The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 is undeniable, showcasing new graphical capabilities that have gamers buzzing. While the absence of a new 3D Mario game after nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey is keenly felt, the unveiling of open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, and the intriguing pseudo-successor to Bloodborne, The Duskbloods, have certainly captured attention. However, the spotlight has shifted to the pricing strategy of the Switch 2 and its accompanying games and accessories, raising questions about whether the cost of entry to Nintendo's latest offerings is justified.

The $449.99 price point for the Switch 2 itself might not seem exorbitant for new technology in 2025, but the real concern lies in the additional expenses required to fully experience what the console has to offer. The headline-grabbing $80 price tag for Mario Kart World has sparked debate. In a market accustomed to $60 or $70 game prices, this increase feels steep, particularly when considering the additional costs of extra Joy-Con controllers and a Nintendo Online membership for multiplayer features.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, the argument can be made that Mario Kart World, potentially the only Mario Kart game for the Switch 2, offers significant value in terms of hours of enjoyment. When compared to free-to-play models like Fortnite, where similar spending over time can occur through in-game purchases, the $80 might not seem unreasonable. Furthermore, considering the cost of family entertainment like cinema visits, a game like Mario Kart World, which could provide entertainment for years, might be seen as a worthwhile investment.

While Donkey Kong Bananza comes in at a more modest $69.99, the $80 price point for other titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Switch 2 raises eyebrows. This pricing strategy could set a precedent for the industry, influencing other publishers to follow suit with higher game prices.

The question of upgrades for existing Switch games to the Switch 2 also looms large. PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for some PS4 games to PS5, but the cost for Switch games to make the leap to Switch 2 remains unclear. If the price is kept reasonable, say at $10, for enhanced features like superior frame rates, 4K resolution, and additional gameplay, it might be seen as a fair deal. However, a higher cost could deter gamers from investing in these upgrades.

Speculation abounds, but the only current indicator is the availability of enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom through a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, priced at $49.99 annually. Whether this pricing will change and what happens to access upon membership cancellation are crucial questions that need addressing.

The decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, feels particularly out of step with industry norms. This type of content, reminiscent of pack-ins like Astro's Playroom on the PS5, which was free and celebrated both PlayStation's history and its new console, feels like a missed opportunity for Nintendo to set a welcoming tone for the Switch 2.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem does cast a shadow over the reveal, it doesn't completely overshadow the excitement and potential of the new console. However, it's clear that Nintendo needs to address these pricing concerns to ensure the Switch 2's success matches the expectations set by its predecessor.