Just as I was starting to get excited about theNintendo Switch 2, a potential price increase for the console has largely killed that enthusiasm. Initially, I hadn’t planned on getting a Switch 2, at least not at launch. I view Nintendo’s consoles as a supplement to my gaming library as opposed to the main focus, so I figured I’d get one after it went on sale. That changed after last week’s Nintendo Direct announcements.
The prospect of a newMario Kartgame was already tempting, so after seeing previews forMario Kart World, I was seriously considering getting a Switch 2 for the game. The reveal ofDonkey Kong Bananzaonly added to my excitement.Donkey Kong 64came bundled with my N64 25 years ago, so the idea of getting a new 3DDonkey Konggame near the release of the Switch 2 was the perfect way to sell the system to me, specifically. However,that enthusiasm was short-lived when Switch 2 pre-orders got delayed and rumors of a price hike started circulating.
The Switch 2 Was Already More Expensive Than I’d Hoped
The Switch 2’s Announced Price Is $449.99
The Nintendo Switch 2 was originally going tocost $449.99 at launch. Knowing I was buying the system partially forMario Kart World, I would have picked up the $499.99 bundle that included the console and the game, since it would have been cheaper than buying them separately. Although this isn’t as much as the PS5 was at launch,it is still more than I would like to pay for a Nintendo console.
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I don’t say that to denigrate Nintendo or question their business model. They have clearly made a conscious effort to differentiate themselves from other consoles and have found a successful niche doing so. They are also responsible for many of my favorite games and franchises, which is why I have yet to skip a Nintendo console, not even the Wii U. However, my taste in games is pretty broad, and because of that,I never see the new Nintendo system as my top priority.
The Switch 2 is just now getting games likeCyberpunk 2077andElden Ringyears after they released on other platforms. The idea of sticking strictly to Nintendo’s hardware, and having to wait years to play new third-party games, isn’t something I’m willing to do, especially when theSwitch 2 versions reportedly don’t run as well. I therefore prioritize having a PC that can run the latest games, and when it comes time to buy a console, I’m more likely to go with the latest PlayStation than the most recent Nintendo system.
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Nintendo’s Bill Trinen explains the reason for the Switch 2’s higher price points, and it’s not just tariffs - several factors are at play.
That said, I’ve had my PS5 and PC for a while now, so I was going to bite the bullet and pay full price for a Switch 2 when it launched. However,now that it looks like the Switch 2 could cost even more than originally planned, I’m not so sure if I’m going to. If the price increase is dramatic, it may even be a few years before it’s worth me getting a Switch 2.
Switch 2’s Potential Price Increase Might Make The System Not Worth Buying
The Switch 2 Pre-Orders Have Been Delayed, Causing Speculation About A Price Increase
Shortly after the Switch 2’s release date and price announcements,the Trump administration introduced tariffs on importswhich just so happened to target Nintendo’s home country of Japan with an even higher “reciprocal” rate than other countries.This caused Nintendo to delay pre-orders of the Switch 2, leading to speculation that the console will now cost U.S. buyers more when it is released. If this price increase does happen, then the Switch 2 is likely going to go from something I would reluctantly purchase at full value to not being worth it.
Although I wasn’t thrilled about the Switch 2’s original price,it still felt somewhat practical to buy it at launch. Aside from saving a bit onMario Kart Worldwith the bundle, I was also worried about scalpers. Scalping has become a major issue in the world of collectibles, and has historically been an issue with new console releases. I was worried not buying a Switch 2 at launch would mean waiting years to get it or paying an inflated price. I also qualified forNintendo’s Switch 2 priority pre-order, so I figured I might as well use it.
If Switch 2 Games Are This Expensive, I Need Nintendo To Fix One Problem In Return
The prices for Nintendo Switch games seem to be going up, but it’s not the most expensive one that I’m concerned about when it comes to future games.
However,now that tariffs threaten to make the Switch 2 more expensive, it feels like less of a practical moveto buy the system at launch, or possibly even at all. After all, the Trump administration’s tariffs won’t just target the Switch 2, and I’m also not just talking about their impact on the economy at large. Reportedly, the tariffs could affect the gaming industry as a whole, meaning we could be in for a lot of tough financial decisions regarding how we engage with the hobby.
The Switch 2 Is A Hard Purchase As Games In General Are Getting More Expensive
Games Have Been Getting More Expensive, And This Trend May Continue Due To Tariffs
The new tariffs aren’t just impacting console manufacturers, but also game developers, according toPC Gamer. In an interview withIGN, Aubrey Quinn, a spokesperson for the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), echoed the sentiment thattariffs would likely have an impact on not just the Switch 2, but the entire gaming industry. If games in general are about to get more expensive, then I’m going to find it much harder to justify buying a secondary system just for a few games I want to play.
Even before the introduction of tariffs from the U.S., video games became more expensive.AAA games are typically around $70 at launch now, andMario Kart Worldwas going to be $80. There have also been rumors circulating aboutGTA 6’s $100 price tag. As gaming gets more expensive, it’s becoming a lot harder to keep up with all the new games. Now, for the first time, I’m considering skipping a Nintendo console because it doesn’t seem worth it just forMario Kart World,Donkey Kong Bananza, and the prospect of a newMarioorZeldagame at some point.
The Steam Deck Is Far From Switch 2’s Only Serious Portable Rival
Switch 2’s high price point makes it hard for consumers to justify, given the large number of competitively priced portable gaming options available.
If I only bought Nintendo consoles, then the prospect of theSwitch 2’s price increasing would likely not deter me from buying it, so long as it isn’t an unreasonably high markup. However, as someone who doesn’t primarily play games on Nintendo consoles, I don’t think it’s worth it. Especially as the hobby in general is starting to become more expensive.
