This week, video game giant Nintendo released an hour-long presentation showcasing the Switch 2, the follow-up to their massively successful Nintendo Switch.
Released in 2017, the Switch exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and has sold more than 150 million units as of the end of 2024.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 presentation was released at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
My teen son and I avoided online spoilers, and sat down to watch it that night.
We were pleasantly surprised by the Switch 2’s upgrades – screen size, screen resolution, HDR (High Dynamic Range) and refresh capabilities, and storage space.
We were impressed by the system’s new GameChat feature, intended to allow friends to connect by audio chat or video camera, creating a more involved group experience.
We were blown away by the new Nintendo titles announced during the presentation, including “Mario Kart World,” “Donkey Kong Bananza,” and “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.”
Nintendo also announced Switch 2 versions of “Elden Ring,” “Split Fiction,” “Deltarune” and more.
However, after the presentation ended, and I began reading updates online, we were shocked to see the prices associated with the system.
The Nintendo Switch 2 releases June 5, for $449.99, more than most had speculated, including my own guess of $399.99.
A bundle, which includes “Mario Kart World”, will retail for $499.99.
The digital download of “Mario Kart World” will cost $79.99, and a physical copy of the game will reportedly run you $89.99.
It was a surprise, especially from the family-friendly Nintendo.
Video game prices have risen slowly, but steadily over the gaming generations.
Games for the original Nintendo Entertainment System cost anywhere between $30 and $45 in the 1980s and 1990s.
Those prices rose, reaching $70 for new PlayStation 5 and XBox Series X titles.
In 2023, Nintendo released their first $70 game, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom.”
But $80?! $90?!
The casual gamer in me couldn’t believe it. The parent in me refused to believe it.
But as more information dribbled out, it became clear the Switch 2 is going to be a very expensive endeavor.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller – seen as a prestige version of a more traditional controller – $79.99.
A new set of traditional Joy-Con controllers – $89.99.
A second dock – not necessary, but an accessory nonetheless – $109.99
Switch 2 upgraded versions of Switch games come at a cost, as well.
Even the specially-designed Switch 2 “Welcome Tour” game, meant to familiarize players with everything the system has to offer, is a paid title instead of a free pack-in experience.
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So, why is Nintendo’s upcoming game system – the follow-up to one of the most family-friendly gaming options ever – setting a new pricing precedent?
Lots of reasons.
Video games have become more expensive to produce – budgets have surged in recent years.
My favorite modern game, “The Last of Us Part II”, cost more than $220 million to produce.
(I’m well aware of the controversy in that pick – I stand by it.)
We can’t deny the impact of tariffs, either.
Friday, Nintendo announced they’re delaying pre-orders for the system due to the president’s tariffs and “evolving market conditions.”
In recent years, Nintendo moved much of their Switch console production out of China, to Vietnam, one of the countries hit hardest by President Donald Trump’s tariffs announced this week.
In fact, Nintendo is offering a region-locked, Japan-only version of the Switch 2, that’s more than $100 cheaper.
Maybe the simplest reason as to why Nintendo is raising prices is that they can.
When the console releases in June, it will be difficult to find, despite Nintendo’s efforts to stop scalpers.
Despite inflation, despite the rising price of everything, and despite the internet uproar the Nintendo Switch 2 will be a blockbuster release.
Not every Nintendo game will cost as much as “Mario Kart World”, but they’ve set a new benchmark.
“Grand Theft Auto 6” is expected to release this year. It’s potentially the most-anticipated video game ever.
Before this week, I thought the chatter that the game could cost $100 at release was silly.
That’s before Nintendo set their new pricing precedent.
I told my son to start saving his money.
I’m doing the same.
