Nintendo has finally revealed the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, which will be released this June. While fans are excited about the console and its upcoming titles, the buzz has shifted to one unexpected issue: game pricing.
The Switch 2 will launch alongside Mario Kart World, which is priced at a steep £74.99, raising concerns that £75 could become the new standard for AAA games.
A Price Tag Too High?
Gamers across the UK are expressing hesitation. Speaking to the BBC at a Glasgow gaming store, Chloe Crossan said:
“It’s a lot to drop on one game. Sure, it’s multiplayer—but £75 is still a big ask.”
The console is priced competitively against Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. However, the cost of flagship titles like Mario Kart World signals a notable shift in Nintendo’s pricing strategy.
Physical vs Digital: More Confusion for Buyers
To add to the complexity, game prices differ based on format:
- Mario Kart World:
- £74.99 (physical)
- £66.99 (digital)
- £34.99 (console bundle)
- Donkey Kong Bonanza:
- £66.99 (physical)
- £58.99 (digital)
These disparities could lead to consumer confusion, and retailers are concerned about the impact on physical game sales, which still account for about 80% of Nintendo game purchases—compared to 20% for Xbox.
Why Are Game Prices Rising?
According to Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, rising development costs and inflation drive the increase.
“Modern games take longer to make and require larger teams,” he said. “Prices haven’t kept up with inflation—N64 games cost £50 in the early 2000s, around £80 today.”
In-game purchases and digital distribution once helped developers manage costs. However, with that growth slowing, publishers may rely more on upfront pricing.
Will All Switch 2 Games Cost £75?
Every title will unlikely hit the £75 mark, but high-profile games like the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI could follow suit. As graphics, performance, and gameplay expectations grow, premium pricing may become the norm for blockbuster releases.
That said, not all gamers are deterred. Kathryn Brown told the BBC:
“It’s more expensive than usual, but if it gets good reviews, we’ll consider it.”
Lewis Tocher, a long-time Switch fan, added:
“Honestly, I’m surprised game prices didn’t rise sooner.”
Retailers vs. Downloads: A New Battle
Dring warns that this is the first time Nintendo has priced digital and physical versions differently, encouraging more users to download and reducing the role of physical retailers. While it benefits Nintendo’s margins, it could hurt shops that are dependent on boxed sales.
Nintendo’s Price History: A Risky Pattern?
Nintendo has historically struggled with pricing strategies. The 3DS launched in 2011 at over £200—double the price of its predecessor—only to be slashed in half within six months due to poor early sales.
Other examples:
- N64 (1997): Launched at £250, dropped to £99 within a year
- GameCube (2002): Price cut by £21 just two weeks before launch
The Switch 2, however, arrives with strong first-party titles like Mario Kart World, marking the franchise’s return after a decade.
Still, Nintendo will hope its bold new pricing strategy doesn’t backfire—especially if consumers aren’t ready to accept £75 as the new normal.
Final Thoughts
With the Switch 2 promising major upgrades and beloved franchises, excitement is high. But if £75 becomes standard for flagship games, Nintendo may test the limits of what players are willing to pay. This strategy’s success—or failure—could influence how games are priced across the entire industry.
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