Switch 2 Price Overshadows Reveal

There’s no denying the excitement that comes with a new console reveal, and Nintendo certainly turned heads with the graphical prowess of the Switch 2. Although the wait for a new 3D Mario game continues to stretch on—eight years since Super Mario Odyssey, and my heart aches—the reveal brought us the expansive Mario Kart World, a much-anticipated return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and an intriguing Bloodborne-esque title, The Duskbloods. However, the buzz around the reveal has been largely overshadowed by one factor: the price. While the console itself is priced at a not-unreasonable $449.99 in 2025, it's the cumulative cost of games and accessories needed to fully experience the Switch 2 that's causing concern. So, is the price of admission to Nintendo's new playground too steep? Let’s dive in.

The $80 price tag for Mario Kart World has certainly raised eyebrows, especially when we're accustomed to $60 to $70 being the standard. The immediate reaction might be to cry foul, accusing Nintendo of capitalizing on the guaranteed demand for this launch title. Add in the cost of an extra set of Joy-Con controllers at $90 for multiplayer fun, and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, and the expenses quickly stack up. The reveal trailer, with its emphasis on 24-player co-op and features like GameChat and photo mode, only adds to the sense that this pricing might be a bit of a cash grab.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, there's an argument to be made for value for money. If Mario Kart World follows in the footsteps of Mario Kart 8 and remains the only entry on the Switch 2 for a decade, does $80 seem so unreasonable for years of entertainment? In today's gaming landscape, where free-to-play giants like Fortnite thrive, our perception of value may be skewed. Consider that a dedicated Fortnite player might spend $80 on battle passes and skins over five years. Though these comparisons are not direct, when a family movie outing can cost $80 for just a couple of hours, a decade of Mario Kart enjoyment might not be such a bad deal.

At a slightly lower $69.99, Donkey Kong Bananza suggests that Nintendo is perhaps reserving the higher price point for their flagship titles like Mario Kart. Yet, with Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also priced at $80, the pricing strategy is puzzling. It raises questions about whether other publishers will follow suit. Eyes are on you, GTA 6. It also casts a spotlight on how future console generations will handle the cost of upgrading older titles.

PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for some PS4 games transitioning to PS5, such as the upcoming Days Gone. The pricing for enhanced Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed. If it mirrors Sony's approach, a $10 upgrade for enhanced performance and additional content might be acceptable. However, a $20 or $30 upgrade could deter many from making the switch.

For instance, Tears of the Kingdom can currently be purchased on Amazon for $52, significantly less than the $80 Switch 2 version. It's hard to imagine the upgrade costing as much as $28. The price disparity is even more pronounced in the UK, where the original version is £45, while the Switch 2 version is £75. If the original MSRP was $70, does that mean a $10 upgrade is on the horizon? If so, buying the Switch version now and upgrading later could save nearly $20.

These are speculative thoughts, but the only concrete hint we have is that enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are included with a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, currently priced at $49.99 per year. If this price doesn’t increase in the near future, an upgraded Zelda experience bundled in isn't a bad proposition. But what if you cancel your membership? Will you be forced back to 1080p and a choppy frame rate until you resubscribe? These are crucial questions that need answers.

Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour feels particularly perplexing. This virtual showcase filled with minigames feels like something that should be included free with the console, akin to a welcome gift. Astro’s Playroom, which came free with every PlayStation 5, was a masterclass in introducing players to new hardware while celebrating the brand's history. It seemed Sony took inspiration from Nintendo and Wii Sports. In contrast, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour smacks of the kind of hubris Sony displayed during the PS3's pricey 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 ResultsI don’t believe the Switch 2 will be a misstep for Nintendo like Sony’s leap into the high-definition era. With the momentum and goodwill built from the original Switch and its extensive library, the Switch 2 looks like a solid, albeit cautious, evolution. The games showcased so far are impressive, and with more on the way (Mario, we're waiting!), I'm optimistic. I just hope Nintendo listens to the immediate backlash regarding the pricing of its launch titles and doesn’t set a new, higher standard for game prices.

Does the cost of the Switch 2, along with its games, upgrades, and peripherals, overshadow the excitement of the reveal? For me, not entirely. However, it certainly dampened what could have been a triumphant moment for Nintendo.