"Switch 2 Worldwide: High Prices a Global Issue"

What a year for Nintendo to finally release the Switch 2. While the hardware itself looks to be everything fans could have hoped for in a successor to the beloved original Switch — boasting enhanced power and performance — the economic uncertainty gripping the world has made the Switch 2 a more complex proposition.

Moreover, the ongoing trade war between the United States and China adds another layer of complexity. With a $450 USD price for the console and $80 USD for Mario Kart World, the Switch 2 has become a focal point in the rising cost of games and gaming hardware, both domestically and internationally.

To gauge global reactions to the Switch 2, I connected with editors from IGN's international branches to understand how the upcoming release is being received worldwide.

How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2

Feedback from IGN editors across Europe, South America, and Asia reveals a mixed reception to the Switch 2. While the hardware enhancements such as a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output are lauded, the absence of an OLED screen has been flagged as a significant drawback.

“IGN Italia’s readers are predominantly dissatisfied with the Nintendo Switch 2,” notes Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy. “The main grievances include the pricing, the omission of an OLED screen, the lack of a trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch lineup. While third-party announcements were well-received, there was an expectation for more from Nintendo’s own titles.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal adds, “Personally, I'm not overly impressed with the Switch 2, as it feels like an enhanced version of the original without the novelty. However, the success will ultimately hinge on the games, and Mario Kart World certainly looks impressive.”

In contrast, some regions have shown more enthusiasm for the Switch 2’s hardware upgrades. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux reports, “Despite the price concerns, the console has been warmly received here. It sold out within hours, and our Discord server saw a surge in new members when we announced pre-order availability.”

Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey shares a positive outlook, noting, “The improvements over the original Switch have been well-received, especially the enhanced screen quality. However, the absence of Hall Effect technology in the Joy-Con 2 has drawn criticism due to concerns over Joy-Con drift.”

Kamui Ye from IGN China provides a balanced view, stating, “While there's disappointment over the launch lineup and regional pricing, core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's long-term strategy. They prioritize backward compatibility, hardware refinements like magnetic Joy-Cons, and Nintendo's history of supporting its platforms with compelling games over time.”

Hardware Price and Tariff Fears

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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The Switch 2 is set to launch at a $450 USD price point in the United States, with pre-orders expected to open soon. However, the ongoing tariff situation initiated by President Trump has delayed pre-orders in the US and Canada, while other regions have already begun registering purchases.

Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany comments, “In Germany, tariffs aren't a concern, but the console's price has sparked many complaints, especially when compared to the PS5, which is seen as a better value.” Despite the pricing concerns, pre-orders in the region are still coming in.

The Switch 2's pricing positions it directly against the PS5 and Xbox Series X in many markets, complicating the decision for global consumers. Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa notes, “At R12,499, the Switch 2 is now in the same price range as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, no longer the more affordable option, especially with Nintendo's increased game prices.”

Erwan Lafleuriel, editor-in-chief of IGN France, adds, “The pricing debate has overshadowed the Switch 2 reveal. The leaks had already revealed much of what was shown, and there was no standout feature to excite fans. Even the game lineup, while good, feels incomplete.”

In regions like Brazil, the tariff war exacerbates the situation. Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil explains, “The weak Real against the dollar means any price increase in the US will significantly impact Latin America, potentially limiting the Switch 2's accessibility to a small group of players.”

In Japan, Nintendo has introduced a region-locked version at a lower price to protect its domestic market. Daniel Robson, executive producer at IGN Japan, says, “Nintendo couldn't exceed 50,000 yen due to the weak yen, but they've implemented a region lock to prevent imports. The price, while high, is more competitive than the PS5's 77,000 yen, and Japan remains a stronghold for Nintendo.”

Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point

Despite hardware and tariff concerns, the most significant issue surrounding the Switch 2 announcement is the price of software. Nintendo's decision to price Mario Kart World at $80 USD, alongside other launch window games ranging from $70 to $10 USD, has sparked fears of a new era of expensive gaming.

Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy states, “Game pricing is the top concern for our readers and the Italian gaming community. Nintendo's new pricing model, especially with some first-party games at €90, is seen as unjustifiable, particularly with the recent price hikes from other consoles. The €9.99 price for Switch 2 Welcome Tour has also caused backlash, as have the paid upgrade paths for existing Switch games.”

Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany adds, “The €90 price for Mario Kart World is unprecedented here, and the additional cost for the tutorial game has led to accusations of greed from Nintendo.”

In mainland China, where there are no official plans for a Switch 2 release, gamers may turn to the gray market. Kamui Ye from IGN China notes, “Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are lower than in Western markets, and most players find the official price acceptable. Despite the console's price increase, it's seen as more cost-effective than handheld PCs like the Steam Deck, especially with backward compatibility.”

The Switch 2 is poised to be a success, building on the legacy of one of the most popular consoles ever. However, the looming threat of $80 games during economic hardship has dampened enthusiasm for many potential buyers. With many uncertainties, particularly in the US due to tariffs, and the potential impact of international politics on stock availability, the Switch 2's launch remains a complex narrative. Yet, the global excitement for Nintendo's latest offering is undeniable, albeit with more reservations than usual.