The former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, Shawn Layden, recently shared his perspective on the pricing controversy surrounding Nintendo's Switch 2. With the console priced at $449.99 and some games, like Mario Kart World, jumping to $79.99, there's been significant discussion about the value and cost of Nintendo's latest offering.
Nintendo has tried to ease the impact by offering a limited-time bundle that includes Mario Kart World with the Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's cost by $30. However, this deal's availability is uncertain due to potential tariff changes and delays in U.S. pre-orders.
The price hike isn't isolated to Mario Kart World; other titles such as Kirby and The Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World, Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition also carry a $79.99 price tag. This move has sparked reactions from analysts and gamers alike, with IGN providing detailed coverage on the reasons behind these increases.
Layden, in a discussion on the PlayerDriven YouTube channel and podcast, pointed out the unique position of Nintendo's exclusive titles. He contrasted Nintendo's strategy with that of Sony and Microsoft, noting that while the latter two are expanding their games to PC and rival consoles, Nintendo remains committed to keeping its titles exclusive to its own hardware.
"But right here you see, 'wow, that's kind of a hefty price hike from Switch 1 to Switch 2 and, wow, 80 bucks for a game?'" Layden remarked. "But if it's the only place where you can play Mario, then you get your wallet out and you buy into it... and Donkey Kong and Zelda. That first-party exclusivity kind of mitigates the sticker shock, if you will, of these price hikes, because you want that content so bad."
Here is a breakdown of the Nintendo Switch 2 pricing in the U.S.:
Nintendo Switch 2 by itself: $449.99
Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World bundled in: $499.99
Mario Kart World by itself: $79.99
Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
Joy-Con 2 Controller pair: $89.99
Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
Joy-Con 2 Wheel pair: $19.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99
Layden also touched on the general pricing of video games, suggesting that, adjusted for inflation, game prices should have increased by about $5 with each new console generation, leading to a current price point of around $90. He noted, "In 2025 dollars, $59.99 in 1999 is equivalent to $100. Your purchasing power compared to your cost of living, it's much smaller now than it was before, but still companies have been reluctant to push that price up."
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
7 Images
In an interview with IGN, Bill Trinen, Vice President of Product and Player Experience at Nintendo of America, defended the $80 price of Mario Kart World. Trinen emphasized the game's extensive content and value, promising more details in an upcoming Nintendo Direct dedicated to Mario Kart World.
"I would say it's less about the strategy of pricing Mario Kart World, it's more just whenever we look at a given game, we just look at what is the experience, and what's the content, and what's the value?" Trinen explained. He also hinted at undiscovered features and secrets within the game, suggesting it offers the richest Mario Kart experience yet.
Regarding the $80 price for other Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, Trinen noted that while there are upgrade paths for existing owners and benefits for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members, the full price reflects the value Nintendo places on its new releases. "Well, again, what I would say is that we just look at each individual game and we look at the content and the value of that game, and then we say, 'what is the right price for the value of this entertainment?'" he stated.
Addressing the overall cost of the Nintendo Switch 2, Trinen acknowledged the rising costs associated with developing new technology and features but stressed that Nintendo aims to set an appropriate price based on the enhanced gaming experience offered by the console.
Despite these justifications, some Nintendo fans remain concerned about being priced out of the next-generation console, especially given the potential impact of tariffs on future pricing.
