In 2026, the three big brands in the video game industry, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo and Sony, all have a piece of the pie when it comes to a consumer’s decision to purchase a console. Unfortunately, economic changes are occurring; as a result, gaming has become a luxury that not everyone can afford. On paper, Nintendo ties the Xbox as the cheapest console yet of the three in the U.S., but it’s also the weakest (in terms of hardware), and owning one of its systems comes with hidden costs.
For example, Nintendo’s first-party titles don’t often go on sale – so you may end up paying full price. Second, software upgrades aren’t always free, as most were with the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 5 Pro. You generally either pay the Nintendo Switch Online fee – around $20 per year (individual) – or you pay separately for the large fees – around $5 to $20 per game. It’s not very expensive, but you can start losing costs if you want the most technically advanced experience with popular Nintendo Switch titles like the “Xenoblade Chronicles” franchise.
Compared to the current generation, the Nintendo Switch 2 costs $500 without a plan, while the Xbox Series S is similarly priced for the 512GB edition. The difference is that the Xbox Series S, while still current-gen, is old and digital-only (Microsoft probably tricks you into paying for Xbox Game Pass for a fuller experience). The Nintendo Switch 1 would be a fairer comparison; it’s still priced at $230 in 2026. By today’s standards, it’s the cheapest one can buy, even though it’s considered last generation.
Upfront costs for console games aren’t everything
The console itself, games, subscriptions and accessories may cost more than you would like. Both Sony and Microsoft charge for expensive online services, which can make Nintendo’s $20 per year quite attractive. But some of this value is hidden. For example, Sony and Microsoft let you play modern AAA games in their catalogs, and both libraries are extensive. If you take advantage of this, you can save between $60 and $80 per game, which adds up over time.
Nintendo’s online subscription offers a library of retro games, but none from the current generation console. Accessories are another issue. Nintendo may offer cheaper consoles, but it doesn’t include a high-end controller, which arguably offers similar quality to what you’d get from Microsoft and Sony. There are also storage space constraints. The Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express to expand its meager 512GB storage.
The 256 GB licensed option costs $60. It’s also the only realistic way to expand storage, unless you only purchase cartridges (not game keycards) to conserve internal memory. The Xbox Series S and X offer models ranging from 512GB to 2TB (Xbox Series The difference is that both the Xbox and PlayStation 5 offer two ways to expand storage: an external hard drive or a (much more expensive) SSD. Finally, unlike cartridges, game discs on both consoles must transfer and store data internally (on the system) to work.
Retro console games aren’t as expensive as you might think
Retro games can be expensive if you’re a savvy collector. Unfortunately, this means that limited editions and unopened console systems can command exorbitant prices. For example, the Nintendo GameCube (regular edition) is quite affordable, around $100, but the Japan-only Panasonic Q GameCube costs well over $1,654 for the main console. You can also find used consoles in online marketplaces.
A PlayStation 2 on eBay can cost anywhere from just under $100 to just over $200, depending on its condition and contents. The tricky part is finding games, as retro games predate the era of digital storefronts, so you’ll need a working disc or cartridge to play them. Some games are harder to find than others; a copy of “Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness” may cost more than the console itself. It may seem intimidating, but the used market is still vast, and if you’re lucky enough to be near one, GameStop Retro specializes in selling retro hardware.
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