Jacob Lopez
Graphic of a Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was announced on January 16th and is meant to be the successor to the Nintendo Switch. The original Switch earned its title as one of the most successful consoles ever, with over 150 million units sold and counting. Given its success, it’s no surprise that Nintendo would soon develop a refined version of the console. Although many fans were ecstatic to see a new Nintendo console announced, they were also met with shock due to the pricing.
The Switch 2 will release on June 5 of this year. Along with it, new games and upgraded features compared to the original. Its more noticeable features include a larger 1080p, 120fps screen, black magnetic Joy-Cons, built-in kickstand, and enhanced internal features.
The right Joy-Con holds a new square-shaped “C” button designated for the Switch 2’s video chat feature, GameChat. Pressing the button overlays the GameChat menu on top of your screen. With GameChat, users can share their screen while chatting and gaming at the same time. The Switch 2 also features a built-in microphone, further improving the user experience. This all sounds tempting to purchase one immediately, but how much does this all cost?
The Switch 2 will be the most expensive Nintendo console yet, with a whopping base price of $449.99. The original console had a retail price of $299.99, making the new model approximately 50% more expensive – a $150 increase.
If you were to lose or break your Joy-Cons or Switch dock, or if you want additional accessories, you’ll need to pay extra. A pair of Switch 2 Joy-Cons would cost you $94.99, while the Switch dock would cost you $119.99. The Pro Controller, for an alternate, traditional feel, will be priced at $84.99. To enhance your GameChat experience, you can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for $54.99.
Along with an increased console and accessory price, Switch 2 games will also become more pricey. Some of these game titles, such as Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and the most ambitious Mario Kart World, will be set at $80. For a long time, buyers purchased games for plenty of consoles for a solid $60.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a step forward for Nintendo consoles, but prices can cause many to debate buying one. This is a drastic change to the gaming industry, with plenty of communities, influencers, and forums outraged by the increasing benchmark of consoles, games, and accessories.