Nintendo Switch 2 Price BLASTED & Absurd Anti-Gamer Pricing on New Nintendo Games!
What is going on everyone, J here from TheQuartering! There’s a ton of buzz around the Nintendo Switch 2, our newest console, which is set to retail for $449 in the United States. While the console price itself is drawing reactions, with some analysts predicting it wouldn’t exceed $399, the real shocker is the price of the games.
For years, we’ve been accustomed to paying $30, $40, $50, and sometimes $60 for a game. But now, it looks like the physical versions of Switch 2 games will jump to $80, and the digital prices are going to be insane. We’ve learned that the launch day exclusive, Mario Kart World, will retail for $80, with a console bundle available for $499. Another exclusive, Donkey Kong Bonanza, is priced at $70. This clearly indicates that Nintendo is preparing us for an era of $80 Mario and Zelda titles.
Speaking of digital, it’s absolutely bonkers that digital games are also hitting the $80 mark. You get no physical copy, you own nothing but a license, and they’re still charging that much. At these prices, four digital games would cost more than the console itself. I, for one, will not be paying $80 for a digital game.
The console itself also raises some eyebrows. The Switch 2 will launch on June 5th with 256 GB of internal storage, which is significantly less than the terabyte that’s becoming standard. What’s worse is that the Switch 2 will no longer support standard Micro SDXC expansion cards; you’ll need to use the newer Micro SDXC Express. This means you’ll likely have to buy new storage even if you have existing cards full of Switch game data.
Another odd choice is the built-in LCD screen, especially since Nintendo released an upgraded OLED version of the original Switch back in 2021. While it’s supposedly a better LCD screen, it feels like a way to push consumers towards a potential OLED model down the line. For comparison, you can currently get a 256 GB Steam Deck with an LCD screen for $399, offering access to a vast library of games, emulation, and more powerful hardware.
And of course, the internet is already full of misinformation, with some blaming Donald Trump’s tariffs for these prices. Let me be clear: Trump’s tariffs have not affected the Switch 2’s pricing at all. There have been no new tariffs placed on Japan, where it’s manufactured. It’s insane to think that tariffs are the cause. The price increase has nothing to do with tariffs; it’s about Nintendo’s pricing strategy. In fact, when looking at international conversions, the prices align with currency values, not tariffs.
Even the Switch 2’s welcome tour, which seems to be a free packing title, is following suit with anti-consumer practices. While it will offer enhanced versions of Nintendo Switch titles, the cost of these upgrades is yet to be revealed. Furthermore, the enhanced native voice chat will only be free until March 31st, after which it will become part of the premium Nintendo Switch Online membership. They’re even going to charge you extra for voice chat!
While industry analysts have warned about the rising costs of game development potentially leading to $70 price tags, Nintendo seems to have blown past that with these $80 price points. They’re betting that their premium products justify a premium price.
Despite all this, let’s be honest, this thing is still going to sell out. Everyone will complain, but when Mario Kart World drops, they’ll all be buying it. The Switch 2 is still likely to be a massive console launch. However, these prices, especially the $80 digital games, are a tough pill to swallow. Let us know what you think about these Switch 2 prices in the comments below.
