Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 is undeniable, especially with its enhanced graphical capabilities. While fans eagerly awaited news of a new 3D Mario game—alas, it's been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey—the spotlight turned to the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, and the intriguing The Duskbloods, a game that echoes the atmosphere of Bloodborne. However, one element of the reveal has cast a shadow over these announcements: the pricing. At $449.99, the console itself isn't excessively priced for 2025 technology, but the cost of games and accessories necessary to fully enjoy the Switch 2 has sparked debate. Let's delve into whether the price of entry into Nintendo's latest offering is justified.

The $80 price tag on Mario Kart World has raised eyebrows, especially given that $60 to $70 has become the standard for new releases. It's easy to feel that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's anticipated popularity at launch. Add to this the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer sessions, at $90, and a Nintendo Online membership for global connectivity, and the total investment quickly escalates. The reveal trailer's emphasis on 24-player co-op and features like GameChat and photo mode only heightens the sense that these prices might be a bit of a stretch.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesHowever, there's a counterargument to be made about the value for money. Mario Kart World is likely to be the sole Mario Kart release on the Switch 2 for years to come, given the longevity of its predecessor, Mario Kart 8. Is $80 a fair price for a game that could offer countless hours of entertainment? With the rise of free-to-play games like Fortnite, our perception of what constitutes value may have shifted. Consider that a player might spend $80 on Fortnite battle passes and skins over five years, while a single purchase of Mario Kart World could last a decade. When compared to the cost of a family cinema outing, which can easily hit $80 for a couple of hours of entertainment, the value proposition of Mario Kart World seems more reasonable.

While Donkey Kong Bananza is priced more affordably at $69.99, the $80 price point for other titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Switch 2 raises concerns about a trend toward higher game prices. This pricing strategy from Nintendo, a company known for its consumer-friendly approach, may prompt other publishers to follow suit, potentially setting a new industry standard. The upcoming GTA 6 is one to watch in this regard. It also brings into question how future console upgrades will handle pricing for older games.

PlayStation has set a precedent with its $10 upgrades for PS4 games to PS5, such as the upcoming Days Gone upgrade. The pricing for enhanced Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed, but if it aligns with Sony's model, it might be well-received. However, a higher price point of $20 or $30 could deter many from upgrading.

For instance, *Tears of the Kingdom* is currently available on Amazon for $52, significantly less than the $80 Switch 2 version. If the upgrade costs $10, it might be more economical to purchase the original and then upgrade. The price difference is even more pronounced in the UK, with the original Switch version at £45 and the Switch 2 version at £75. If the upgrade is indeed $10, it could be a smart move to buy the original and then the upgrade, saving nearly $20.

This is all speculative, but the only hint we have so far is that enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are included in the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, priced at $49.99 annually. If this price holds, it's not a bad deal, but what happens if you cancel your membership? Would you revert to playing at lower resolutions and frame rates? These are important questions that need clarity.

Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour—a virtual exhibition with minigames—feels out of place. Such features are often included as free pack-ins, like Astro's Playroom with the PlayStation 5, which not only celebrated PlayStation's history but also welcomed new users. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour seems more akin to Sony's controversial PS3 launch strategy than to Nintendo's traditionally welcoming approach.

What Do You Think of the $449.99 Nintendo Switch 2 Price? ---------------------------------------------------------

Too expensiveCheaper than I was expectingAbout rightSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

AnswerSee ResultsDespite these concerns, I believe the Switch 2 won't represent a step backward for Nintendo. The momentum and goodwill built from the original Switch, along with its extensive game library, provide a solid foundation. The Switch 2 itself looks to be a promising, if somewhat conservative, evolution of its predecessor. The games showcased so far are impressive, and I'm hopeful for more exciting announcements (looking at you, Mario). My main hope is that Nintendo takes note of the immediate backlash against the pricing of its launch titles and adjusts accordingly. No one wants $80 to become the new norm for video games, so let's hope Nintendo steers clear of setting that precedent.

While the pricing of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem doesn't completely overshadow the reveal, it certainly tempers the overall enthusiasm. It's not the universal success Nintendo might have hoped for, but the potential for the Switch 2 remains high if Nintendo can address these concerns.