Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was palpable, especially with its enhanced graphical capabilities. While fans were thrilled about the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and the intriguing new game The Duskbloods, one aspect overshadowed the excitement: the price. At $449.99, the console itself isn't exorbitantly priced for 2025, but the cost of games and accessories to fully enjoy the Switch 2 has raised eyebrows.

The $80 price tag on Mario Kart World is particularly striking. In an era where $60 to $70 is the standard for new games, this increase feels steep. It's easy to see this as Nintendo capitalizing on the game's inevitable popularity at launch. Adding to the cost, extra Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer come in at $90, and a Nintendo Online membership is necessary for global play. When the reveal trailer highlighted features like 24-player co-op and new social elements like GameChat and photo mode, it's hard not to feel a bit of cynicism about the pricing strategy.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesHowever, there's a counterargument to consider: the value for money. Mario Kart World is likely to be the sole Mario Kart game released for the Switch 2, given the longevity of Mario Kart 8. Is $80 reasonable for a game that could provide years of enjoyment? In today's landscape, where free-to-play games like Fortnite dominate, our perception of value might be skewed. A Fortnite player might spend $80 over five years on battle passes and skins, while a Mario Kart player could enjoy a decade of fun for the same price. In comparison to a family movie outing costing $80 for a couple of hours, the cost of Mario Kart World seems more justifiable.

Donkey Kong Bananza, priced at $69.99, suggests Nintendo is aware of its pricing power, particularly with marquee titles like Mario Kart. Yet, the $80 price points for other games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Switch 2 raise questions about the future of game pricing. Will other publishers follow suit? The upcoming GTA 6 is a prime example to watch.

PlayStation has set a precedent with its $10 upgrades for PS4 games to PS5 versions, such as the upcoming Days Gone. The pricing for enhanced Switch games on the Switch 2 remains unclear. If Nintendo follows Sony's model, $10 for improved performance and additional content might be acceptable. However, higher prices could deter consumers from upgrading.

The decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is perhaps the most perplexing. This virtual exhibition with minigames feels like it should be a free pack-in, similar to Astro's Playroom on the PS5, which celebrated PlayStation's history and welcomed new users. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour, on the other hand, feels like a missed opportunity to emulate the generosity of Wii Sports and Astro's Playroom.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem didn't completely overshadow its reveal, it certainly tempered the overall reception. Nintendo has a chance to adjust its approach and ensure the Switch 2 lives up to the legacy of its predecessor.