Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

There’s no denying the excitement of a new console reveal, and Nintendo certainly delivered with the graphical capabilities of the Switch 2. Despite the absence of a new 3D Mario game (it’s been almost eight years since Super Mario Odyssey, and the wait continues), the reveal showcased the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in the spotlight, and a pseudo-successor to Bloodborne with The Duskbloods. However, one aspect of the reveal has overshadowed everything else – the price. While the console itself is priced at $449.99, which isn't unreasonable for new technology in 2025, the cost of games and accessories needed to fully enjoy the Switch 2 has raised eyebrows. So, is the price of admission to Nintendo’s new toys really too high? Let’s delve deeper.

The $80 price tag for Mario Kart World has sparked numerous discussions. In an era where $60 or $70 is the standard, this higher price point feels steep. It's easy to assume that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's anticipated popularity at launch. Add in the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer at $90, and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, and the expenses quickly add up. The reveal trailer emphasized 24-player co-op and the ability to explore the game world with friends, utilizing new GameChat and photo mode features, which might make the pricing strategy seem a bit cynical.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, the argument for value for money is compelling. Mario Kart World is likely to be the only Mario Kart game released on the Switch 2, considering the longevity of Mario Kart 8. Is $80 a fair price for a game that promises years of enjoyment? In a time when free-to-play games like Fortnite dominate, our perception of value might be skewed. Someone who invests as many hours into Fortnite over five years as a Mario Kart player might easily spend $80 on battle passes and skins. While these comparisons are not direct, in an era where a family cinema outing can cost $80 for a couple of hours, a decade of Mario Kart seems reasonable.

Donkey Kong Bananza, priced at a more modest $69.99, suggests that Nintendo might be leveraging the popularity of Mario Kart to justify its higher price. However, with Switch 2 versions of Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also priced at $80, the pricing strategy is perplexing. For a company known for being player-first and generous, this raises concerns about whether other game publishers will follow suit with inflated prices. GTA 6, we're watching you. It also prompts questions about the cost of upgrading older games for future console generations.

PlayStation has been offering $10 upgrades for some PS4 games transitioning to PS5, such as Days Gone later this month. The pricing for enhanced versions of Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed. If it mirrors Sony's approach, a $10 upgrade for improved frame rates, 4K resolution, and additional gameplay features might be well-received. However, a $20 or $30 upgrade could deter many from investing in these enhancements.

For instance, you can currently purchase Tears of the Kingdom on Amazon for $52, which is $28 less than the Switch 2 edition. The upgrade cost is uncertain, but the difference is even more pronounced in the UK, where the Switch version is £45 compared to £75 for the Switch 2 version. The original MSRP for Tears of the Kingdom on Switch was $70, suggesting a potential $10 upgrade. If so, buying the Switch version from Amazon and then the upgrade pack for $10 could save nearly $20.

These are speculative thoughts, but the only current indicator is the enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom available through a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, priced at $49.99 annually. If the price doesn't increase in the next two months (though I wouldn't be surprised if it does, given Netflix's recent price hikes), an upgraded Zelda as part of the membership isn't a bad deal. However, what happens if you cancel your membership? Do you revert to playing at 1080p with less stable frame rates until you resubscribe? These are crucial questions that need answers.

Finally, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is perhaps the most puzzling. This virtual exhibition filled with minigames feels like it should be a free pack-in, similar to what you'd expect when first booting up a new console. Astro’s Playroom, which came free with all PlayStation 5s, was a generous platformer that celebrated PlayStation's history and welcomed new users. It seemed Sony took inspiration from Nintendo and Wii Sports, while the Switch 2 Welcome Tour feels like Nintendo adopting some of the arrogance Sony displayed during the 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 ResultsI don’t believe the Switch 2 will be a step backward for Nintendo like Sony’s entry into the high-definition era. With the momentum and goodwill from the original Switch, and its extensive library of games, Nintendo is well-positioned. The Switch 2 console itself appears to be a solid, if somewhat conservative, improvement over its predecessor. The games showcased so far look promising, with more expected to come (Mario, we're still waiting). I just hope Nintendo doesn't become too greedy and takes the backlash against the pricing of some launch titles seriously. No one wants $80 to become the new standard for video games, so let's hope Nintendo doesn't make that a reality.

Does the cost of the Switch 2 and its accompanying games, upgrades, and peripherals completely overshadow the reveal? Not entirely for me. But it certainly didn't result in the universal success that Nintendo might have hoped for.