Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

There's no denying the excitement that comes with a new console reveal, and Nintendo certainly hit the mark with the graphical prowess of the Switch 2. While fans are still waiting for a new 3D Mario game (it's been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey, and the wait is palpable!), the reveal showcased an open-world Mario Kart World, the much-anticipated return of Donkey Kong, and a game reminiscent of Bloodborne called The Duskbloods. However, the spotlight quickly shifted from the games to the pricing. At $449.99, the console itself isn't considered exorbitantly priced for 2025 technology, but the real question is: are the additional costs for games and accessories too high to fully enjoy the Switch 2?

The $80 price tag for Mario Kart World has sparked considerable discussion. It's a significant jump from the usual $60 or $70 we've grown accustomed to. The immediate reaction is to feel that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's inevitable popularity at launch. Add to this the cost of extra Joy-Con controllers at $90 for multiplayer fun, and a Nintendo Online membership for global connectivity, and the total quickly escalates. The reveal trailer emphasized 24-player co-op and social features like GameChat and photo mode, which makes the pricing strategy seem a bit cynical.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, one could argue that the cost is justified by the hours of entertainment Mario Kart World is expected to offer. Given Mario Kart 8's longevity, World could be the only Mario Kart game on the Switch 2 for years. Is $80 a fair price for a game that promises years of enjoyment? In an era dominated by free-to-play games like Fortnite, our perception of value might be skewed. A Fortnite player spending the equivalent of $80 on battle passes and skins over five years isn't unheard of. While these comparisons aren't direct, the contrast between a two-hour cinema outing costing $80 and a decade of Mario Kart enjoyment is striking.

Donkey Kong Bananza, priced at a more reasonable $69.99, suggests that Nintendo might be selectively pricing, capitalizing on Mario Kart's immense popularity. However, with Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also listed at $80, it's hard not to be concerned about the precedent this sets. Nintendo's player-first reputation makes these high prices puzzling and raises questions about whether other publishers, such as those behind GTA 6, will follow suit. This also prompts curiosity about how future console generations will handle the cost of upgrading older games.

PlayStation has been charging $10 for upgrades from PS4 to PS5 games, like the upcoming Days Gone. The pricing strategy for enhanced Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed. If it follows Sony's model, $10 for improved frame rates, 4K resolution, and additional content seems reasonable. However, a higher price point of $20 or $30 might deter many from upgrading.

For instance, you can currently purchase Tears of the Kingdom on Amazon for $52, significantly less than the $80 Switch 2 version. If the upgrade cost is just $10, it might be more economical to buy the original and then upgrade. The price disparity is even more pronounced in the UK, with the original at £45 and the Switch 2 version at £75. With the original MSRP at $70, a $10 upgrade could be a smart move, saving nearly $20.

These considerations are speculative, but 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 at $49.99 annually. If prices remain stable, this isn't a bad deal, but what if you cancel your membership? Will you revert to playing at lower settings until you resubscribe? These are crucial questions that need clear answers.

Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, feels off. Such a feature typically comes free with new consoles, as seen with Astro's Playroom on the PS5, which was a generous nod to Nintendo's style while celebrating PlayStation's legacy. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour, however, feels reminiscent of the PS3's expensive launch, hinting at a sense of entitlement.

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 ResultsWhile I don't believe the Switch 2 represents a step backward for Nintendo, akin to Sony's high-definition generation leap, it has the momentum and goodwill from the original Switch, not to mention its vast game library, to prevent any significant stumbles. The console itself looks like a safe yet impressive evolution, and the games showcased so far are promising, with more expected (Mario, we're looking at you). I just hope Nintendo doesn't let greed overshadow its offerings. The backlash against the launch pricing is a clear indicator that $80 shouldn't become the standard for video games.

Does the cost of the Switch 2 and its accompanying ecosystem overshadow the reveal? Not completely, but it certainly didn't meet the universal acclaim Nintendo likely hoped for.