Nintendo Raises Switch 2 Price While Competitor Cuts Costs by 40%

Nintendo might be gearing up to raise the price of the Switch 2 later this year, but one competitor in the family console space has just made its offering more affordable. Board, an interactive tablet designed for board games, has slashed its price from $700 to $400.

Board merges the realms of video and board gaming into a single tablet featuring a unique control system. Players can engage with the 24-inch touchscreen using physical game pieces, allowing for multiple players to join in, making it a great digital alternative for family game nights. Despite its innovative concept, the initial $700 price point made it a tough sell at launch.

Earlier this spring, Board received a significant 40% price cut, bringing the cost down to $399. While it may still seem steep, it has become more appealing in light of recent shifts in the console market. Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 will retail for $500 starting in September, and Sony has increased the price of the PlayStation 5 to $650. In 2026, amid a RAM shortage affecting manufacturers, $400 is now considered a budget-friendly option for gaming hardware.

At this price, you receive seven games along with their custom pieces. Board is set to release 10 more games this year, kicking off with one titled The Heist in June. Additional games and pieces can be purchased directly from Board’s website.

We had the chance to try out Board and discuss its vision with the developers, who aim to create a different gaming experience.

An editor had a hands-on experience with Board last year and was impressed by its innovative control scheme and diverse game selection. “It’s a bit of a cliché that rings true for Board: even among the 12 launch titles, there was something for everyone — and every attention span — in our early tests,” they noted.

While it may not fully replace the Switch 2, it offers a viable option for parents seeking an alternative gaming system for their children without breaking the bank. The market has seen a rise in such options lately, including the surprisingly successful Nex Playground, suggesting there’s still hope for families wanting to game on a budget.