Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement of a new console reveal is undeniable, and Nintendo certainly delivered with the Switch 2's new graphical capabilities. Despite the long wait for a new 3D Mario game since Super Mario Odyssey, fans were treated to the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, and The Duskbloods, a game that echoes the intensity of Bloodborne. However, the buzz around the reveal was largely overshadowed by the price tag. While the console itself is priced at $449.99, which is reasonable for 2025 technology, it's the cumulative cost of games and accessories that's causing concern. Is the price of entry into Nintendo's new world too high? Let's dive in and find out.

The $80 price for Mario Kart World has caught many by surprise, especially when we're accustomed to $60 or $70 as the standard. It's easy to feel that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's guaranteed popularity at launch. Add another $90 for an extra set of joy-cons to enjoy multiplayer with friends and family, and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, and the costs quickly add up. The reveal trailer's emphasis on 24-player co-op and new features like GameChat and photo mode only heightens the sense of a calculated move.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, the argument could be made that Mario Kart World offers excellent value for money. Given its potential to be the sole Mario Kart release on the Switch 2 for years, as was the case with Mario Kart 8, is $80 a fair price for a game that could provide a decade of enjoyment? In a world where free-to-play games like Fortnite are common, our perception of value might be skewed. Consider that someone who plays Fortnite as much as a dedicated Mario Kart player might spend $80 on in-game purchases over time. While these are different kinds of games, when a family movie outing can easily hit $80 for a couple of hours, a long-term investment in Mario Kart seems justified.

At $69.99, Donkey Kong Bananza is more affordably priced, suggesting Nintendo might be testing the waters with Mario Kart's higher price point. Yet, with Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also priced at $80 on the Switch 2, it raises concerns about a new pricing trend. This could set a precedent that other publishers might follow, with eyes on titles like GTA 6. It also brings up questions about the cost of upgrading older games to the new console's standards.

PlayStation has been charging $10 for PS4 to PS5 upgrades, like the upcoming Days Gone. If Nintendo follows suit with the Switch 2, it might not stir much controversy. However, if the cost is higher—say $20 or $30—it could deter many from investing in these upgrades. Currently, Tears of the Kingdom is available for $52 on Amazon, while the Switch 2 version will cost $80. In the UK, the difference is even more pronounced, with the Switch version at £45 and the Switch 2 version at £75. If the upgrade is just $10, savvy buyers might opt for the cheaper Switch version and then purchase the upgrade, saving nearly $20.

All this is speculative, but the only hint we have is that enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are included with a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, currently priced at $49.99 annually. If this price holds steady, it's not a bad deal, but what happens if you cancel your membership? Do you lose access to these enhanced versions? These are critical questions that need answers.

Finally, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour feels particularly perplexing. This virtual exhibition with minigames feels like something that should come free with the console, much like Astro's Playroom did with the PS5. Astro's Playroom was a generous nod to both Nintendo's creativity and PlayStation's legacy, making it a warm welcome to the new console. In contrast, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour seems reminiscent of Sony's costly PS3 launch strategy, which was met with criticism.

What do you think of the $449.99 Nintendo Switch 2 price?

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 will be a setback for Nintendo like Sony's high-definition console launch, the pricing strategy for its launch titles has sparked immediate backlash. The Switch 2 itself appears to be a solid, if somewhat conservative, evolution of its predecessor. The showcased games look promising, and more exciting releases are surely on the horizon (we're all waiting for you, Mario). I just hope Nintendo doesn't let greed overshadow its offerings. No one wants $80 to become the new norm for video game prices, so here's hoping Nintendo listens to its fans.

Does the cost of the Switch 2 and its accompanying ecosystem overshadow the excitement of the reveal? Not entirely for me, but it certainly didn't meet the universal acclaim Nintendo might have anticipated.