Nintendo Defends Switch 2 and Game Prices

Nintendo has been on the agenda with the pricing of both the console and the games with the Switch 2 it introduced recently. The new console’s $449.99 price, which was a significant increase compared to the original Switch, was striking. The company defended this pricing policy with the new features offered by the hardware and the aim of providing a long-lasting experience. While company officials emphasized that pricing is always based on content and value, Doug Bowser stated that the price is not affected by taxes.

Prices Are High, But Nintendo Is Determined

According to Nintendo’s statement, the Switch 2 has many technical innovations such as a larger screen, a more powerful processor, durable Joy-Cons and a built-in GameChat system. The company believes that this level of hardware and the gaming experience offered deserve the $449.99 tag. In addition, the fact that some first-party games such as Mario Kart World will be sold for a high price of $80 has caused criticism among gamers. Bowser said that each game offers a different experience and that prices are therefore determined according to the level of content.

The issue of whether the tariffs would affect the price was also on the agenda. Speaking to The Verge, Bowser explained that the new tariff announcement on April 2 had no effect on the console’s set price. However, the company announced that it had postponed Switch 2 pre-orders and was evaluating new economic conditions. The pre-order date is currently uncertain. Nintendo left the door open for prices to change in the future, saying, “We are actively evaluating market conditions and the impact of tariffs.”

With the introduction of the next-generation console, sales of the original Switch models (Lite, OLED and standard version) will continue. Bowser stated that the Switch 2 is positioned above these models and that the pricing is made accordingly. He also emphasized that even the $10 “Switch 2 Welcome Tour” game is offered for a fee instead of free due to its full content structure.

These statements from Nintendo have not ended the ongoing price discussions in the gaming world. However, the company continues to stand behind the value of the content it offers. It seems that developments will be followed carefully by players until the Switch 2’s release.

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