If you’re an avid video game player, you might be looking forward to the release of the Nintendo Switch Two. The new and improved system is arriving on June 5, 2025, and pre-orders for the Switch Two have already sold out. However, there has been some controversy regarding the pricing of both the games and the system itself. Currently, Nintendo has priced the Switch Two at $450. But that’s not all, physical copies of Nintendo Switch Two games have been priced as high as $90, while digital copies are being sold for $80. For the video game community, this is a major concern. Nintendo is one of the biggest gaming companies in the world, alongside Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation. So, if the Nintendo Switch Two and its games are priced so high, many consumers are worried that other companies will follow suit.
Prior to the announcement of the Switch Two, Nintendo had already begun pricing video games between $60 and $70. However, many consumers believe that Nintendo is becoming greedy, especially as other companies offer their games at much lower prices. Senior Noah Finerghty says, “The way Nintendo is pricing their games is atrocious. A tech demo made to teach you about the console you bought is already $10.” Finerghty also points out that Mario Kart: World, an upcoming game for the Nintendo Switch Twos launch, has been priced at a staggering $80. Mario Kart Eight Deluxe, the game’s predecessor, launched at around $40 to $60. Thus, consumers have noticed a dramatic change in price for their beloved Switch games.
However, consumers have also reacted negatively to the exclusive games that will be released alongside the Nintendo Switch Two. These Switch Two exclusives will include Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, among others. But this means that consumers will have to buy the Nintendo Switch Two to play these system exclusives. Some consumers might be unwilling to pay for the Nintendo Switch Two just to access these exclusives. According to senior Henry Clements, “It’s really scummy and everyone who plays video games is noticing more and more how bold these companies are getting, with their completely unsubtle shakedown tactics.” Moreover, the overall price of video games has risen over the past few years. With a video game priced at $90, it’s no surprise that consumers are concerned about the state of the gaming industry.
Additionally, Nintendo hasn’t made any significant changes to the game system itself. According to a first-look trailer released by Nintendo, the Switch Two offers better graphics, smoother performance, along with a sleeker, larger build than previous versions. The key upgrades to the game system include increased storage size and a wider screen. Compared to earlier versions, the Nintendo Switch Two is certainly one of the heftier systems in the Switch line. However, many of the modifications and upgrades available for the Switch Two must be purchased separately. For example, if you want additional Joy-Cons or controllers, you must purchase them for an astonishing $90. In comparison to the prices of previous upgrades, it’s surprising to see how much Nintendo has raised its product prices.
Now, will the Nintendo Switch Two decrease in price over the years after launch? The original Nintendo Switch was priced at around $300 at launch in 2017. Yet, the price hasn’t decreased at all. In fact, it has increased to a whopping $340 due to inflation and tariffs. Even other recent game systems by Nintendo have been priced at $200 and up. However, the main concern from consumers is that these prices have hardly changed over the years. Many consumers are likely going to wait for reviews about the Switch Two before making their purchase.
However, the question remains: Is the Nintendo Switch Two worth it? For some consumers, it is. After all, the storage capacity has increased to 256 GB, without memory cards. Not to mention an improved stand and processor, along with a wider screen size. If you didn’t buy the original Switch, then you might invest in this one to enjoy all the new specs and upgrades. But some consumers are satisfied with their current Switch, especially since it represents a much larger investment than previous versions. Moreover, dissatisfaction towards the overall pricing in video games persists. Overall, time will tell how sales for the Nintendo Switch Two will go. Some may purchase the new system to enjoy its perks while others will stick to their reliable older version. For now, we will be patiently waiting to see the results of the full release on June 5, 2025.
