Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating its new graphical prowess. Although we're still waiting for a new 3D Mario game—it's been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey, and the wait is excruciating—we were treated to the open-world spectacle of Mario Kart World, the much-anticipated return of Donkey Kong in "Donkey Kong Bananza," and a captivating new game, "The Duskbloods," which seems poised to fill the void left by Bloodborne. However, the spotlight quickly shifted from these exciting announcements to a more contentious issue: the price.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch at $449.99, a figure that isn't exorbitant for a cutting-edge console in 2025. The real sticker shock comes from the cost of the games and accessories needed to fully experience what the Switch 2 has to offer. Mario Kart World, for instance, carries a hefty $80 price tag, significantly higher than the standard $60 to $70 we've come to expect. This pricing strategy has sparked debate, with many feeling that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's guaranteed popularity at launch. Add in the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers at $90 for multiplayer fun, and the need for a Nintendo Online membership to play with friends globally, and the total investment can quickly escalate.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 Images

On the flip side, there's an argument to be made for the value Mario Kart World offers. Given that it's likely to be the sole Mario Kart game on the Switch 2 for the foreseeable future, akin to Mario Kart 8's longevity, is $80 a fair price for potentially years of enjoyment? In a world where free-to-play games like Fortnite dominate, our perception of what constitutes good value may be skewed. Consider that a dedicated Fortnite player might spend $80 on battle passes and skins over five years. While comparing these is like comparing apples to oranges, it's worth noting that $80 for a family cinema outing offers just two hours of entertainment, whereas Mario Kart could provide entertainment for a decade.

While "Donkey Kong Bananza" is priced at a more reasonable $69.99, the higher price point for Mario Kart World and other titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at $80 raises eyebrows. This pricing strategy from Nintendo, traditionally seen as player-friendly, could set a dangerous precedent. Will other publishers follow suit, with eyes on GTA 6? It also begs the question of how future console upgrades will be priced, especially 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 cost for enhanced versions of Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed. If it mirrors Sony's $10 fee for improved performance and additional content, it might be well-received. However, a higher price could deter many from investing in these upgrades.

For example, you can currently purchase Tears of the Kingdom on Amazon for $52, a significant $28 less than the Switch 2 version. The UK sees an even larger gap, with the Switch version at £45 compared to £75 for the Switch 2 edition. If the original MSRP of Tears of the Kingdom is $70, does that suggest a $10 upgrade? If so, it might be more economical to buy the Switch version and then the upgrade, saving nearly $20.

All of this is speculative, but the only clue we have is the enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom available through the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, currently priced at $49.99 annually. If this price doesn't rise in the near future, an upgraded Zelda as part of that package isn't a bad deal. However, what happens if you cancel your membership? Will you revert to playing at 1080p with reduced performance until you resubscribe? These are critical questions that need answers.

Finally, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, feels out of touch. Such an offering should be a free, welcoming experience for new console owners, much like Astro's Playroom was for the PlayStation 5. That game not only showcased Sony's hardware but also paid homage to its gaming heritage, echoing the spirit of Nintendo's own Wii Sports. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour, by contrast, seems to echo the missteps of Sony's expensive PS3 launch.

Despite these pricing concerns, I don't believe the Switch 2 represents a step backward for Nintendo. The company has built substantial goodwill with the original Switch and boasts an impressive library of games. The Switch 2 itself appears to be a solid evolution of its predecessor, and the announced games are promising, with more surely on the horizon (come on, Mario, don't keep us waiting forever). My hope is that Nintendo heeds the backlash against the pricing of its launch titles and doesn't establish $80 as the new norm for video game prices.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its associated games, upgrades, and accessories casts a shadow over the reveal, it doesn't entirely eclipse the excitement. However, it has certainly tempered the universal acclaim Nintendo might have hoped for.