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How Much Would It Cost To Buy A Nintendo Console In 1986 Vs. 2026?
BGR • • technology
Key Points:
- The original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Control Deck with "Super Mario Bros." retailed between $90 and $130, while the Deluxe Set ranged from $180 to $250; for comparison, $90 and $200 are used as representative prices.
- Adjusted for inflation, the 1986 NES Control Deck price would be about $276.68 in 2026, which is significantly less than the Nintendo Switch 2's launch price of $450 to $500 for bundles.
- The Nintendo Switch 2, priced at around $500 in 2026, offers fewer accessories compared to the NES Deluxe Set, which included extras like two Game Paks and an additional controller.
- If the NES were released today, it would likely cost more than its inflation-adjusted price due to modern hardware expectations, inflation, and Nintendo's brand strength, with second-hand NES consoles sometimes fetching prices above their original MSRP due to collector demand.
- Nintendo has historically adjusted console prices to stay competitive, but with the Switch 2 being the cheapest current-gen console and having a first-mover advantage, there is less pressure to reduce prices; meanwhile, Nintendo offers scaled-down versions like the Switch Lite to provide lower-cost options.
