Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was palpable, especially with its enhanced graphical capabilities. Yet, despite the thrilling announcements like the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and the intriguing new title The Duskbloods, the spotlight quickly shifted to the pricing of the console and its accompanying games and accessories.

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a price tag of $449.99, which, while not unreasonable for new technology in 2025, raises eyebrows when considering the additional costs to fully enjoy the system. The most talked-about game, Mario Kart World, is priced at a steep $80, significantly higher than the traditional $60-$70 range we've grown accustomed to. Add to this the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers at $90 and a Nintendo Online membership for global multiplayer, and the total investment begins to look substantial.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesHowever, there's an argument to be made for the value provided by these games. Mario Kart World, potentially the only Mario Kart release for the Switch 2, could offer years of entertainment. When compared to the cost of free-to-play games like Fortnite, where similar amounts might be spent on in-game purchases over time, the $80 price tag might not seem so exorbitant. Additionally, considering the cost of a family outing to the cinema, a long-term investment in a game like Mario Kart could be seen as a reasonable expense.

Yet, the pricing strategy becomes more concerning with other games like Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, and Switch 2 versions of Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also at $80. This trend could set a precedent that other game publishers might follow, potentially leading to higher standard game prices across the industry.

The issue of upgrading older games to the Switch 2 also comes into play. PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for PS4 games to PS5, and if Nintendo follows suit, it might not be too controversial. However, if the upgrade costs are higher, it could deter many from investing in these enhanced versions. For instance, Tears of the Kingdom is currently available for $52 on Amazon, while the Switch 2 version will cost $80. If the upgrade is just $10, it might make more sense to buy the original and then upgrade, saving nearly $20.

The pricing model for Nintendo's online services adds another layer of complexity. The enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are part of the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack, currently priced at $49.99 annually. The sustainability of this model, and what happens to access upon cancellation, remains a question mark.

Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition featuring minigames, seems out of touch. Such features are typically included as free introductions to new consoles, as seen with Astro's Playroom on the PlayStation 5. This move feels like a step back from the welcoming approach Nintendo has historically taken.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 itself seems like a promising evolution of the original, the pricing of its games and additional costs could overshadow its potential. The hope is that Nintendo will take the feedback on board and adjust its approach to ensure that the joy of gaming isn't overshadowed by the cost of entry.

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 ResultsThe Switch 2 has the potential to be a significant step forward for Nintendo, buoyed by the success and goodwill of the original Switch and its extensive game library. However, the pricing strategy could dampen the enthusiasm if not carefully managed. Let's hope Nintendo listens to the community and ensures that $80 doesn't become the new norm for video game prices.

Does the cost of the Switch 2 and its accompanying games, upgrades, and peripherals completely overshadow the reveal? Not entirely, but it certainly casts a shadow over what could have been a universally celebrated launch.