Consumers also had more buying power back then, so converting the currency doesn't tell the whole story.

While you’re not literally wrong adjusting for inflation, their “value proposition” is a bit out the window. It’s so close in price to comparable tech, it seems like a much more serious purchase. Nintendo hit it right with the Wii and the Switch by pricing competitively low. The Switch 2 should follow the same value quotient to be a runaway success. This is effectively what killed the Wii U. The Switch 2 could be destined to follow the same fate.

Even the mental trickery of “$399” would be more effective than “$449” for Nintendo in the long run. They have to question whether that $50 is worth losing marketshare. I think if they are keeping the game prices and (potentially) the cost of services like online higher than the entry point of buying the system should be lower.

2017 for $299 is equivalent to $389

Yes, but it doesn't cost $389 but $450. For $389 I would've considered it, bot not $450. Also the bigger issue for me are the game and accessory prices.