The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is making waves, not just for its upgraded hardware but also for its steep game prices. With Mario Kart World launching at a staggering $80, Nintendo has officially set a new record for its priciest game without a bundled accessory.
Shortly after the latest Nintendo Direct, updated pricing details for the Switch 2 surfaced, sparking debates among gamers. The North American Nintendo website confirms that Mario Kart World will retail for $80, while the European pricing suggests even steeper costs—€80 for digital copies and €90 for physical editions. This hints at potential price differences between digital and physical versions in the U.S. as well.
Other upcoming Switch 2 titles are also following suit. Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at $70 digitally and $80 physically, marking a significant increase from previous Nintendo game releases. The trend suggests that Switch 2 exclusives may set a new benchmark in gaming costs.
Previously, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom held the title of Nintendo’s most expensive game at $70. However, Nintendo has occasionally released first-party titles for lower prices. This new pricing structure signals a potential shift toward higher-cost games across the industry.
Adding to this, Nintendo has announced paid upgrades for select Switch games, including Breath of the Wild, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Super Mario Party: Jamboree. These upgrades enhance graphics and gameplay for the Switch 2, but players will need to purchase a digital upgrade pack instead of a full-priced new edition.
With rising development costs and inflation, an industry-wide price increase has been expected for some time. Many analysts believed that Grand Theft Auto VI would be the first to break the $70 price cap, but Nintendo may have taken the lead with Switch 2 pricing.
Accessories for the console are also seeing a price surge. The Switch 2 Pro Controller is listed at $80, while Joy-Con 2 controllers cost $90. The Switch 2 Dock Set comes in at $110, and Nintendo’s new Switch 2 Camera is priced at $50.
Gamers can preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 starting April 9, with the base console retailing at $450. A special Mario Kart World bundle will also be available for $500, offering a slight discount for those picking up both.
As the gaming landscape evolves, players will have to decide if these price hikes are justified. Will Nintendo’s bold move push other gaming giants to follow suit, or will the backlash force the industry to reconsider? Only time will tell.
