World's Gaming King Falters, 2026 Crisis Already Alarming

Jakarta - Nintendo’s performance continues to worsen, alongside the memory chip crisis that is triggering sharp price increases for electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and game consoles. The latest report indicates that shares fell 7% during trading on Monday (11/5/2026).

The trigger is concerns over the absence of flagship game titles in the future and the price increase for the Switch 2 console.

In fact, Nintendo’s hardware sales were quite strong in the fiscal year ending in March. The presence of popular games like Pokémon Pokopia also contributed.

However, Nintendo is seen as lacking potential blockbuster games. Even analysts say the company lacks confidence in its own product line.

“The year-on-year decline in game shipment projections risks signalling that Nintendo lacks confidence in its product line,” said Morningstar analyst Kazunori Ito, quoted from Reuters on Tuesday (12/5/2026).

Additionally, Nintendo has confirmed a price increase for the Switch 2 console. The increase amounts to 10,000 yen (around Rp 1 million), bringing it to 59,980 yen for the Japanese market starting 25 May, and in the United States (US) from 1 September 2026.

The price adjustment is being made as many electronics manufacturers are battered by the memory chip shortage storm. Several companies have decided to raise device prices.

However, Nintendo’s decision to raise prices could have a significant impact. Reuters notes that the company’s largest console audience base consists of casual gamers, who tend to be sensitive to price changes.

The situation differs for Sony, where the PlayStation 5 has been on the market longer, putting the company in a better position under these conditions.

“Sony is in a better position to pass on higher memory chip prices to consumers,” said Amir Anvarzadeh from Asymmetric Advisors.