The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was palpable, with its new graphical capabilities promising an enhanced gaming experience. While the absence of a new 3D Mario game left fans longing (it's been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey), the announcement of open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and the intriguing The Duskbloods as a pseudo-successor to Bloodborne, stirred considerable interest. However, the price point of the console and its accompanying games and accessories has sparked a heated debate among gamers.

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a price tag of $449.99, which, while not exorbitant for new technology in 2025, raises concerns when considering the cost of the full gaming experience. Mario Kart World's $80 price tag has been particularly controversial, marking a significant jump from the typical $60 or $70 for major game releases. This increase seems steep, especially when you factor in additional costs like extra Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer fun at $90 and a Nintendo Online membership for global connectivity.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

91 ImagesOn the flip side, the argument for value can be made. Mario Kart World is poised to be the definitive Mario Kart game for the Switch 2, potentially offering years of enjoyment. When comparing this to the costs associated with free-to-play games like Fortnite, where players might spend $80 over time on battle passes and skins, the price begins to look more reasonable. Additionally, when you consider the cost of entertainment like a family cinema outing, the long-term value of a game like Mario Kart World becomes apparent.

While Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at a more palatable $69.99, the trend of higher prices is evident with other titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also carrying $80 price tags. This pricing strategy raises questions about the future of game pricing across the industry, with eyes on other major releases like GTA 6.

The generational leap from the original Switch to the Switch 2 also brings up the issue of game upgrades. PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for some of its PS4 games transitioning to PS5. The pricing for enhanced Switch games on the Switch 2 remains undisclosed, but if it follows Sony's model, it might be well-received. However, a higher price point could deter players from investing in these upgrades.

Another point of contention is the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames that feels like it should be a free pack-in with the console. This contrasts sharply with Sony's Astro's Playroom, which was included for free with the PlayStation 5 and served as a delightful introduction to the console's capabilities.

While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem does cast a shadow over its reveal, it doesn't completely overshadow the excitement and potential the console offers. The hope remains that Nintendo will adjust its approach to pricing to maintain its reputation as a player-first company.