Does the Price of the Switch 2 Overshadow Its Reveal?

The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was palpable, especially with the new graphical capabilities on display. While fans eagerly awaited news of a new 3D Mario game—still absent since Super Mario Odyssey's release nearly eight years ago—the showcase introduced us to the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, and a new game reminiscent of Bloodborne called The Duskbloods. However, the buzz quickly shifted to the pricing of the console and its accompanying games and accessories, raising questions about whether the cost of entry into Nintendo's latest offering is too steep.

The Nintendo Switch 2 itself is priced at $449.99, which isn't unreasonable for cutting-edge technology in 2025. However, the real sticker shock comes from the cost of the games and accessories needed to fully enjoy the console. Mario Kart World, for instance, carries a hefty $80 price tag, significantly higher than the typical $60 to $70 we've grown accustomed to. This price point, coupled with the need for additional Joy-Con controllers at $90 for multiplayer fun and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, quickly adds up. The reveal trailer's emphasis on 24-player co-op and new social features like GameChat and photo mode only amplifies the sense that these costs might be a bit too calculated.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, one could argue that Mario Kart World offers excellent value for money. Given that it's likely to be the only Mario Kart game for the Switch 2, considering Mario Kart 8's longevity, $80 might be justified for years of entertainment. In an era dominated by free-to-play models like Fortnite, our perception of value might be skewed. A dedicated Mario Kart player might spend as much on in-game purchases over time as they would on a single $80 game. When compared to the cost of a family movie outing, which can easily reach $80 for a couple of hours, a decade of Mario Kart enjoyment doesn't seem so bad.

However, the pricing strategy becomes more concerning when looking at other titles. Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at a more reasonable $69.99, suggesting Nintendo might be leveraging the popularity of Mario Kart to set higher prices. The $80 price point extends to other major releases like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, raising questions about whether this trend will influence other game publishers, such as those behind GTA 6.

PlayStation has set a precedent with its $10 upgrades for PS4 games transitioning to PS5, like the upcoming Days Gone upgrade. The cost of upgrading Switch games to the Switch 2 version remains undisclosed, but if it mirrors Sony's approach, it might be well-received. However, a higher upgrade fee could deter many from investing in these enhancements.

For instance, you can currently purchase Tears of the Kingdom on Amazon for $52, significantly less than the $80 Switch 2 version. If the upgrade costs $10, it might be more economical to buy the original and then upgrade. The price difference is even more pronounced in the UK, where the original Switch version is £45, while the Switch 2 version is £75. With the original MSRP of Tears of the Kingdom at $70, a $10 upgrade seems plausible, but these are all speculative figures based on current offerings like the enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom available through a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, which costs $49.99 annually.

The decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, feels particularly out of place. Such an experience typically comes free with new consoles, as seen with Astro's Playroom on the PlayStation 5, which celebrated Sony's history and welcomed new users. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour, in contrast, seems reminiscent of the costly PS3 launch, hinting at a potential misstep by Nintendo.

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 concerns, the Nintendo Switch 2 is unlikely to be a step backward for the company. With the momentum from the original Switch and its vast library of games, Nintendo has a strong foundation. The console itself appears to be a solid, if somewhat conservative, evolution of its predecessor, and the showcased games look promising. However, the pricing of launch titles and the potential for setting a new standard of $80 for video games is a worry. Nintendo must heed the backlash and adjust its strategy to avoid alienating its fanbase.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem didn't completely overshadow the reveal for me, it certainly dampened the overall reception. Nintendo's next moves will be crucial in determining whether the Switch 2 can live up to the legacy of its predecessor.