The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 is undeniable, especially with its enhanced graphical capabilities. Although fans are still eagerly awaiting a new 3D Mario game—eight years after Super Mario Odyssey—the reveal introduced several exciting titles, including the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and a thrilling new game reminiscent of Bloodborne called The Duskbloods. However, the spotlight quickly shifted from these exciting announcements to a more contentious issue: the price of the console and its accompanying ecosystem.
Priced at $449.99, the Switch 2 itself isn't considered exorbitant for 2025 standards. Yet, it's the cost of the games and accessories that has sparked debate. The headline-grabbing $80 price tag for Mario Kart World, in particular, has raised eyebrows. Traditionally, we've seen games priced at $60 or $70, making this a significant jump. Coupled with the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer at $90, and the necessity of a Nintendo Online membership for global connectivity, the total investment to fully enjoy the Switch 2's features can add up quickly.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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On the flip side, there's an argument to be made for the value of Mario Kart World. Given the longevity of Mario Kart 8, World is likely to be the sole Mario Kart title for the Switch 2, potentially offering years of enjoyment. Is $80 a fair price for a game that could entertain for a decade? In a world dominated by free-to-play models like Fortnite, where players might spend equivalent amounts over time on in-game purchases, the value proposition of a premium title like Mario Kart World warrants consideration.
Donkey Kong Bananza, priced at a more modest $69.99, suggests that Nintendo might be flexing its pricing power with its flagship titles. The same pricing strategy is evident with the Switch 2 versions of Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, both also at $80. This approach raises concerns about whether other publishers will follow suit, potentially setting a new, higher standard for game prices. The upcoming GTA 6 is a prime example where industry watchers are keeping a close eye.
PlayStation's approach to charging $10 for PS4 to PS5 game upgrades has been well-received. The cost for upgrading Switch games to the Switch 2 version remains undisclosed, but if it mirrors Sony's model, it might be seen as reasonable. However, a higher upgrade fee could deter players from investing in these enhancements.
For instance, you can currently purchase The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Amazon for $52, which is $28 less than the Switch 2 version. If the upgrade costs $10, buying the original and then upgrading could save you nearly $20. In the UK, the difference is even more pronounced, with the original version at £45 and the Switch 2 version at £75. These disparities beg the question of how Nintendo will handle game upgrades and what the real cost will be for players.
The Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, currently priced at $49.99 annually, offers enhanced versions of games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. While this might seem like a good deal, questions arise about what happens if you cancel the membership. Will you lose access to these enhanced versions, reverting to lower resolution and frame rates?
Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, has left many puzzled. This type of content is often included as a free pack-in with new consoles, as seen with Astro's Playroom on the PS5. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour feels like a missed opportunity to replicate the warm welcome and inventive spirit that Nintendo is known for, reminiscent instead of Sony's controversial PS3 launch tactics.
AnswerSee ResultsDespite these pricing concerns, the Switch 2 is not expected to be a step backward for Nintendo. The momentum and goodwill from the original Switch, coupled with its extensive library of games, provide a strong foundation. The console itself is a safe yet impressive evolution, and the announced games look promising. The hope is that Nintendo will heed the backlash and adjust its pricing strategy to avoid setting a new, higher standard for video game prices.
While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem has overshadowed the reveal to some extent, it hasn't completely overshadowed the excitement and potential of the new console.
