Board video game console gets price cut amid Switch 2, PS5 increases

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Published May 21, 2026, 11:54 AM EDT

At least something is getting less expensive

Nintendo may be raising the price of the Switch 2 later this year, but at least one rival family console just got a little less expensive. Board, an interactive tablet built for board games, has permanently cut its price from $700 to $400.

Board fuses the world of video games and board games into one tablet with a novel control scheme. Players can interact with the device's 24-inch touchscreen using physical pieces. It supports multiple players at once, creating a digital solution to family board game night. As unique as the concept is, it was a tough sell when it launched due to a hefty $700 price tag.

Board quietly got a 40% price reduction earlier this spring, taking the cost down to $399. While that still may seem high, it has become more cost-effective considering recent shake-ups in the console market. Nintendo recently announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $500 come September, while pricing changes at Sony have pushed the PlayStation 5 up to $650. In 2026, where manufacturers are dealing with the effects of a RAM shortage, $400 is now on the low-end for video game hardware.

For that price tag, you get seven games and their custom pieces. Board plans to roll out 10 additional games this year, starting with one called The Heist in June. Additional games and pieces can be purchased through Board's website.

Polygon's EIC Matt Patches went hands-on with Board last year and walked away charmed by its novel control scheme and its range of games. "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," Patches wrote.

Though it may not be a true replacement for a Switch 2, it's a potential option for parents looking to get an alternative video game system for their kids without taking out a second mortgage. We've been seeing more and more of those lately, too; just look at the surprisingly successful Nex Playground. There may be hope yet for families looking to game on a budget.