Nintendo Switch 2 Game Prices Spark Outrage and Boycott Calls

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Summary

  • Nintendo’s controversial pricing strategy for Switch 2 games has fans concerned about a potential price hike.
  • Base prices for Switch 2 games could be $80 for digital and $90 for physical copies, with additional fees for upgrades.
  • Fans criticizing Nintendo for paywalling a tech demo, potential price hikes, and possible extra charges for next-gen upgrades.

Critics have voiced their disapproval towards Nintendo’s questionable pricing tactic regarding the upcoming Switch 2 video games, labeling it as a “grab for cash.” In the most recent Nintendo Direct presentation, the company unveiled numerous details about its forthcoming next-generation console, the Switch 2. Instead of expressing excitement over this announcement, some enthusiasts have expressed apprehension about Nintendo’s strategy for selling its new generation games.

The April presentation by Nintendo Direct brimmed with thrilling unveilings, solidifying numerous eagerly awaited and speculated games for the forthcoming console, such as Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders. Fans also received updates on AAA third-party titles from esteemed creators, including The Duskbloods by FromSoftware. However, amidst these exhilarating disclosures, there was a point that left some fans concerned about the Switch 2’s future: the games’ prices. Now, they are expressing their frustration and criticism towards Nintendo for what they perceive as excessive pricing.

In a recent post, Redditor IQueliciuous humorously criticized the pricing structure of the Nintendo Switch 2 using a meme labeled “Excitement Levels Plummeted.” The meme showcases how enthusiasts, initially excited about the Nintendo Direct, swiftly felt let down once they found out that some Switch 2 games might cost $90, certain next-gen upgrades would necessitate an extra payment, and even the tech demo wouldn’t be complimentary.

Fans Think Switch 2 Game Prices Are Outrageous

It appears that Nintendo is increasing the standard price of Switch 2 games. Digital versions will cost $80, while physical copies will set you back $90 – a substantial increase from the $50 to $60 range for Switch 1 games. Additionally, Nintendo has confirmed that upgrades for Switch 2 games will be sold separately, with prices expected to be around $10 to $15. Furthermore, the Welcome Tour, initially seen as a tech demo for the Nintendo Switch 2, will be available as a standalone game. This move towards charging extra for next-gen upgrades is becoming common in the industry, but consumers have voiced criticism over the additional costs for physical copies and the paywalling of console tutorials, labeling these practices as “exorbitant.

It is important for enthusiasts to understand that Nintendo has not officially announced a price rise for all Switch 2 games yet. Although details about some in-house titles like “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza” have been disclosed, it remains uncertain if these prices will serve as the norm or if individual adjustments will be made similar to “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s” price hike. Despite this uncertainty, a large number of fans have expressed dissatisfaction with these potential changes, some even suggesting a worldwide boycott. Proponents of this boycott look back at the Nintendo 3DS launch debacle as precedent, where poor initial sales led to the console’s price being reduced from $250 to $170 – a significant 32% decrease.

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2025-04-03 12:14