"Switch 2: Global Outcry Over High Game Prices"

What a year for Nintendo to finally release the Switch 2. While the hardware itself looks to be everything anyone could have hoped for in a successor to the beloved Switch — boasting a more powerful console that retains the versatility millions of owners adore — the global economic uncertainty has made the Switch 2 a much more complex proposition.

Adding to the complexity is the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. With the console priced at $450 USD and Mario Kart World at $80 USD, the Switch 2 has become a flashpoint amid rising costs of games and gaming hardware both domestically and internationally.

To gauge global reactions to the Switch 2, I consulted with editors from IGN's international brands, spanning Europe, South America, and Asia, to understand the anticipation surrounding its release.

How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2

The feedback on the Switch 2 varies across the globe. While the hardware enhancements such as a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output have been well-received, the absence of an OLED screen has been a significant point of contention.

"IGN Italia's readers are largely dissatisfied with the Nintendo Switch 2," reports Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy. "The primary concerns among hundreds of comments on news articles and social media focus on the price, the lack of an OLED screen, the missing trophy/achievement system, and the underwhelming launch lineup. While third-party announcements were appreciated, many expected more from Nintendo's first-party titles."

Echoing these sentiments, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal added, "I'm not particularly impressed with the Switch 2, as it seems to be just a more powerful version of the original without the same novelty. However, the success will ultimately depend on the games, and Mario Kart World certainly looks impressive."

In other regions, the hardware upgrades have been more warmly welcomed. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux noted, "Despite the price concerns, the console has been well-received in our region. It sold out within hours of pre-orders going live, and our Discord server saw a massive influx of new members eager for updates."

Ersin Kilic of IGN Turkey shared similar optimism, "Nintendo addressed many of the criticisms from the original Switch, and the improved LCD screen was well-received. However, the lack of Hall Effect technology in the Joy-Con 2 was a point of criticism, as it was hoped to reduce the risk of Joy-Con drift."

Kamui Ye from IGN China provided a balanced view, "The reveal event was met with disappointment due to the lack of strong launch titles and confusing regional pricing. The absence of new Mario, Legend of Zelda, or Animal Crossing titles was particularly noted. However, core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's long-term plans, valuing backward compatibility and hardware refinements like magnetic Joy-Cons."

"The loyal fanbase seems willing to overlook short-term shortcomings, trusting in Nintendo's history of refining its platforms through engaging games over time," Ye concluded.

Hardware Price and Tariff Fears

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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The Switch 2 is set to launch at $450 USD in the United States, but pre-orders have been delayed due to ongoing tariff issues with President Trump's policies. This has led Nintendo to reconsider its rollout strategy ahead of the June 5 release date.

In Europe, where tariffs are less of a concern, pre-orders are already underway. Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany commented, "In Germany, tariffs aren't a major worry for the Switch 2. However, the console's pricing has sparked significant debate, especially when compared to the PS5, which is often seen as a superior option."

The Switch 2's pricing positions it as a direct competitor to the PS5 and Xbox Series X in many markets, complicating consumer choices. Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa noted, "The price of R12,499 places it in the same category as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, no longer offering a budget-friendly alternative. This, coupled with Nintendo's recent game price increases, could pose a problem."

Purchasing the Switch 2 with accessories can be quite costly. Erwan Lafleuriel, editor-in-chief of IGN France, remarked, "The pricing overshadowed the entire Switch 2 reveal. With leaks revealing most of the information beforehand and no standout 'one more thing' moment, the focus shifted to the high prices, which feel unjustified given the economic climate."

In Brazil, the impact of the U.S. tariff war exacerbates the situation. Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil explained, "The weak Real against the dollar means any price increase in the U.S. will significantly affect Latin America. The uncertainty could limit the Switch 2's accessibility to a small segment of the Brazilian market."

In Japan, Nintendo has introduced a region-locked version of the console at a lower price to protect its domestic market. Daniel Robson, executive producer at IGN Japan, said, "Nintendo couldn't exceed 50,000 yen due to the weak yen. The region lock ensures the console remains exclusive to Japanese games and accounts, a direct response to global trade dynamics. While the price is high, it's more competitive than the PS5's 77,000 yen, and given Nintendo's dominance in Japan, many families will still opt for the Switch 2."

Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point

Despite hardware costs and tariffs, the most significant issue surrounding the Switch 2 announcement is the price of software. Nintendo's decision to set Mario Kart World at $80 USD has raised concerns about future pricing trends, although other launch window games are priced from $10 to $70 USD.

"Game pricing is the top issue among our readers and the Italian gaming community," stated Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy. "Nintendo's new pricing model is seen as unjustifiable, especially with recent price hikes on other consoles. The €90 price tag on some first-party games and the €9.99 for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour have sparked significant backlash."

Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany added, "People are frustrated, especially with Mario Kart World priced at 90 Euros — the highest ever for a video game in Germany. Even charging for the tutorial game seems excessively greedy."

While Mario Kart World's price is the main issue, the $10 fee for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour has also drawn criticism. In mainland China, where there are no official plans for a Switch 2 release, gamers may turn to the gray market, where prices for games from Japan and Hong Kong are lower.

"Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are relatively lower than in the West," noted Kamui Ye from IGN China. "Despite the console's price increase, it's still seen as more cost-effective than alternatives like the Steam Deck, thanks to backward compatibility."

The Switch 2 is poised to be a successful upgrade to one of the most popular consoles, but its success will depend on navigating economic challenges and high game prices. With tariffs potentially disrupting the North American launch and global politics affecting stock availability, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainties. Yet, the global excitement around the Switch 2, albeit tempered by these caveats, underscores Nintendo's enduring appeal.