Nintendo has officially unveiled the pricing for its highly anticipated Switch 2 console, starting at $449. Alongside the console pricing, Nintendo's product pages have provided additional insights into the cost of accessories: the Pro Controller is priced at $80, a new pair of Joy-Cons will set you back $90, and a replacement dock costs $110. However, during the recent presentation, the company refrained from discussing the pricing of Switch 2 games, including both standalone titles and upgrades for existing Switch games.
In a subsequent announcement on its website, Nintendo confirmed that the flagship launch title, Mario Kart World, will be available for $50 as part of a Switch 2 bundle. However, if purchased separately, the game will cost $80—$30 more than the bundled version and $20 higher than the typical $60 price point for first-party Switch games.
As pre-order listings began appearing at US retailers, including Wal-Mart, several games were noted to be priced at $80. This includes upgraded Switch 2 Editions for popular titles such as Super Mario Party Jamboree (2024), The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023), and Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022), all set at the same price as Mario Kart World. Interestingly, not all Switch 2 games are pegged at this $80 price point. For instance, Donkey Kong Bananza, scheduled for release on July 17, has a suggested retail price of $69.99, aligning more closely with the typical $70 price for games on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Despite the apparent consistency in game pricing, Nintendo has yet to clarify the rationale behind the pricing differences. For example, while Mario Kart World features enhanced online play that incurs ongoing costs, the three re-released titles are relatively recent. In contrast, Donkey Kong is a new first-party title, and Breath of the Wild—a launch title from eight years ago—also lists at $70. While inflation could justify these price increases, with a $60 game from 2017 potentially costing $78 today, the enhanced graphics and production quality associated with newer consoles also play a role in pricing decisions.
Interestingly, not every title follows Nintendo's pricing formula. The Switch 2 release of Street Fighter 6 Year 1-2 Fighters Edition is available for $60, while Bravely Default, a remastered version from Square Enix, is priced at $40—matching its original launch price on the 3DS over a decade ago. Notably, these titles utilize Nintendo's new Game-Key Card format, which combines elements of physical and digital releases. Each card includes a key for the game, requiring the game to be downloaded upon first launch, yet must be inserted for each play session.
The pricing of Switch 2 Edition upgrades for games already owned on the original Switch remains uncertain. However, based on the prices of titles like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong, we can speculate that upgrades will likely range from $10 to $20. This price gap mirrors the difference observed in upgrades from the PS4 to PS5 editions, where Sony charges a similar fee. If you manage to find original Switch games for less than $60, it could lead to savings on the Switch 2 Editions.
Nintendo is also leveraging Switch 2 Edition upgrades as incentives for subscribers to its premium Nintendo Switch Online service. The company has announced that upgrade packs for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. This service now includes additional emulated consoles, such as Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and Gamecube, alongside paid DLC for popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8.
In summary, while Nintendo has provided initial pricing for the Switch 2 console and some games, many questions remain regarding the overall pricing strategy for this new generation of gaming. As more information becomes available, it will be crucial for consumers to stay informed about potential savings and exclusive offers.
