Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

The excitement surrounding the reveal of Nintendo's Switch 2 has been palpable, with its new graphical capabilities and innovative game lineup drawing significant attention. Yet, the absence of a new 3D Mario game—eight years after Super Mario Odyssey—has left some fans longing. The reveal did, however, introduce us to the open-world Mario Kart World, the much-anticipated return of Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, and a thrilling new title, The Duskbloods, which seems to be a spiritual successor to Bloodborne. But amidst all the excitement, the conversation has shifted heavily towards the cost. At $449.99, the console itself isn't the issue; rather, it's the combined expense of games and accessories that's raising eyebrows. Is the price of entry into the world of the Switch 2 too steep? Let's delve deeper.

The $80 price tag on Mario Kart World has sparked widespread discussion, especially when compared to the usual $60 or $70 we're accustomed to. It's easy to feel that Nintendo might be pushing the boundaries with this price, banking on its guaranteed popularity at launch. When you factor in additional costs like extra Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer at $90, and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, the total cost begins to mount. Given the reveal trailer's emphasis on 24-player co-op and immersive social features like GameChat and photo mode, it's hard not to view this as somewhat calculated.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, some argue that Mario Kart World offers excellent value for money. Given its potential to be the sole Mario Kart release for the Switch 2, mirroring Mario Kart 8's long lifespan, the $80 might be justified for years of enjoyment. In today's gaming landscape, where free-to-play giants like Fortnite exist, our perception of value might be skewed. A player could easily spend $80 on Fortnite over time through battle passes and skins. While comparing these games might feel like apples to oranges, when a family movie outing can cost $80 for a couple of hours, a decade of Mario Kart seems more reasonable.

It's worth noting that Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at a more modest $69.99, suggesting that Nintendo might be testing the waters with higher prices for their marquee titles like Mario Kart. However, this pricing strategy raises concerns, especially when other flagship titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are also listed at $80. This trend could set a precedent for the industry, potentially influencing other publishers to follow suit. The upcoming GTA 6 is one to watch in this regard. It also begs the question of how future console upgrades will be priced, especially for enhancing older games.

PlayStation has set a precedent with its $10 upgrades for some PS4 games transitioning to PS5, with Days Gone being a recent example. The pricing for Switch game upgrades on the Switch 2 remains a mystery. If it mirrors Sony's approach, a $10 upgrade for improved performance and additional content might be acceptable. But if it's closer to $20 or $30, many might think twice about investing in these enhancements.

For instance, Tears of the Kingdom is currently available on Amazon for $52, a significant $28 less than the Switch 2 version. If the upgrade cost is $10, it might make more sense to buy the original and then upgrade, saving nearly $20. This price disparity is even more pronounced in the UK, where the original Switch version is priced at £45, while the Switch 2 version is £75. The original MSRP for Tears of the Kingdom was $70, so a $10 upgrade could be plausible. However, all this is speculative, with the only known option being 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. If this price doesn't rise soon, it's not a bad deal, but what happens if you cancel your subscription? Will you be forced back to playing at lower resolutions and frame rates?

Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour feels particularly puzzling. This virtual tour, complete with minigames, feels like the kind of feature you'd expect to be included free with a new console. Astro's Playroom, provided free with the PlayStation 5, set a high bar by offering a delightful platformer that celebrated PlayStation's history while welcoming new users. It echoed the spirit of Nintendo's own Wii Sports, whereas the Switch 2 Welcome Tour seems to miss the mark, echoing some of the perceived arrogance of Sony's PS3 launch.

What Do You Think of the $449.99 Nintendo Switch 2 Price? ---------------------------------------------------------

Too expensiveCheaper than I was expectingAbout rightSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

AnswerSee ResultsDespite these concerns, I believe the Switch 2 won't be a step backward for Nintendo. The original Switch's success and its extensive library of games provide a solid foundation. The Switch 2 itself promises to be a worthy successor, albeit perhaps a bit cautious in its innovations. The games showcased so far are impressive, and there's undoubtedly more to come. I just hope Nintendo takes note of the backlash regarding the pricing of its launch titles and doesn't set a new norm of $80 video games.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem doesn't completely overshadow its reveal for me, it certainly tempers the enthusiasm that Nintendo might have hoped for.