Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement of a new console reveal is undeniable, and Nintendo's unveiling of the Switch 2 certainly captured attention with its enhanced graphical capabilities. While fans are still eagerly awaiting a new 3D Mario game—Super Mario Odyssey was released almost eight years ago—we were treated to the open-world experience of Mario Kart World, the much-anticipated return of Donkey Kong, and a game reminiscent of Bloodborne called The Duskbloods. However, the spotlight quickly shifted to the pricing of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem. With the console priced at $449.99, the real concern lies in the cost of games and accessories needed to fully enjoy the system. Let's delve into whether the price of entry to Nintendo's latest offerings is truly too high.

The $80 price tag on Mario Kart World has sparked significant discussion. In a market where $60 or $70 is the standard, this price jump raises eyebrows. It's easy to feel that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's expected popularity at launch. Add in the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers at $90 for multiplayer fun, and the need for a Nintendo Online membership for global play, and the expenses quickly escalate. The reveal trailer emphasized 24-player co-op and social features like GameChat and photo mode, which might make the pricing strategy seem a bit opportunistic.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, the value proposition could be argued in terms of the entertainment hours provided. Given Mario Kart 8's long-lasting appeal, Mario Kart World might be the only Mario Kart title for the Switch 2. Is $80 a fair price for a game that could entertain for years? In an era dominated by free-to-play models like Fortnite, our perception of value may be shifting. Consider that a dedicated Fortnite player might spend $80 on in-game purchases over five years. While these comparisons are not direct, they highlight that $80 for a decade of Mario Kart might not be unreasonable, especially when a family movie outing can cost the same for just a couple of hours.

Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at a more palatable $69.99, suggesting that Nintendo understands its pricing power with Mario Kart, a globally beloved franchise. Yet, the $80 price point for other Switch 2 titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom raises concerns about setting a new industry standard. This pricing strategy could influence other publishers, with eyes particularly on titles like GTA 6. It also raises questions about the cost of upgrading older games for the new console.

PlayStation has been charging $10 for PS4 to PS5 upgrades, with Days Gone as a recent example. The pricing for enhanced Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed. If Nintendo follows suit with a $10 upgrade fee for improved performance and additional content, it might be well-received. However, a $20 or $30 upgrade could deter many from investing.

For instance, Tears of the Kingdom is currently available on Amazon for $52, significantly less than the $80 Switch 2 version. This suggests that the upgrade might not be as costly as the full game price difference. The gap is even more pronounced in the UK, where the Switch version is £45 compared to £75 for the Switch 2 edition. With the original MSRP of $70 for the Switch version of TOTK, a $10 upgrade seems plausible. If that's the case, purchasing the Switch version and then the upgrade could save nearly $20.

These are all speculative thoughts, but the only concrete information 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. While the price might rise, the inclusion of upgraded Zelda games in this service is a compelling offer. However, what happens if the membership is canceled? Would players revert to the less enhanced versions?

Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour seems perplexing. This virtual exhibition filled with minigames feels like something that should be a free inclusion with the console, much like Astro's Playroom was for the PlayStation 5. Astro's Playroom was a generous and inventive platformer that celebrated PlayStation's history and welcomed new users. In contrast, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour feels like a missed opportunity to emulate the successful launch strategy of the Wii and its bundled Wii Sports.

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 ResultsDespite these pricing concerns, I believe the Switch 2 won't represent a step backward for Nintendo. The original Switch's success and extensive game library provide a strong foundation. The Switch 2 itself appears to be a solid evolution of its predecessor, with promising games on the horizon (we're looking at you, Mario). Nintendo has the opportunity to adjust its pricing strategy in response to feedback, avoiding the pitfalls that marked the PS3's launch. The hope is that $80 doesn't become the new norm for video game pricing.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem is a significant concern, it doesn't entirely overshadow the reveal. However, it did prevent the launch from being the resounding success Nintendo might have envisioned.