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 await a new 3D Mario game, the reveal introduced us to the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, and a new game reminiscent of Bloodborne called The Duskbloods. However, the price point of the console and its accompanying games and accessories has become a focal point of discussion. At $449.99, the Switch 2 itself isn't exorbitantly priced for 2025 standards, but the cost of enjoying it to its fullest is what's raising eyebrows.

The $80 price tag on Mario Kart World has been particularly shocking, given that we're accustomed to games costing $60 or $70. This high price, coupled with the additional cost of joy-cons for multiplayer and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, quickly adds up. The reveal's emphasis on 24-player co-op and features like GameChat and photo mode suggests a push towards a more social gaming experience, but at what cost?

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the other hand, some argue that Mario Kart World offers great value for money. Given its potential as the only Mario Kart game for the Switch 2, considering the longevity of Mario Kart 8, $80 might be justified for years of entertainment. With free-to-play games like Fortnite setting new standards for value, perhaps our expectations have shifted. After all, spending $80 on a game that provides a decade of fun might be more reasonable than it seems, especially when compared to the cost of other entertainment options like cinema visits.

Donkey Kong Bananza comes in at a more modest $69.99, suggesting Nintendo's pricing strategy might be tailored to specific titles. However, with Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also priced at $80, it's hard not to worry about a trend of increasing game prices. This raises questions about whether other publishers will follow suit, with GTA 6 being a notable concern.

PlayStation's approach to charging $10 for upgrades from PS4 to PS5 games, like Days Gone, sets a precedent. If Nintendo follows suit with similar pricing for Switch to Switch 2 upgrades, it might be acceptable. However, if the cost is significantly higher, it could deter players from investing in these enhancements.

For instance, *Tears of the Kingdom* is currently available on Amazon for $52, while the Switch 2 version will cost $80. This significant price difference raises questions about the cost of upgrades. In the UK, the gap is even wider, with the original version priced at £45 and the Switch 2 version at £75. If the upgrade cost is just $10, it might be more economical to buy the original game and then the upgrade.

These considerations are speculative, but the only concrete information we have is that enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be available with a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, currently priced at $49.99 annually. If the price of this membership doesn't increase, it could offer good value. However, the implications of canceling the membership and losing access to these enhanced versions are unclear.

The decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, is particularly baffling. It feels like something that should be included with the console, similar to Astro's Playroom for the PlayStation 5, which was a free and generous introduction to the new console.

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, the Switch 2 doesn't seem like a step backward for Nintendo. The console itself promises a safe yet impressive evolution of the original Switch, and the revealed games look promising. However, the high cost of some launch titles and the potential for a trend of $80 games are worrisome. Hopefully, Nintendo will heed the feedback and adjust its strategy to avoid setting a new, higher standard for game prices.

While the pricing of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem doesn't completely overshadow the reveal, it certainly casts a shadow over what could have been a universally celebrated launch.