Global Outcry Over High Switch 2 Game Prices

What a year for Nintendo to finally release the Switch 2. While the hardware itself looks to be everything fans could have hoped for in a successor to the beloved Switch — boasting enhanced power and performance — the economic uncertainty gripping the world has made the Switch 2 a more complex proposition than anticipated.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. With the Switch 2 priced at $450 USD and flagship titles like Mario Kart World at $80 USD, the console has become a focal point amid the rising costs of games and gaming hardware, both in the U.S. and internationally.

To gauge global reactions to the Switch 2, I consulted with editors from IGN's international branches, spanning Europe, South America, and Asia, to understand the anticipation surrounding its launch.

How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2

Feedback from IGN's global network paints a mixed picture of the Switch 2's reception. While the hardware upgrades, including a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and 4K output, have been well-received, the absence of an OLED screen has been flagged as a significant downside by many.

"IGN Italia’s readers are predominantly dissatisfied with the Nintendo Switch 2," shares Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy. "The price, lack of an OLED screen, absence of a trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch lineup are the main grievances voiced across hundreds of comments on our news articles and social media. While third-party announcements were welcomed, many expected more from Nintendo’s first-party titles."

Echoing these sentiments, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal remarked, "Personally, I'm not that impressed with the Switch 2; it's essentially an enhanced version of the original Switch without the novelty factor. However, the decision to buy will ultimately hinge on the games, and Mario Kart World does look impressive."

In contrast, regions like Benelux and Turkey appear more enthusiastic about the Switch 2's hardware improvements. "Despite the price concerns, the console has been received positively in our region," notes Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux. "It sold out within hours of pre-orders going live, and our Discord server saw a massive influx of new members eager for updates."

Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey added, "Our readers appreciate the improvements over the original Switch, especially the enhanced screen quality, despite it being an LCD. However, the lack of Hall Effect technology in the Joy-Con 2, which could have mitigated Joy-Con drift, has been a point of criticism."

Kamui Ye from IGN China offered a balanced view: "There's widespread disappointment due to the underwhelming launch lineup and perplexing regional pricing strategies. The absence of new titles from major franchises like Mario, Zelda, or Animal Crossing has been a letdown. Yet, core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's long-term vision, valuing backward compatibility and hardware refinements like magnetic Joy-Cons."

Hardware Price and Tariff Fears

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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The Switch 2 is set to launch at a $450 USD price point in the U.S., though pre-orders are delayed due to tariff issues stemming from President Trump's policies. This situation has prompted Nintendo to reconsider its rollout strategy ahead of the planned June 5 release date.

In regions not directly affected by U.S. tariffs, such as Europe, pre-orders are already underway. "In Germany, tariffs aren't a concern for the Switch 2," says Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany. "However, the console's pricing is a major issue, with many drawing unfavorable comparisons to the PS5."

The Switch 2's pricing positions it directly against competitors like the PS5 and Xbox Series X in many markets, complicating consumer choices. "Nintendo's official website is taking pre-orders at R12,499," notes Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa. "This places it in the same price bracket as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, no longer the more affordable option, especially with the recent increase in game prices."

Adding accessories to a Switch 2 purchase significantly increases the cost. "The pricing debate has overshadowed everything about the Switch 2 reveal," says Erwan Lafleuriel, editor-in-chief of IGN France. "The lack of a standout 'one more thing' moment and the familiar nature of the revealed features have been overshadowed by price discussions."

Outside the U.S., the tariff war complicates matters further. "The tariff situation worsens prospects for Brazil," explains Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil. "The weak Real against the dollar means any U.S. price increase could severely limit the Switch 2's accessibility in Latin America."

Japan presents a unique case with a region-locked version of the Switch 2 at a lower price point to safeguard its domestic market. "Nintendo couldn't go over 50,000 yen in Japan due to the weak yen," says Daniel Robson, executive producer at IGN Japan. "The region lock ensures the console remains affordable locally while preventing import arbitrage."

Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point

Despite concerns over hardware costs and tariffs, the pricing of software has emerged as the most contentious issue surrounding the Switch 2 announcement. The $80 USD price tag on Mario Kart World, alongside other launch window games priced at $70 USD or as low as $10 USD, has raised fears of escalating game costs.

"Game pricing is the biggest concern among our readers and the broader Italian gaming community," states Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy. "Nintendo's new pricing model is seen as unjustifiable, especially following price increases seen with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The €90 price for some first-party games and even the €9.99 for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour have sparked backlash."

Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany echoes these sentiments: "The €90 price for Mario Kart World is unprecedented here; it's higher than even major titles like Assassin’s Creed. The paid tutorial game further fuels perceptions of greed."

While Mario Kart World's price is the main issue, the $10 charge for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour also irks fans. In regions like mainland China, without an official release, gamers may turn to gray markets, potentially benefiting from lower prices in Japan and Hong Kong.

"Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are more affordable than in Western markets," says Kamui Ye from IGN China. "Despite the console's price increase, it's still seen as cost-effective compared to alternatives like the Steam Deck, especially with backward compatibility."

The Switch 2 is poised for success as an upgraded version of a beloved console, but its story remains to be fully written. Economic pressures and the threat of $80 games loom large, particularly during times of financial strain. Tariffs in the U.S. and international politics could lead to stock shortages and impact the global launch.

Yet, the global buzz around the Switch 2 is undeniable. Nintendo has stirred excitement worldwide, albeit with more caveats than usual for a Nintendo product.