The majority of gamers are left groaning and watching through their fingers, myself included.

While I appreciate the sentiment, stop sharing those images because they arent doing what you think theyre doing.

They just grind my metaphorical gears since, apparently, I cant afford the real ones anymore.

Waluigi riding a motorcycle in Mario Kart World.

What was the average cost of living in 1985 when the NES launched?

How does a persons annual wages compare to the $299 asking price for a PlayStation in 1995?

What was the average weekly grocery bill in that same year?

someone taking a switch 2 out of its dock.

These questions help us understand the full context surrounding the price of a console.

Now, we have to ask ourselves the same questions but apply them to 2025.

When we do that, a very different picture is painted about the affordability of game consoles.

Switch 2 Game Key Cards

Luxury goods include things like designer clothing, sports cars, and jewelry made from precious metals.

Video games are consumer electronics and have largely not been viewed as luxury goods on account of their affordability.

32-Stop Showing Me Console Prices Adjusted For Inflation

Nintendo Switch 2 Promo Art

The PS5 Pro console in a background of traditional PlayStation blue and bright vibrant rays of colors surrounding the bottom.

nintendo-switch-2-tag-page-cover-art_upscayl_1x_ultramix_balanced-1.jpg

Triple-A Games

Nintendo Switch 2

PlayStation 5 Pro