Nintendo is gearing up for the launch of its highly anticipated Switch 2, set to hit the shelves on June 5, 2025, and pre-orders for its game editions have already begun. Retailers across the UK and the US have started listing upgraded editions of popular titles, with prices that have sparked conversations among gamers.
As of now, the standard price for Switch 2 editions of original games is pegged at £65 in the UK, with notable titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land all available for this price. Interestingly, GAME has listed its editions of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild at £67, marking it as the only outlier in the pricing structure.
These new editions will not only be available for purchase physically but will also be offered digitally. For gamers who already own the original Switch versions, Nintendo has provided an alternative to buy an upgrade pack that allows access to exclusive features on the Switch 2. For instance, players opting for the Switch 2 edition of Tears of the Kingdom will have access to "Zelda Notes," a feature designed to enhance gameplay in Hyrule.
Moreover, the enhanced version of Kirby and the Forgotten Land will include additional content, presenting a remixed campaign titled "Star-Crossed World." This showcases Nintendo's commitment to providing value through new experiences in its upgraded titles.
During the Nintendo Direct showcase, it was revealed that both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom would be re-released for the Switch 2. Bill Trinen, Nintendo of America's Vice President of Product and Player Experience, discussed the pricing strategy during an interview with IGN, stating that upgrade packs for existing owners of these titles will be priced at $9.99. Additionally, members of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will receive these upgrades at no extra charge.
Trinen explained, "For somebody who has bought Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild, the upgrade packs for those are $9.99. And if you happen to be a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack member, both of the Zelda upgrade packs are inclusive within that membership." This pricing model reflects Nintendo's approach to accommodating both new and existing players.
However, the announcement of the Switch 2's pricing has not been without controversy. The console itself will retail for $449.99 in the US, with bundles including Mario Kart World priced at $499.99. The latter game, which is set to be a launch title, has also raised eyebrows with its price tag of $79.99, positioning it as the most expensive Nintendo-published game to date.
In response to the backlash regarding the price hike, Trinen defended the cost of Mario Kart World, emphasizing the value it brings. He stated, "I would say it's less about the strategy of pricing Mario Kart World, it's more just whenever we look at a given game, we just look at what is the experience, and what's the content, and what's the value?" He further assured fans that the game would offer a vast experience with many secrets and discoveries.
Interestingly, Nintendo's pricing strategy appears to vary significantly between titles. While Mario Kart World and some Switch 2 editions are set at $79.99, others like Donkey Kong Bonanza are priced lower, at $59.99 (digital) and $69.99 (physical). This approach indicates that Nintendo is evaluating the content and perceived value of each title individually.
As the release date approaches, gamers are keenly watching how Nintendo navigates the pricing landscape, especially in light of the ongoing tariff situation that could impact future costs. Concerns have been raised regarding whether the company will maintain its current pricing or if further increases are on the horizon.
Despite the uncertainties, Nintendo's commitment to delivering enhanced gaming experiences with its Switch 2 lineup seems unwavering. The company has also hinted at future titles receiving Switch 2 editions, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which are sure to keep fans engaged.
In conclusion, the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a pivotal moment for the gaming community. With a mix of nostalgia through upgraded titles and the introduction of new features, Nintendo aims to strike a balance between innovation and value. As pre-orders roll out, gamers eagerly anticipate how these changes will shape their gaming experiences in the coming months.
