As I began to feel a surge of excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2, recent news about a potential price increase has significantly dampened that enthusiasm. Initially, I had no intention of purchasing a Switch 2 at launch; I typically view Nintendo consoles as an add-on to my gaming setup rather than its centerpiece. My plan was to wait for a price reduction before considering a purchase. However, that perspective shifted dramatically after last week’s announcements during the Nintendo Direct event.
The enticing prospect of a new Mario Kart title sparked my interest, particularly after witnessing the previews for Mario Kart World. The revelation of Donkey Kong Bananza only intensified my excitement—especially given that Donkey Kong 64 was part of my nostalgic gaming experience upon receiving my N64 25 years ago. The combination of a new 3D Donkey Kong title alongside the launch of the Switch 2 seemed like a compelling reason for me to invest in the console. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was short-lived due to delays in Switch 2 pre-orders and the emergence of rumors surrounding a price hike.
Challenges in the Pricing of the Switch 2
Unveiling the Price: $449.99
At launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 is slated to cost $449.99. I had anticipated purchasing a bundle that included both the console and Mario Kart World for $499.99, which seemed more economical than buying them separately. While it’s not as steep as the initial cost of the PS5, it is still more than I would prefer to spend on a Nintendo console.
This sentiment isn’t a critique of Nintendo’s strategy or their unique market position; they have successfully established a distinct identity separate from other gaming consoles. Their rich portfolio of beloved franchises has kept me loyal, even through challenging times like the Wii U. However, my gaming interests span a broad spectrum, and thus, I don’t view Nintendo’s latest offering as a top priority.
The Switch 2 has notably arrived on the market with major titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring years after their original release on other systems. I am unenthusiastic about the prospect of relying solely on Nintendo hardware, particularly when it means waiting for years to access new third-party games, especially when those versions are reportedly less optimized. My current preference leans towards maintaining a gaming PC capable of running the latest titles, often pushing me to favor PlayStation’s newest hardware over Nintendo’s offerings.
Despite this inclination, I was preparing to invest in a Switch 2 at launch. However, the looming possibility of a price increase has made me reconsider. A significant price surge could lead me to postpone my purchase, potentially for several years.
The Implications of a Potential Price Increase for the Switch 2
Delayed Pre-Orders Fuel Price Speculations
In conjunction with the announcements of the Switch 2’s release date and pricing, the Trump administration enforced tariffs on imports, specifically targeting gaming systems from Japan. This situation has allowed Nintendo to delay pre-orders, spurring speculation that the Switch 2 could end up costing U.S. consumers even more at launch. If such price adjustments occur, the console’s value proposition for me shifts from something I would purchase reluctantly to an unworthy investment.
Initially, the announced price of the Switch 2 felt somewhat justifiable, particularly with the savings attached to the Mario Kart World bundle and concerns over potential scalpers. The scalping issue has plagued collectors and gamers alike, especially during new console rollouts. My concern was that not purchasing a Switch 2 at launch could result in inflated resale prices, prompting me to utilize my eligibility for Nintendo’s priority pre-order system.
However, with the threat of tariffs indicating that the Switch 2 could see a price increase, my rationale for purchasing the console at launch has diminished considerably. Beyond the specific impact on the Switch 2, these tariffs could spread financial stress throughout the gaming industry, leading to difficult decisions about how to engage with this hobby.
The Escalating Cost of Video Games in General
Price Inflation: The Broader Gaming Landscape
These new tariffs have wider implications beyond consoles—they also impact game developers. According to PC Gamer, industry experts suggest that tariffs will likely influence the entire gaming sector. Aubrey Quinn, speaking on behalf of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), stated that tariffs will affect not just the Switch 2 but the video game industry at large. This trend could make it increasingly challenging to justify the purchase of a secondary console solely for select games.
Inflation in video game pricing has been an ongoing trend well before the recent tariffs. AAA titles are now typically priced around $70 at launch, and Mario Kart World is expected to be priced at $80. Speculation regarding the new GTA 6 hinting at a potential $100 price tag exemplifies this troubling shift. The rising costs of gaming make it increasingly taxing to keep up with the latest releases. For the first time, I am seriously considering skipping a Nintendo console because its value seems unjustifiable, limited to just a handful of titles such as Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and the anticipation of future Mario or Zelda games.
If I focused exclusively on Nintendo consoles, I might be inclined to overlook a modest price increase—assuming it’s reasonable. However, as a gamer whose interests extend beyond Nintendo products, the potential price increase complicates the equation, especially in a landscape where overall gaming costs are on the rise.