Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been palpable, especially with the promise of enhanced graphical capabilities. However, the absence of a new 3D Mario game since Super Mario Odyssey has left many fans longing. Despite this, the reveal showcased the expansive Mario Kart World, the much-anticipated return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and a new game reminiscent of Bloodborne called The Duskbloods. Yet, the most talked-about aspect of the reveal has been the pricing, particularly the cost of the console and its games and accessories.

At $449.99, the Nintendo Switch 2's price point isn't excessively high for a new console in 2025. However, the real concern lies in the additional costs associated with fully enjoying the console's capabilities. Mario Kart World is priced at a steep $80, which is higher than the industry standard of $60 to $70. This high price tag has led to speculation that Nintendo might be capitalizing on the game's popularity and anticipated demand at launch. Add to this the cost of extra Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer sessions ($90) and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, and the total investment quickly escalates.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, one could argue that Mario Kart World offers exceptional value for money when considering the hours of enjoyment it will likely provide. Given the longevity of Mario Kart 8, World could be the sole Mario Kart release on the Switch 2, making its $80 price tag seem more justifiable. In an era dominated by free-to-play models like Fortnite, where players often spend similar amounts on in-game purchases, the perceived value of premium titles may have shifted. Comparing a family cinema outing to a decade-long investment in Mario Kart might even make the latter seem like a better deal.

While Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at a more modest $69.99, the $80 price point for Mario Kart World, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Switch 2 raises concerns about setting a precedent for higher game prices across the industry. This could influence other publishers, such as those behind GTA 6, to follow suit. Moreover, the cost of upgrading older games to the Switch 2 version remains a mystery. If these upgrades follow PlayStation's model of $10, they might be well-received, but higher prices could deter many from making the jump.

For instance, Tears of the Kingdom is currently available on Amazon for $52, significantly less than the $80 Switch 2 version. If the upgrade costs around $10, it might be more economical to purchase the original and upgrade. However, without clear details on upgrade costs, these are merely speculations. The inclusion of enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom in the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack, priced at $49.99 annually, adds another layer of complexity. Will these enhanced versions be accessible only to subscribers, and what happens if one cancels their membership?

Adding to the pricing conundrum is the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames that feels like a missed opportunity for a free pack-in. In contrast, Astro's Playroom was a free and generous inclusion with the PlayStation 5, echoing the spirit of Nintendo's own Wii Sports. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour seems more akin to the costly and somewhat arrogant approach Sony took with the PS3 launch.

The pricing of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem doesn't overshadow the entire reveal for me, but it certainly tempers the excitement. Nintendo needs to strike a balance to ensure that the new standard for game prices doesn't become $80, preserving the accessibility that has been a hallmark of their consoles.