Pricing for theNintendo Switch 2and the console’s first games has been revealed, and fans are extremely unhappy about the cost of Nintendo’s upcoming releases. The company did not speak about prices during Switch 2 Direct; instead, pricing was announced for certain games on Nintendo’s website and other retailers shortly after the live stream,leaving players with some sticker shock after seeing what Nintendo plans to chargefor old and new games alike.
As of now, Nintendo has only listed prices forMario Kart World,which costs $80, andDonkey Kong Bananza,which will retail for $70,on its official website. ARedditpost pointed outWalmartlistings showingThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildSwitch 2 Edition costing $69 and the Switch 2 Editions forTears of the KingdomandKirby and the Forgotten Landcosting $79 each.
Observers vented in the Reddit thread and other social media platforms. “70 for an 8-year-old game,” userooombasasaid in reference to Nintendo’s price point for the Switch 2 version ofBreath of the Wild.Another user,_MishMoosh, took it a step further, saying, “70 for a WiiU game.“Breath of the Wildinitially released in 2017 on both the Switch and the Wii U.
The Cost For Zelda And Kirby Switch 2 Upgrades Are Too Much For Many Fans
Games That Have Previously Released Are Being Offered For High Prices
Overall, the reaction to Switch 2 game prices as seen on Nintendo’s website and outside retailers have been largely negative, especially in regards to the Switch 2 upgraded games. It’s worth noting that the original Switch version ofTears of the Kingdomcurrentlyretails for about $50 on Amazon, meaning Switch 2 early adopters will be paying $30 more for a game they may have already played.
Nintendo Switch 2’s Full GameCube Game List Is Missing The Best One
The addition of GameCube games to the Nintendo Switch Online service is an amazing move, but its starting lineup is missing one key title.
Nintendo is allowing players who already own some of these previous releases the chance to upgrade to Switch 2 versions, though some players feel they shouldn’t have to pay to upgrade at all. While unconfirmed,fans speculate that games offering upgrades and new level content, such asKirby and the Forgotten Land,will cost $20 to upgrade, while games likeBreath of the Wild, which has no new gameplay content but will introduce enhanced visuals (and in the case of the Zelda games, app support), will cost $10.
One fan,zekrom01, summarized player fears well, saying:
Other fans defended Nintendo’s pricing by pointing out the updated Switch 2 games are technically not re-releases —they’re updated versions with improved graphicsand updated mechanics, which justifies the cost. Reddit userFluid-Employee-7118stated, in part, “You know you can find the regular game for the 60 USD price right? This is the updated version, with some added functionality and improved graphics / performance. They are basically charging 10 USD to update your game.”
Our Take: Is This The New Normal For Nintendo And The Games Industry?
Higher Prices May Keep Some Players From Gaming
Players are already dealing with the prospect of most games being priced at $70 upon release, with fears thathighly anticipated games likeGrand Theft Auto 6may cost even more. Nintendo seems to be making those fears a reality, taking their pricing plan a step further than that of other companies like Sony and Microsoft. Unlike games released for PlayStation and Xbox, Nintendo rarely discounts games made for its own console, leaving players to either pay full price, wait to grab a game on the secondhand market, or forgo playing new releases altogether.
Fans are not ready to embrace this potential new normaland are wasting no time in making their opinions heard, with one Reddit user,hextal_hextal, encouraging players to avoid purchasing the Switch 2 via this humorous post:
Frustration over Nintendo’s plans reflects a problem players have with the gaming industry as a whole:everything is getting very expensive, very fast, and eventually, fans will decide enough is enough. Time will tell whether players will reject theNintendo Switch 2, games, and pricing plans or if FOMO wins out over financial woes.
