The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was palpable, especially with the new graphical capabilities on display. While fans eagerly await a new 3D Mario game—it's been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey—the reveal showcased an open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in the spotlight, and a game reminiscent of Bloodborne called The Duskbloods. However, the buzz around the reveal was quickly overshadowed by discussions about the price. At $449.99, the console itself isn't considered exorbitant for 2025 technology, but the cost of games and accessories needed to fully enjoy the Switch 2 has sparked debate. Is the price of entry into Nintendo's latest offerings truly too steep? Let's delve deeper.
The $80 price tag for Mario Kart World has been a focal point of many discussions. This price point is a significant jump from the usual $60 or $70 we've grown accustomed to. It's easy to react negatively, feeling that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's guaranteed popularity at launch. Add to that the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer fun at $90, and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, and the expenses quickly add up. The reveal trailer emphasized 24-player co-op and the ability to explore the game world with friends, utilizing new GameChat and photo mode features, which might leave some feeling that the pricing strategy is a bit cynical.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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On 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 released on the Switch 2, considering Mario Kart 8's long lifespan, is $80 a fair price for a game that promises years of enjoyment? In an era dominated by free-to-play games like Fortnite, our perception of value might be skewed. Someone who invests as much time in Fortnite over five years as a Mario Kart enthusiast might easily spend $80 on battle passes and skins. While these comparisons are not direct, when a family movie outing can cost $80 for just two hours of entertainment, a decade of Mario Kart seems quite reasonable.
Donkey Kong Bananza, priced at a more modest $69.99, suggests that Nintendo might be testing the waters with Mario Kart's higher price. However, with Switch 2 versions of Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also priced at $80, it raises concerns about a potential trend. For a company known for its player-first approach, this pricing strategy is puzzling and prompts questions about whether other publishers will follow suit. GTA 6, we're watching you. It also brings attention to how future console generations will handle the cost of upgrading older games.
PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for some PS4 games transitioning to PS5, such as Days Gone. The pricing for enhanced Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed. If it mirrors Sony's approach, a $10 upgrade for improved frame rates, 4K resolution, and additional gameplay features might be well-received. However, a $20 or $30 upgrade could deter many from investing in these enhancements.
For instance, you can currently purchase Tears of the Kingdom on Amazon for $52, which is $28 less than the Switch 2 version. It's hard to imagine the upgrade costing that much. The price difference is even more pronounced in the UK, where the Switch version is £45, while the Switch 2 version is £75. The original MSRP for Tears of the Kingdom on Switch was $70, so could the upgrade be just $10? If so, why not buy the Switch version from Amazon and then purchase the upgrade for another $10, saving nearly $20?
These are speculative thoughts, but the only current indicator is 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. Assuming the price doesn't increase in the next two months (though I wouldn't be surprised if it does, given that Netflix now charges an arm and a leg for Love is Blind), an upgraded Zelda as part of the membership isn't a bad deal. However, what happens if you cancel your membership? Do you revert to playing at 1080p with less stable frame rates until you resubscribe? These are questions that need clear answers.
Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is perplexing. This virtual exhibition filled with minigames feels like something that should come free with the console, much like Astro's Playroom did with the PlayStation 5. Astro's Playroom was a generous platformer that celebrated PlayStation's history and welcomed new users, drawing inspiration from Nintendo's own Wii Sports. In contrast, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour seems to echo the somewhat arrogant approach Sony took with the PS3's launch.
AnswerSee ResultsI don't believe the Switch 2 will be a step backward for Nintendo like Sony's entry into the high-definition era. The original Switch's momentum and extensive game library provide a strong foundation. The Switch 2 itself appears to be a solid, if somewhat conservative, upgrade. The games showcased so far look promising, with more undoubtedly on the horizon (come on, Mario, don't keep us waiting). I just hope Nintendo doesn't let greed overshadow its offerings. No one wants $80 to become the new standard for video game prices, so let's hope Nintendo doesn't set that precedent.
While the cost of the Switch 2 and its accompanying games, upgrades, and peripherals didn't completely overshadow the reveal for me, it certainly didn't meet the universal acclaim Nintendo might have hoped for.
