Nintendo's latest amiibo figures, set to release alongside the Switch 2 on June 5th, have seen a sudden price hike at major US retailers Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy. The prices of the Street Fighter 6 amiibo have increased from $29.99 to $39.99, while the Legend of Zelda amiibo have jumped from $19.99 to $29.99.

This price increase comes as a surprise, especially since Nintendo announced last week that it wouldn't be raising the price of the $449.99 Switch 2 console. However, it seems that the company's accessories, including the Joy-Con, Pro Controller, and Switch 2 camera, have also seen a price hike. The Verge reached out to Nintendo for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

The new amiibo figures, featuring characters from Street Fighter 6 and The Legend of Zelda, are set to be available for preorder on April 24th. The price increase may come as a blow to fans and collectors who were looking forward to adding these figures to their collections. The hike also raises questions about the overall cost of gaming, with many gamers already feeling the pinch of rising prices for consoles, games, and accessories.

This development follows a trend of increasing prices in the gaming industry. With the cost of living on the rise, gamers are becoming more price-sensitive, and manufacturers are facing pressure to balance their profit margins with consumer demand. It remains to be seen how this price hike will affect sales of the Switch 2 and its accompanying amiibo figures.

In related news, GameStop, Target, and Walmart have announced their Switch 2 preorder start dates, with preorders set to begin on April 24th. The Switch 2 is expected to be a major release for Nintendo, with many gamers eagerly anticipating its launch.

The price hike of Nintendo's amiibo figures serves as a reminder that the gaming industry is constantly evolving, with manufacturers and retailers constantly adjusting their strategies to stay competitive. As the gaming landscape continues to shift, it will be interesting to see how this price increase affects consumer behavior and the overall market.