Nintendo Enthusiasts React to $79.99 Game Prices After Switch 2 Announcement
A jolt of shock swept through the Nintendo community following the company’s April 2 Switch 2 Direct presentation. While the livestream highlighted a host of thrilling new titles, it omitted a crucial piece of information: pricing. Shortly after the event, Nintendo discreetly updated its website to disclose that some flagship Switch 2 titles, including Mario Kart World, would be priced at $79.99.
This represents a significant rise from previous pricing norms. During the original Switch era, the majority of first-party titles debuted at $59.99. The new $79.99 price point is also $10 above the current going rate for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S games, which usually sell for $69.99.
Nonetheless, not every Switch 2 game will adhere to this pricing structure. For instance, Donkey Kong Bananza is presently listed at $69.99 for its digital edition, indicating that Nintendo may implement a tiered pricing approach based on the title.
Physical Editions May Come at a Higher Cost
The pricing variation is even more apparent when examining Nintendo’s European websites. The Spanish Nintendo page lists the digital editions of Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza at €80 and €70, respectively. Interestingly, physical editions of these titles are priced €10 higher — €90 for Mario Kart World — which indicates a notable increase from prior generations, where physical and digital versions were generally priced similarly.
While pricing for physical editions in the U.S. has not yet been confirmed, this trend suggests a possible change in how Nintendo prices physical media in the Switch 2 era.
Other Titles Still Await Pricing
Several other significant titles introduced during the Direct — including The Duskbloods and Kirby Air Riders — have yet to announce their retail prices. It remains uncertain if these games will adhere to the $79.99 price point or come closer to the $69.99 range.
Switch 2 Game Upgrades: What We Know
Nintendo also revealed that certain original Switch titles will be receiving upgraded versions for the Switch 2. Games such as Super Mario Party: Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be enhanced for the new console.
Players who already possess these games on the original Switch won’t have to buy them again at full price. Instead, they will incur a reduced upgrade fee — although Nintendo has not yet specified the exact amount.
Is $79.99 the New Norm in the Industry?
While the $79.99 price for Mario Kart World was unexpected, it may indicate a wider industry movement. Game prices have remained largely stable for many years, with $59.99 being the standard until lately. As development expenses climb and inflation persists, the transition to elevated pricing may become more prevalent.
Whether Sony and Microsoft will follow in Nintendo’s footsteps is still uncertain, but analysts speculate it’s a strong likelihood.
Are Tariffs Responsible?
In the wake of the pricing announcements, some suggested that former President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies could be driving up costs. However, industry analyst Daniel Ahmad clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that tariffs aren’t the reason for the increased game prices. According to Ahmad, Nintendo games are produced in Japan, and tariffs do not apply to digital goods.
Nevertheless, tariffs might affect Switch 2 hardware. Nintendo manufactures some of its consoles and accessories in China, and Trump’s recent 34% tariff on Chinese exports could elevate production costs. Consequently, Nintendo has postponed Switch 2 preorders to assess the potential financial ramifications.
Amidst these uncertainties, the Switch 2 remains slated for release on June 5.
In Summary
– Nintendo has set a $79.99 price for select Switch 2 games, marking a $20 increase from the original Switch era.
– Not all titles will adhere to this pricing structure — Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at $69.99.
– Physical editions may incur even higher costs, with European listings indicating a €10 premium over digital versions.
– Certain original Switch titles will receive paid upgrades for Switch 2, yet pricing details for those upgrades remain undisclosed.
– Industry analysts suggest this could signify the start of a wider trend toward escalating game prices.
– Tariffs aren’t impacting game prices but may influence hardware costs, leading Nintendo to delay preorders.
As the Switch 2’s release approaches, both fans and analysts will be keenly observing how these pricing strategies develop — and whether they establish a new benchmark for the gaming industry.