The Nintendo Switch 2 is a powerful console and looks to be a huge improvement over the first Switch, but the cost of Switch 2 physical and digital media has left a sour taste in the mouths of players and potential buyers.
The Switch 2—almost known as the Super Nintendo Switch—has gone from being an unknown entity to being given an imminent release date. I’m happy, fans are, and the thought of 120 FPS, 4K & HDR, and Donkey Kong Bananza is bliss.
What isn’t bliss is the projected prices of Nintendo Switch 2 games. We’re entering a new era of gaming, but it could be a scary one for wallets and bank accounts.
How Much Do Nintendo Switch 2 Games Cost?
Nintendo Switch 2 games are expected to cost between $70-90 for base copies of games.
This figure could vary based on the physical nature of the game, as well as how much Nintendo possibly values the license—let me explain.
Increased RRP
A ton of games were announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Some of the biggest reveals included Mario Kart World (AKA Mario Kart 9) and the aforementioned Donkey Kong Bananza.
Mario is a launch-day title, whereas Donkey Kong arrives later. But the key thing to note is the cost of both games. The official Nintendo website states Mario Kart World has an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $79.99, with the physical edition costing an even steeper $89.99.
Over the years, it’s become traditional for digital games to be more expensive than physical media. Personally, this has never made sense to me as physical media requires shipping and practical manufacturing. But now it seems the tide is turning somewhat.
Franchise Status Could Affect Price
Mario Kart World looks to be getting the full-price treatment. If we compare it to Donkey Kong Bananza—another first-party Nintendo series—it’s currently locked in at $69.99 for digital and $79.99 for physical.
I’m not here saying Mario Kart is a superior franchise to Donkey Kong in any way, but the evidence suggests that’s how Nintendo views Donkey Kong Bananza compared to Mario Kart World. The company believes Mario Kart will sell many more copies than DK, hence the price point difference.
This likely means the $80-90 RRP won’t apply to all games and franchises.
How do Nintendo Switch 2 Game Costs Compare to Switch 1?
If we compare Mario Kart World to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the former has an MSRP of $79.99 for the digital edition, whereas The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is $69.99 for a digital copy.
Nintendo is notorious for keeping the cost of its AAA titles the same. The top-tier games don’t get permanently discounted like Sony would God of War or Horizon. So there’s a clear difference of $10 between the two, showing you game media prices are going up.
The famed “$100 game” might, unfortunately, be closer than you think.
Nintendo Switch 2’s game costs are a divisive discourse sure to linger on for a while. If you have any thoughts on the issue, our Insider Gaming Forum is the perfect place to air your grievances and opinions.
If you want more Nintendo Switch 2 information, we have news on $90 Switch 2 games not including the game on the cartridge, and Nintendo trying to help Switch 2 pre-orders by deterring scalpers.
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