The excitement of a new console reveal is undeniable, and Nintendo certainly turned heads with the graphical prowess of the Switch 2. While fans are still eagerly awaiting a new 3D Mario game—it's been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey—the reveal showcased the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and The Duskbloods, a game reminiscent of Bloodborne. However, the spotlight quickly shifted to the price, not just of the console itself at $449.99, but also the cost of games and accessories needed to fully enjoy the Switch 2. So, is the price of entry to Nintendo's latest offerings too steep? Let's delve deeper.
The $80 price tag on Mario Kart World has sparked significant discussion. In an era where $60 to $70 is the standard, this higher price point raises eyebrows. It's easy to feel that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's anticipated popularity at launch. Add to that the cost of additional Joy-Con controllers at $90 for multiplayer fun, and a Nintendo Online membership for global play, and the expenses quickly add up. The reveal trailer's emphasis on 24-player co-op and features like GameChat and photo mode only amplifies the sense that this pricing strategy might be a bit cynical.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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On the flip side, the argument for value is compelling. Mario Kart World is likely to be the sole Mario Kart release for the Switch 2, much like its predecessor's long lifespan. Is $80 a fair price for a game that promises years of enjoyment? In a world dominated by free-to-play models like Fortnite, our perception of value may be skewed. Consider that a dedicated Fortnite player might spend $80 on battle passes and skins over five years. While these comparisons are not direct, they highlight that $80 for a decade of Mario Kart might not be unreasonable, especially when a family movie outing can easily reach the same cost for just a couple of hours.
Donkey Kong Bananza, priced at a more modest $69.99, suggests that Nintendo might be selectively pricing its titles. However, with other Switch 2 games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also at $80, it raises concerns about a new pricing norm. This strategy from a company known for its player-first approach could influence other publishers, such as those behind GTA 6, to follow suit. It also prompts questions about the cost of upgrading older games to the new console.
PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for some PS4 games transitioning to PS5, like 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 improved frame rates, 4K resolution, and additional content might be well-received. However, a $20 or $30 upgrade could deter many from investing.
For instance, you can currently purchase Tears of the Kingdom on Amazon for $52, significantly less than the $80 Switch 2 version. If the upgrade costs $10, why not buy the Switch version and then the upgrade, saving nearly $20? The price difference is even more pronounced in the UK, where the Switch version is £45 compared to £75 for the Switch 2 edition. The original MSRP for Tears of the Kingdom was $70, suggesting a potential $10 upgrade. These are speculative scenarios, but the only current indicator is the availability of enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom through a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, priced at $49.99 annually. If this price remains stable, an upgraded Zelda game within the membership isn't a bad deal. However, what happens if you cancel your membership? Will you revert to playing at 1080p with less stable frame rates until you resubscribe? These are critical questions that need answers.Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, feels out of place. Such an experience typically comes free with new consoles, as seen with Astro's Playroom on the PlayStation 5. Astro's Playroom was a generous nod to Nintendo's inventive spirit and a celebration of PlayStation's history, making it a warm welcome to the new console. In contrast, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour seems reminiscent of Sony's costly PS3 launch, hinting at a potential misstep by Nintendo.
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 game library provide a strong foundation. The Switch 2 itself appears to be a solid, if somewhat conservative, evolution of its predecessor. The showcased games look promising, and more are expected (come on, Mario!). I hope Nintendo heeds the backlash against the pricing of its launch titles and avoids setting $80 as the new standard for video games.While the cost of the Switch 2 and its associated games, upgrades, and peripherals casts a shadow over the reveal, it doesn't completely overshadow it for me. However, it certainly didn't meet the universal acclaim Nintendo might have hoped for.
