Nintendo continued to generate excitement around its upcoming gaming console, the Switch 2, last week through a series of live streams showcasing the device and highly anticipated games like “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza.”
However, gamers expressed concerns during the YouTube live chat, bombarding the stream with requests to “DROP THE PRICE,” indicating displeasure over the new system’s $449 price tag in the U.S. and $629 in Canada. This marked a significant increase from the original Switch’s launch price of $299 in the U.S. and $399 in Canada back in 2017.
Additionally, the pricing of upcoming games like “Mario Kart World” was under scrutiny, with the U.S. listing the game at $80, $10 higher than the usual price for flagship games. While the Canadian pricing was not officially disclosed, a direct conversion hinted at a potential cost of $110 or higher.
Following the Switch 2 showcase, Nintendo announced a pause on pre-orders in the U.S., citing the need to evaluate the impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. The company assured that the June 5, 2025 launch date remains unchanged.
Subsequently, Nintendo of Canada also halted pre-orders to synchronize with the U.S. schedule, while online pre-orders in the U.K. were already active. The mention of tariffs marked a departure from Nintendo’s usual avoidance of current events or political topics in its communications.
Nintendo of America’s president, Doug Bowser, defended the Switch 2’s pricing during a media session, deeming it appropriate for the value and overall gaming experience offered. Bowser acknowledged that some consumers might find the price challenging and emphasized continued support for previous Switch models to cater to varying budget preferences.
Industry experts raised concerns about potential price hikes across the gaming sector due to tariff uncertainties, impacting the accessibility of gaming products amidst economic challenges.
Despite external factors influencing pricing decisions, Nintendo remains optimistic about the Switch 2’s success, aiming to replicate the achievements of its predecessor, which sold over 150 million units globally, ranking as one of the top-selling consoles of all time.
The gaming industry faces uncertainty amid trade tensions, with Nintendo’s strategic production shifts highlighting efforts to mitigate tariff impacts. Analysts anticipate broader repercussions on the gaming market, underscoring the interconnected nature of global supply chains.
In light of evolving market dynamics, the affordability of gaming consoles becomes a crucial consideration for both consumers and industry stakeholders. Nintendo’s pricing strategy for the Switch 2 reflects a delicate balance between value proposition and market conditions, with implications extending beyond individual product launches.
