Nintendo's launch of the Switch 2 has been eagerly anticipated, and the hardware itself promises to be a significant upgrade that fans of the original Switch have been hoping for. With features like a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output, the Switch 2 is poised to deliver a more powerful gaming experience. However, the economic uncertainty and ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China have added layers of complexity to the console's market entry, particularly with its $450 USD price tag and the $80 USD cost of Mario Kart World.

To gauge global reactions to the Switch 2, I connected with editors from IGN's international branches, spanning Europe, South America, and Asia, to understand the varied perspectives on this new console.

How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2

The response to the Switch 2 has been mixed across the globe. While the hardware enhancements are generally appreciated, certain omissions have sparked criticism. For instance, the lack of an OLED screen has been a point of contention among many.

Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy, shares that Italian readers are largely dissatisfied with the Switch 2. "The main concerns revolve around the price point, the absence of an OLED screen, no trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch lineup," he explains. "While some third-party announcements were welcomed, many expected more from Nintendo's first-party titles."

Similarly, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal echoes these sentiments, noting the Switch 2 lacks the novelty of its predecessor. "It's basically a souped-up Switch 1 - better in every sense, but without the original's fresh appeal. Ultimately, it will come down to the games, and Mario Kart World looked impressive."

In contrast, regions like Benelux and Turkey have shown more enthusiasm for the hardware upgrades. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux reports, "Despite the price, the console has been well-received here. It sold out within hours of pre-orders going live, and our Discord server saw a huge influx of new members eager for updates."

Ersin Kilic of IGN Turkey notes a positive reception to the improved screen quality, despite the use of LCD instead of OLED. However, he points out, "The most criticized aspect was the absence of Hall Effect in Joy-Con 2, which gamers hoped would reduce Joy-Con drift."

Kamui Ye from IGN China provides a balanced view, highlighting both disappointment and optimism. "The reveal event was met with widespread disappointment due to a lackluster launch title lineup and confusing regional pricing. The absence of new titles from major franchises like Mario, Zelda, or Animal Crossing was a notable negative." Yet, Ye adds, "Core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's long-term plans, prioritizing backward compatibility and hardware refinements like magnetic Joy-Cons."

Hardware Price and Tariff Fears

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

22 Images

The Switch 2's $450 USD price point in the US, coupled with ongoing tariff issues, has delayed pre-orders in North America while other regions have already started. Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany mentions that tariffs aren't a concern in Europe, but the console's price is. "There are many complaints about the pricing, especially when compared to the PS5, which is seen as the better console," she says, though pre-orders continue.

Zaid Kriel of IGN Africa points out that the Switch 2's price now competes directly with the PS5 and Xbox Series X. "It's no longer a cheaper alternative, which could be problematic, especially with Nintendo's increased game prices."

In Brazil, Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil notes the impact of the US tariff war on the local market. "The weak Real against the dollar means any price increase in the US will significantly affect Latin America, potentially making the Switch 2 accessible only to a small group of players."

In Japan, a region-locked version of the console is being introduced at a lower price to protect the domestic market. Daniel Robson from IGN Japan explains, "Nintendo knew they couldn't go over 50,000 yen due to the weak yen. The region lock ensures the cheaper console only plays Japanese games and supports Japanese accounts, a direct result of global trade tensions."

Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point

Despite hardware and tariff concerns, the most significant issue affecting the Switch 2's reception has been the pricing of software. The $80 USD price tag for Mario Kart World has caused particular concern, with fears that this could set a precedent for even higher game prices.

Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy states, "Game pricing is the biggest issue. Many feel Nintendo's new pricing structure is unjustifiable, especially after recent price hikes with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Now, some first-party games are priced at €90, causing considerable concern."

Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany adds, "People are upset, particularly about the €90 for Mario Kart World. Even the €9.99 charge for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour has sparked backlash, making Nintendo seem greedy."

In China, where there are no official plans for the Switch 2's release, Kamui Ye notes that gamers may turn to the gray market. "Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are lower than in the West, which most players find acceptable. Despite the console price increase, it's seen as more cost-effective than handheld PCs like the Steam Deck."

While the Switch 2 is set to be a recognizable and safe upgrade, the looming threat of $80 games during economic hardship has negatively impacted potential buyers' enthusiasm. The console's success will depend on navigating these challenges, including tariffs in the US and potential stock shortages globally. Despite these caveats, Nintendo has undoubtedly stirred excitement worldwide.