Nintendo Defends $9.99 Price Tag for Switch 2 Tech Demo as Pre-Orders Face Delay

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Summary

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a tech demo for the new system, will cost $9.99, sparking controversy among players.
  • The company is defending the game’s price, explaining that it contains much more content than meets the eye.
  • Pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the US have been delayed due to the impact of recently enforced tariffs.

Nintendo has responded to the ongoing dispute concerning the Nintendo Switch 2 Introduction Tour, as gamers are displeased that the new system’s tech demo won’t be given for free initially. Previously, it was announced that Nintendo Switch 2 Introduction Tour would retail for $9.99, and the company is now justifying this price, providing additional information about what the game will offer.

On April 2nd, a detailed live presentation lasting for an hour provided fans with their first comprehensive view of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Details about the console’s specifications, launch titles, and additional information were shared during this event. The initial batch of first-party games planned for release alongside or shortly after the Switch 2 was unveiled, featuring titles like “Mario Kart World”, “Donkey Kong: Bananza”, and “Kirby Air Riders”. Furthermore, a number of ports, including several graphically demanding games such as “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade”, were also announced. However, the event received mixed reactions due to Nintendo not revealing the Switch 2’s price during the live stream, as well as withholding information about game prices.

During the live stream, fans were given their initial glimpse of the “Nintendo Switch 2 Introduction Event”. This showcased a tech demonstration and virtual exhibition of the new console, displaying its impressive features and hidden aspects. However, a dispute ensued when it was revealed that this game wouldn’t be included free of charge, but would instead cost $9.99. Many fans compared this to “Astro’s Playroom”, which comes free with every PlayStation 5, serving as a demonstration of the DualSense controller. In an interview with IGN, Nintendo of America’s Vice President of Product and Player Experience, Bill Trinen, is justifying this decision. Trinen emphasized that there’s more to the “Nintendo Switch 2 Introduction Event” than meets the eye, and that tech enthusiasts interested in the console’s specifications will find it especially valuable. He also highlighted the effort and dedication the development team put into it, suggesting that $9.99 is not an excessive price for the experience provided.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Is for Players More Interested in the System’s Specs

Despite this response, it seems that many fans might still feel unsatisfied. The base console for the new Switch 2 is priced at $449.99. Some games for the Switch 2 will retail at $80 digitally and $90 physically, a move that has sparked controversy within the gaming community. Furthermore, upgrades for Switch 2 games will need to be purchased separately, and the GameChat feature will only be accessible to those with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription once the free trial period ends in March 2026.

Despite the global launch of the new console being scheduled for June 5, pre-orders for Switch 2 in the US have been postponed due to the possible effects of President Trump’s tariffs. The initial plan was to begin pre-orders on April 9, but a definite start date has not been announced yet.

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2025-04-07 20:14