Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was palpable, with new graphical capabilities and an impressive lineup of games. While many fans eagerly anticipated a new 3D Mario game (it's been almost eight years since Super Mario Odyssey, and the wait continues), the reveal showcased the expansive open-world of Mario Kart World, a much-anticipated return of Donkey Kong, and a thrilling new title, The Duskbloods, reminiscent of Bloodborne. However, the buzz quickly shifted to the price point of the console and its accompanying ecosystem.

Priced at $449.99, the Switch 2 itself isn't shockingly expensive for 2025 standards, but the cost of fully enjoying the system has sparked debate. The spotlight has been particularly harsh on Mario Kart World, which comes with a hefty $80 price tag. In an era where $60 to $70 is the standard for new releases, this price has raised eyebrows. The addition of extra joy-con controllers for multiplayer fun at $90, and the required Nintendo Online membership for global play, adds to the overall expense. The reveal trailer emphasized 24-player co-op and new features like GameChat and photo mode, making the pricing strategy seem a bit cynical to some.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, one could argue that Mario Kart World offers excellent value, potentially being the sole Mario Kart release on the Switch 2 for many years to come, much like its predecessor. Is $80 a fair price for a game that could provide countless hours of entertainment? With the rise of free-to-play models like Fortnite, our perception of value may have shifted. Someone investing similar hours in Fortnite might end up spending $80 on in-game purchases over time. While direct comparisons are tricky, considering the cost of other entertainment options, like a family movie outing, $80 for a decade of Mario Kart might not seem unreasonable.

However, other titles like Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99 suggest a varied pricing strategy. Yet, with Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also listed at $80, it's clear Nintendo is testing the waters with higher prices. This raises concerns about whether other publishers will follow suit, particularly with anticipated titles like GTA 6. The approach to upgrading older games to the new console is another point of interest, especially as PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for PS4 to PS5 games.

For instance, the Switch version of Tears of the Kingdom is currently available on Amazon for $52, while the Switch 2 version costs $80. If the upgrade is priced similarly to PlayStation's $10, why not purchase the Switch version and upgrade later, saving nearly $20? These are speculations based on the current information, including the enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom available through the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, which is $49.99 annually. What happens to access to these upgraded games if one cancels their membership remains a question.

The decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, has also been met with confusion. Such an offering typically feels like a free pack-in, similar to Astro's Playroom on the PlayStation 5, which celebrated PlayStation's history and embraced the inventive spirit of Nintendo. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour, in contrast, feels like a missed opportunity to warmly welcome new users to the console.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem doesn't completely overshadow the reveal, it has certainly tempered the excitement. Nintendo's challenge now is to ensure that the value provided matches the prices they're asking, maintaining the goodwill they've built with their fanbase.