Despite Switch 2 Price, UK Game Retailer Says “Games Need To Get More Expensive”

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Summary

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 has become Nintendo’s highest-priced console, sitting at $449.99.
  • Additionally, game prices have significantly increased to the $70-$90 price range.
  • A UK retailer has suggested that, despite fan backlash, many of these changes were imminent.

Following the outstanding Nintendo Direct presentation yesterday, it appears that one particular aspect has captured the attention of many enthusiasts. This wasn’t about Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong Bananza, but rather the pricing details of the console itself.

The basic version of this Nintendo console, which doesn’t come with any built-in games, will retail for $449.99. This makes it the priciest Nintendo system ever produced. As for the games, they are available in the range of $70 to $90 each. Notably, “Mario Kart World” is priced at $79.99 when it debuts together with the console.

Instead of buying the pack-in console edition with a $30 discount on Mario Kart World, some fans have expressed frustration due to perceived higher costs for physical games compared to digital versions. This is because it seems Nintendo is pricing their physical games above the cost of digital releases.

In a recent conversation with TheGameBusiness, Nick Arran, the head of GAME retail chain in the UK, shared his view that although Nintendo Switch games may seem costly, their prices are typically justified given the current market conditions.

Initially, Arran shares an anecdote about his past experience: “I recall walking to Woolworths and spending £50 on a Nintendo 64, which was approximately 30 years ago.” Over time, video game prices have surprisingly kept a similar level for the recent generations.

Over a long period, various game retailers and developers have consistently suggested that the cost of video games will eventually need to increase. Even on the initial Nintendo Switch console, titles such as Tears Of The Kingdom debuted at $70, which could be an early indication that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 might carry a higher price tag.

In the world of retail, we’ve been maintaining the same prices for games as we did a decade ago, yet our operating expenses continue to rise. Additionally, the costs from publishers have also escalated. Raising the price to £75 might seem audacious, but it is necessary in this situation.

For retailers such as Aaron, entering Nintendo’s next generation might prove to be a bit trickier due to the potential complexity surrounding higher costs for physical copies compared to digital ones. In Aaron’s own words, “it’s a daring step and we, as a retailer, will face a certain level of challenge.”

Additionally, let’s not forget that Nintendo Switch games use pricier cartridges compared to the disk-based counterparts of other consoles. Aaron points out, “It can be a challenging reality for customers who favor physical media. I’m curious to observe how this pricing discrepancy will play out.

Is The Switch 2 Price Reasonable?

To begin with, it seems that the primary issue with the hypothetical Switch 2 isn’t so much about any specific feature, but rather a blend of the console and game costs together. For the initial Switch model, Nintendo’s pricing was on the higher side, yet not excessively so.

If video games cost $80, they might not seem so high-priced if the console were initially released at the original Switch’s price of $300. Similarly, if the console had been more expensive, yet the games still retained their $60 price tags, it wouldn’t make the cost as striking either.

It’s worth mentioning that the significant improvement of Switch 2 over its predecessor might justify a higher cost for the console. In a similar vein, it seems that Nintendo is making little to no profit on each console sold, but instead earning profits through software sales.

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 represents not only Nintendo’s priciest console yet but also signifies the initial increase in cost for all their first-party games. Combined with Nintendo’s historically expensive add-ons like additional controllers, the Switch 2 seems more of a pinch on your wallet than previous models.

It seems that the sector is undergoing changes, driven by factors such as tariffs, hardware updates, market fluctuations, and inflation. As Aaron pointed out, there’s an intuitive sense that these price hikes are necessary.

Although an analyst might consider these prices fair, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should be content with them. Similarly, while the original Nintendo Switch was in high demand and seemed like a must-have item, I predict that people may approach the release of the Switch 2 with a bit more caution.

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2025-04-04 01:09