The Nintendo Switch 2 may be without a release date, but it appears the console is already available on the black market although it'll cost you to get your hands on it earlier than anyone elseTech11:15, 19 Feb 2025Updated 11:15, 19 Feb 202542 days to go until we find out more about the Switch 2... but who's counting?We're still more than a month away from the Switch 2 reveal on April 2, as Nintendo confirms the system's price and when we can play it.Still, while we're salivating over the potential launch game lineup that could feature Mario, Link, Samus and even something from Rockstar Games, one analyst has gone on record with another price prediction for the system and it lines up pretty closely with what we've heard recently.Over on his newsletter, Joost van Dreunen, one of the co-founders of market research firm SuperData Research has discussed the potential price of the system (thanks, NintendoLife).This could be yours for.. $399 apparentlyWe've heard plenty of suggestions that the Switch 2 will retail for around $400 (317), and van Dreunen feels similarly."Based on current market dynamics and platform positioning strategy, Nintendo is likely to price the Switch 2 at $399," he predicts."It represents a critical psychological threshold that balances premium hardware aspirations against mainstream market accessibility."At this price point, Nintendo would maintain its traditional positive margin on hardware while positioning the Switch 2 distinctly below rival premium gaming devices yet above the original Switch's launch price. It signals a meaningful technical advancement without alienating its core family demographic."When it comes to the console's actual price, Nintendo is seemingly planning to focus on making the Switch 2 affordable.Joy-Con will be magnetic nowIn an investor meeting earlier this month, Shuntaro Furukawa, the company's president, had the following to say:"We are aware that, in addition to how inflation is currently proceeding, the exchange rate environment has also changed significantly since around the time we launched Nintendo Switch in 2017."We also need to consider the price range that consumers expect for Nintendo products. We think a multifaceted consideration of these factors is needed when deciding on the price of a product. I cannot tell you a specific price for Nintendo Switch 2 at this time, but we are taking various factors into account."Article continues belowStill, there's bad news for anyone playing the original Switch. Nintendo is discontinuing the My Nintendo Gold Points program, which lets players earn currency towards games when buying digital or physical games.If you have a balance of Gold Points, we recommend you use them up soon. They'll still be redeemable up to 12 months after they're earned, but best not to forget about them.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.