Nintendo Switch 2 Games Cost $80? It’s Confusing!

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The anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to debut with over twenty diverse games at its launch, including several first-party exclusives and well-known third-party titles. This is not just a doubling of the original Switch’s game count, it’s one of the richest lineups for a new Nintendo console in terms of history. One would typically expect an overwhelmingly favorable response to the Switch 2’s game roster, given Nintendo’s strong standing in the console market. However, the reactions from fans have been far from enthusiastic.

Although using relatively old hardware, Nintendo has announced that some initial games for the Switch 2 will come at a higher price than initially expected. The new open-world kart racer, “Mario Kart World,” for instance, is priced at a surprising $80 in the US, making it more expensive than most contemporary AAA games available today. Similarly, third-party titles like the 2020 sci-fi first-person RPG, “Cyberpunk 2077,” will carry a $70 price tag, which is common for high-budget releases on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This pricing of many launch games for the Switch 2 has sparked criticism among fans due to its potential impact on future game prices and because it’s simply perplexing.

The Pricing for Nintendo Switch 2 Games is All Over the Place

The Physical Versions of Switch 2 Games Are More Expensive than Digital in Some Regions

The pricing strategy for many upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games, as demonstrated by Mario Kart World, appears quite peculiar. In the U.S., both physical and digital copies of the game will bear the same price tag. However, this isn’t the case in some regions, like Spain, where the digital version is priced at €80 ($90 USD), while the physical copy costs €90 ($100 USD). This practice is unusual for Nintendo, as they seldom charge distinct prices for digital and physical games. Such a decision might cause confusion among consumers in the future.

At its initial release, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be priced at $450. However, a special bundle will also be available for $500, which comes with a copy of “Mario Kart World”. If you opt for this bundle, you’ll only pay $50 for the game, saving yourself $30 compared to its regular retail price.

Some Nintendo Switch 2 Games Are $70, While Others are $80

Based on the price of “Mario Kart World”, it might seem like all future Nintendo first-party exclusives will be priced at $80. However, this isn’t accurate. For instance, “Donkey Kong Bananza”, an upcoming 3D action platformer, is set to be released a month after the Switch 2 debuts and will retail for $70, making it a AAA Nintendo-published title with a higher price tag. Interestingly, some older Nintendo Switch games that are being upgraded for the Switch 2 (referred to as Switch 2 Editions) are actually more expensive than “Donkey Kong Bananza”.

As a dedicated Nintendo enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! Nintendo has unveiled the pricing for the enhanced Switch 2 versions of three remarkable titles: “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” (2023), “Super Mario Party Jamboree” (2024), and “Kirby and the Forgotten Land” (2022). Each will retail at $80, mirroring the price point of “Mario Kart World”. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (2017) will be slightly more affordable, priced at $70. While I find it a bit surprising that this remaster of a Wii U game is cheaper compared to the others, I’m still looking forward to these incredible gaming experiences!

Many Switch 2 Edition games offer unique modes and narrative elements absent in their initial Switch releases, though not every game follows suit. For instance, the Zelda editions for Switch 2 primarily focus on enhanced performance rather than offering entirely new content.

Although Switch 2 Editions Cost Money, Many OG Switch Games are Getting Free Switch 2 Patches

Even though the situation is already perplexing, it’s worth noting that some Nintendo-published games will get performance and resolution enhancements via Switch 2 updates, not Switch 2 Editions. The good news is these updates will be complimentary for all Switch 2 owners, making the high $70-$80 prices for the Switch 2 Edition games seem overpriced. However, it’s important to mention that some Switch 2 Editions, such as those of Zelda: BOTW and TOTK, will be offered at no additional cost to active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Nonetheless, the high price tag remains unusual given that they offer minimal new features compared to the games receiving free updates.

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2025-04-05 21:37