Nintendo has officially revealed the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, and price information has fueled fiery debates among gamers. The standard console itself will sell for $449, and a package with Mario Kart World will be $499, a $150 increase over the original Switch that was introduced eight years earlier. Inflation may be a contributing factor partially, but fans generally feel the prices are pushing boundaries.
Game prices on the Nintendo Switch 2 are also taking enormous leaps. Mario Kart World costs $80 on digital media and $90 on physical media in certain regions. Donkey Kong Bananza, however, costs $70, which indicates that game prices will vary by title. This is a departure from the one-price strategy employed in previous generations. The practice would appear to ride on the widespread popularity of titles like Mario Kart in order to make more money. If successful, it will probably set a precedent for other publishers to follow.
The price increase occurs in the context of larger industry trends. When Sony and Microsoft introduced $70 games on their PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2020, fans were opposed but eventually adapted. But Nintendo increasing the price of some games to $80, even $90, is a larger leap just within five years. Industry experts are estimating that if it succeeds, the new standard will usher in at least a $10 increase for other publisher releases in the future.
Despite these concerns, the Nintendo Switch 2 aims to remain competitive with modern gaming handhelds like Steam Deck rivals. Exclusive games and backward compatibility are likely to render the console appealing despite its increased price. The console’s price range is estimated by analysts to be between $400 and $499, putting it on par with high-end gaming units while remaining affordable compared to competitors.
Nintendo Switch 2 is at the same time an evolution of its predecessor and a shift in pricing strategy that can redefine the industry’s expectations.
