 2, Xiaomi Phones, approaches the same subject from another angle.