The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 is undeniable, particularly with its enhanced graphical capabilities. However, the absence of a new 3D Mario game—eight years after Super Mario Odyssey—remains a lingering disappointment. Yet, the reveal was not without its highlights, including the introduction of the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in a new spotlight, and the intriguing The Duskbloods, a game reminiscent of Bloodborne. Amidst these announcements, the pricing of the Switch 2 and its accompanying games and accessories has sparked significant discussion.

At $449.99, the Switch 2's price tag is not excessively high for a new console in 2025, but the costs associated with fully enjoying its offerings raise eyebrows. The $80 price for Mario Kart World, in particular, stands out, especially when compared to the usual $60 or $70 for new releases. This price, combined with the cost of additional joy-con controllers at $90 and a required Nintendo Online membership for global multiplayer, quickly adds up. The reveal trailer, emphasizing 24-player co-op and new features like GameChat and photo mode, suggests a focus on multiplayer experiences, which some might view as a strategic move to justify these costs.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesHowever, there's a counterargument that the value proposition of Mario Kart World might justify its price. Given the longevity of Mario Kart 8, World could provide years of enjoyment, potentially making the $80 investment worthwhile. In an era dominated by free-to-play models like Fortnite, where players might spend equivalent amounts on in-game purchases over time, the value of a premium game like Mario Kart could be seen differently. Additionally, when compared to other entertainment options, such as a family movie outing, the cost of a long-lasting game like Mario Kart seems more reasonable.

Not all games are priced the same, though. Donkey Kong Bananza is set at a more modest $69.99, suggesting that Nintendo might be testing the waters with different price points. However, the $80 price for other titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom raises concerns about a potential trend towards higher game prices. This could set a precedent that other publishers might follow, impacting the industry as a whole.

The approach to upgrading older games to the Switch 2 also warrants attention. PlayStation has offered $10 upgrades for some PS4 games transitioning to PS5, a model that could be seen as fair. If Nintendo adopts a similar strategy for Switch games, it might not face much backlash. However, if the upgrade cost is significantly higher, it could deter players from investing in these enhancements.

For example, Tears of the Kingdom is currently available on Amazon for $52, a stark contrast to the $80 Switch 2 version. If the upgrade is priced at $10, purchasing the original and upgrading could save nearly $20. The situation in the UK is even more pronounced, with a £30 difference between the Switch and Switch 2 versions. The current inclusion of enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom in the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, priced at $49.99 annually, suggests a potential strategy, but questions remain about access post-membership cancellation.

Finally, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, feels out of place. This type of content typically comes free with new consoles, as seen with Astro's Playroom on the PlayStation 5. The Switch 2 Welcome Tour's pricing might be perceived as a misstep, reminiscent of the criticized PS3 launch.

Despite these concerns, the Switch 2 itself seems like a promising evolution of the original, backed by a robust game library. The hope is that Nintendo will heed the feedback on pricing and adjust accordingly to avoid setting a new, higher standard for game costs. While the pricing strategy somewhat overshadowed the reveal, it does not completely detract from the potential of the Switch 2 to be a successful console.