What's in Store for Video Game Prices in 2026?

The gaming industry has faced significant pressure due to economic turbulence, with major platform holders setting a minimum retail price of $70 for AAA titles. Rising development costs, hardware prices, and economic uncertainty have raised concerns about further price inflation in 2026. To better understand the year ahead, experts were asked about their expectations for price changes and the long-term implications of pricing precedents set by major platform holders like Nintendo. According to Kantan Games founder Dr. Serkan Toto, it's likely that prices will continue to rise, citing the 'new normal' of stable hardware prices and increasing development costs. Video Game Insights' Vic Bassey agrees, highlighting the impact of tariff uncertainty and rising hardware costs. Alinea Analytics' Rhys Elliott notes that the industry has established a 'psychological floor' at $70 for premium releases, set by major platform holders Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. However, Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls believes that while a precedent has been set, prices may not rise further, but instead, there may be inflation in in-app purchases and in-game monetisation. The recent decision by Nintendo to list Mario Kart World for $80 has sparked debate, with analysts agreeing that while it may have caused consumer backlash, it was a strategic move that capitalised on the anticipation for the Switch 2. The success of Mario Kart World, with sales outpacing its predecessor, indicates that Nintendo's first-party offerings have a loyal player base, allowing the company to increase prices. Experts predict that other major franchises, such as Grand Theft Auto 6, may follow suit, with some speculating that it could retail for $100. However, others believe that the standard version will likely be priced between $70 and $80, with deluxe editions and digital bundles potentially exceeding $100. The industry's focus on AAA titles and their pricing may create opportunities for AA and indie studios to raise their prices, but experts argue that maintaining a lower price point is a superior competitive strategy. Ultimately, the future of game prices is uncertain, with some experts believing that prices will continue to rise, while others think that a major shift in development economics and consumer behaviour could lead to a decrease in prices.