Switch 2 Price Overshadows 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, the absence of one—eight years after Super Mario Odyssey—left some feeling disappointed. However, the reveal did not disappoint in other areas, showcasing the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, and the intriguing The Duskbloods, a game that seems to fill the void left by Bloodborne. Yet, amidst the excitement, one aspect has cast a shadow over the entire reveal: the price. At $449.99, the console itself isn't considered exorbitant for 2025 technology, but the total cost of entry, including games and accessories, is raising eyebrows.

The spotlight has particularly fallen on the $80 price tag of Mario Kart World, a significant jump from the usual $60 or $70 we've come to expect. This high price point, coupled with the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers at $90 for multiplayer, and the necessary Nintendo Online membership for global play, has led to concerns about affordability. The reveal trailer's emphasis on 24-player co-op, GameChat, and photo mode features only heightens these concerns, suggesting a potentially cynical strategy to maximize revenue.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, some argue that the price reflects the long-term value of the game. Given that Mario Kart World is likely to be the only Mario Kart release on the Switch 2, the $80 price might be justified for the years of enjoyment it promises. Comparisons to free-to-play games like Fortnite, which can also cost players significantly over time, suggest that our perception of value might be shifting. A family movie outing can easily reach $80 for a couple of hours, making a decade of Mario Kart seem like a reasonable investment.

However, the pricing strategy extends beyond just Mario Kart. Donkey Kong Bananza is set at $69.99, while Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are also priced at $80 on the Switch 2. This trend raises concerns about whether other game publishers will follow suit, potentially setting a new, higher standard for game prices. The upcoming GTA 6 is one to watch in this regard. Moreover, the cost of upgrading older games to the new console's standards remains a question mark. PlayStation has offered $10 upgrades for some PS4 to PS5 games, but Nintendo's approach to Switch to Switch 2 upgrades is still unclear.

Adding to the pricing confusion is the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames that feels like it should be a free pack-in. This move contrasts sharply with Sony's approach with Astro's Playroom, which came free with the PlayStation 5 and was a delightful introduction to the console's capabilities.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem does not completely overshadow the reveal, it certainly tempers the enthusiasm. Nintendo's challenge will be to balance the excitement of new technology and games with the affordability that has long been a hallmark of its brand.