Does the Price of the Switch 2 Overshadow Its Reveal?

The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was palpable, especially with its enhanced graphical capabilities. While fans eagerly awaited news of a new 3D Mario game—still missing since Super Mario Odyssey's release nearly eight years ago—the showcase did not disappoint with announcements like the open-world Mario Kart World, the much-anticipated return of Donkey Kong, and The Duskbloods, a game drawing comparisons to Bloodborne. However, the buzz about the new console's price has cast a shadow over these thrilling unveilings. Priced at $449.99, the console itself isn't unreasonably priced for 2025 technology, but the cost of games and accessories needed to fully experience the Switch 2 has sparked debate. Is the price of entry to Nintendo's latest offering truly too high? Let's delve into this further.

The $80 price tag on Mario Kart World has been a focal point of discussion, a stark contrast to the typical $60 to $70 price range we've grown accustomed to. The initial reaction might be to view this as an overreach by Nintendo, capitalizing on the universal appeal of Mario Kart. Add to that the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers at $90 for multiplayer fun, and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, and the expenses quickly mount. The reveal trailer's emphasis on 24-player co-op and features like GameChat and photo mode only heightens the sense that Nintendo might be pushing the boundaries of what gamers are willing to spend.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, one could argue that the value per hour of entertainment Mario Kart World offers justifies its price. Given the longevity of Mario Kart 8, World is likely to be the only Mario Kart game for the Switch 2, suggesting that $80 could be a reasonable investment for years of enjoyment. In a world where free-to-play games like Fortnite are prevalent, perhaps our expectations of what constitutes value for money have shifted. A Fortnite player might easily spend $80 on battle passes and skins over five years, highlighting a different but valid perspective on game pricing. When compared to a family movie outing costing $80 for two hours, a decade of Mario Kart seems like a worthwhile investment.

While Donkey Kong Bananza is priced more modestly at $69.99, it's clear that Nintendo feels confident in setting a higher price for Mario Kart due to its global popularity. This strategy becomes more concerning with other Switch 2 titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also listed at $80. It raises questions about whether this pricing trend will influence other game publishers, with eyes particularly on GTA 6. It also prompts a discussion on how future console upgrades will handle the pricing of enhanced versions of older games.

PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for some PS4 games transitioning to PS5, such as the upcoming Days Gone. The cost of upgrades for Switch games to the Switch 2 remains undisclosed, but if it mirrors Sony's approach, it's likely to be well-received. However, a $20 or $30 upgrade fee might deter many from investing in these enhancements.

For instance, Tears of the Kingdom is currently available on Amazon for $52, a significant $28 less than its Switch 2 counterpart. If the upgrade costs just $10, it might be more economical to purchase the Switch version and the upgrade separately. This price disparity is even more pronounced in the UK, where the Switch version costs £45 compared to £75 for the Switch 2 edition. With the original MSRP of Tears of the Kingdom at $70, a $10 upgrade would be logical, but the details remain speculative. The only hint we have is the availability of enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom through a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, currently priced at $49.99 annually. Assuming no immediate price increase (though future hikes, akin to those seen with services like Netflix, wouldn't be surprising), this could be a cost-effective way to enjoy upgraded Zelda. However, the implications of canceling the membership and reverting to the original game's performance raise further questions.

Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour has raised eyebrows. This virtual exhibition filled with minigames feels like it should be a free inclusion with the console, similar to Astro's Playroom, which came bundled with the PlayStation 5. Astro's Playroom not only celebrated PlayStation's legacy but also welcomed newcomers in a way that felt reminiscent of Nintendo's own successful approaches like Wii Sports. In contrast, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour seems to mimic some of the less favorable aspects of Sony's costly PS3 launch.

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 pricing concerns, I believe the Switch 2 won't be a regression for Nintendo. The momentum from the original Switch and its extensive game library provides a solid foundation. The console itself appears to be a safe yet impressive evolution, and the games showcased so far look promising, with more announcements likely on the horizon (Mario, we're waiting!). I hope Nintendo heeds the feedback on pricing to avoid setting a new, higher standard for video game costs.

While the cost of the Switch 2, its games, upgrades, and accessories has overshadowed the reveal to some extent, it hasn't completely dimmed the excitement. It remains to be seen whether Nintendo can balance its pricing strategy to maintain the goodwill it has built with its fanbase.