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Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Set to Launch in US, Price Details Unveiled
Following a brief postponement of Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the United States attributed to recently imposed tariffs, the gaming giant has now officially announced the pricing structure and preorder launch date for its highly anticipated next-generation console. While the core console price remains unchanged, some adjustments will be made to the cost of select accessories.
Console and Game Prices Maintained
Nintendo affirmed on Friday via its official website that the base model of the Switch 2 will retain its initial price point of $450. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle will also remain at $500. Enthusiasts in the US will be able to place their preorders for the Switch 2 starting April 24.
Game pricing will also remain consistent with previously announced figures. Mario Kart World will be available for $80, while Donkey Kong Bananza, slated for release on July 17, will be priced at $70.
Slight Price Increase for Accessories
Consumers should note that while console and game prices are holding steady, select accessories will experience a minor price adjustment, with increases of $5 in some cases. The following accessories will be affected:
- Switch 2 Pro Controller (Previously $80, now $85)
- Joy-Con 2 Pair (Previously $90, now $95)
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip (Previously $35, now $40)
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set (Previously $20, now $25)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (Previously $50, now $55)
- Joy-Con 2 Strap (Previously $13, now $14)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set (Previously $110, now $120)
- Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector (Previously $35, now $40)
- Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case (Previously $80, now $85)
- Switch 2 AC Adapter (Previously $30, now $35)
Initial Switch 2 Reception and Pricing Factors
The unveiling of the Switch 2 on April 2 was met with mixed reactions from the gaming community. While the successor to the Switch boasts a significant performance upgrade, with graphical capabilities reportedly ranging between a PS4 Pro and a PS5 according to some analysts, certain concerns were raised.
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Mario Kart World Price Point Questioned
Chief among these concerns was the $80 price tag attached to Mario Kart World. This positions the popular racing title as the most expensive game without added content or downloadable expansions. Typically, new games across various platforms are priced at $70. Nintendo has yet to publicly address the rationale behind Mario Kart World’s higher price; however, analysts speculate that it could be linked to rising expenses associated with the storage media utilized in Switch 2 cartridges.
New Game-Key Cards to Potentially Reduce Publisher Costs
In an effort to mitigate expenses for game publishers, Nintendo has introduced “Game-key cards.” These cartridges are designed with minimal storage capacity, encouraging users to download the majority of the game content directly to their Switch 2 console. This strategy implies that physical cartridges purchased may not contain the entirety of the game software.
Upgrade Pricing Discrepancies for Existing Switch Titles
Another price-related point of contention revolves around the requirement to repurchase Switch games for the Switch 2 platform, even for titles already owned on the original Switch. While upgrade fees were a practice in previous console generations, the pricing structure for Switch 2 upgrades appears inconsistent. Some Nintendo game upgrades will cost $10, others $20, and a limited number will be offered free of charge. This lack of price uniformity, coupled with ambiguity surrounding the extent of enhancements in Switch 2 versions, has left some gamers dissatisfied.