The excitement of a new console reveal is undeniable, and Nintendo's unveiling of the Switch 2 was no exception. The new console boasts impressive graphical capabilities, but fans are still waiting for a new 3D Mario game, as it's been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey. However, the reveal showcased exciting titles like the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and The Duskbloods, a game drawing comparisons to Bloodborne. Yet, the most talked-about aspect of the reveal was the pricing, not just for the console itself but for the games and accessories needed to fully enjoy the Switch 2 experience. Let's delve into whether the cost of entry into Nintendo's latest offerings is too steep.
The $80 price tag for Mario Kart World has sparked significant discussion, especially when we're accustomed to seeing games priced at $60 or $70. It's easy to feel that Nintendo is capitalizing on the game's guaranteed popularity at launch. Adding to the cost, a new set of Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer fun will set you back another $90, and a Nintendo Online membership is required for global connectivity. The reveal trailer emphasized 24-player co-op and features like GameChat and photo mode, making it hard to ignore the potential cynicism behind these pricing decisions.
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 the only Mario Kart game for the Switch 2, considering Mario Kart 8's longevity, is $80 a fair price for years of entertainment? In an era dominated by free-to-play games like Fortnite, our perception of value might be skewed. Someone who invests as many hours into Fortnite over five years might easily spend $80 on battle passes and skins. While these comparisons aren't direct, when a family cinema outing can cost $80 for two hours of entertainment, a decade of Mario Kart seems quite reasonable.
Donkey Kong Bananza, priced at $69.99, suggests that Nintendo is aware of its pricing power, particularly with a franchise as beloved as Mario Kart. Yet, the $80 price point for Switch 2 versions of Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom raises concerns about setting a new standard for game pricing. This move by Nintendo prompts questions about whether other publishers will follow suit, with eyes particularly on titles like GTA 6. It also brings into focus how future console generations will handle the cost of upgrading older games.
PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for PS4 games transitioning to PS5, with Days Gone being a recent example. The pricing for enhanced versions of Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed. If Nintendo follows Sony's model, a $10 upgrade for improved frame rates, 4K resolution, and additional gameplay features would be well-received. However, a $20 or $30 upgrade might 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 original Switch version costs £45, while the Switch 2 version is £75. The original MSRP for Tears of the Kingdom was $70, so a $10 upgrade seems plausible. If that's the case, buying the Switch version from Amazon and then purchasing the upgrade for $10 could save you nearly $20.These are all speculative scenarios, but the only hint we have so far is that enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be available with a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, which currently costs $49.99 annually. While this could be a good deal, it raises questions about what happens if you cancel your membership. Would you be stuck playing the less enhanced version until you resubscribe?
The decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is particularly perplexing. This virtual exhibition filled with minigames feels like it should be a free pack-in with the console, similar to Astro's Playroom, which came free with every PlayStation 5. Astro's Playroom was a generous platformer that paid homage to Nintendo's creativity and celebrated PlayStation's history. In contrast, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour feels reminiscent of Sony's costly PS3 launch.
AnswerSee ResultsDespite these pricing concerns, I don't believe the Switch 2 represents a step backward for Nintendo. The original Switch's success and its vast library of games provide a strong foundation. The Switch 2 itself appears to be a solid, if somewhat conservative, upgrade. The showcased games look promising, and more exciting titles are expected (come on, Mario!). I hope Nintendo takes heed of the backlash against the high launch prices and doesn't set $80 as the new norm for video games.While the cost of the Switch 2 and its associated games, upgrades, and peripherals did overshadow the reveal to some extent, it didn't completely derail the excitement. The Switch 2 has the potential to be a great addition to Nintendo's lineup, provided the company addresses these pricing concerns.
