Before and during the Nintendo TreehouseNintendo Switch 2livestream, the stream chat became inundated with messages from fans, saying “DROP THE PRICE” in response to the higher-than-expected console and game prices. In addition to the Switch 2 costing $449.99 (or $499.99 for the bundle that includesMario Kart World), the game prices are also higher than expected, withfans upset thatMario Kart Worldwill cost $80when the Switch 2 releases in June.
DuringNintendo of America’s Nintendo Treehouse Switch 2 stream, which focused on showing more gameplay and information forMario Kart World,Donkey Kong Bananza, and other titles,the chat was full of upset fans saying, “DROP THE PRICE,“with other comments getting buried because of the frequency of the message. It was also not just one user spamming the message — dozens of fans chimed in for this digital protest, demanding that Nintendo drop the price of the Switch 2 and the $80 games. Due to the livestream focusing on showing gameplay, there was no reference to the chat or their loud message.
The Larger Reaction From The Nintendo Fanbase Is Clear
Fans Are Not Happy About The Price
The message is loud and clear:fans believe the price of the Switch 2 and the games along with it are too expensive. TheNintendo Switch 2’s details and specsmake the console an improvement over the original Switch, but still lags behind in hardware power compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series X — consoles that are comparable in price to the Switch 2. There is also concern regarding thebackwards compatibility of Switch 1 games on Switch 2with many games having issues currently.
Nintendo Switch 2 “Game-Key Cards” Are Basically Physical Releases Of Digital Games
The Switch 2 will offer a new option for acquiring games, physical Game-Key Cards that will allow players to then download and own the game.
Additionally, thepricing for games varies across the board, withMario Kart Worldcosting $80,Donkey Kong Bananzacosting $70, and the Switch 2 edition ofThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomcosting $80.Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touris also a paid digital-only game, and the game is more like a tech demo to demonstrate the features of the Switch 2. The physical releases of games also seem to be more expensive in European countries,with physical games currently priced at €89.99, or around $97 USD.
Our Take: While The Fan Message Is Clear, It’s Unlikely For Nintendo To Budge
Inflation, Tariffs, Development Costs, And More May Lock Nintendo’s Prices
Despite the large outcry from Nintendo fans,it doesn’t seem likely that Nintendo will budge on its price models, though it isn’t impossible for them to change. The Switch 2 launches on June 5, which is in just over two months. This close to release, combined with the fact thatthe Switch 2 is not Nintendo’s most expensive consoleeven when adjusted for inflation, means it’s unlikely the Switch 2 will cost less, and the same can be said for the game costs as well.
Recent tariffs on goods could also be contributing to theSwitch 2 and its games having higher prices. Tariffs were recently imposed on China and Vietnam, and Nintendo moved much of its Switch production to Vietnam in the past few years. With the tariffs in play and affecting other industries,it doesn’t seem likely Nintendo will change their prices.
Additionally, Nintendo first-party titles rarely go on sale and are virtually locked to the Switch and Switch 2,meaning they don’t usually come to other consoles. The result of that is a consistently high price because you have to own a Switch or Switch 2 to playMarioorThe Legend of Zelda, so thereis no need for Nintendo to offer price cuts for games.
No matter the reason, it is clear that Nintendo fans are not happy about theNintendo Switch 2’s price and the price of its games. Whether this digital protest will have any impact on Nintendo, or even lead to Nintendo making an official statement, remains to be seen.
