Nintendo is expecting to release the new Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide on June 5—more than eight years after its predecessor. The Switch is a handheld, readily portable gaming console that houses over 12,000 games. Nintendo further revealed much-anticipated information regarding the new product, with information about its price, features and more. This information was met with a mixture of both positive and negative feedback.
Many praised Nintendo for upgrades in areas such as display, functionality, content and backwards compatibility. They also addressed many concerns that plagued the first model.
“I really like the new games like ‘Mario Kart,’” Lambert senior Daniel Shiver said. “I also like that they upgraded the screen and joycon as well as adding backwards compatibility. In terms of fixes, the Switch desperately needed a new display.”
Shiver’s sentiment is not alone in regards to the aforementioned new content. “Mario Kart,” for instance, a multiplayer racing game, has had massive success, with over 67.35 million copies sold and an impressive $3.8 billion in revenue. As Nintendo’s biggest game, “Mario Kart World” further adds to the Nintendo Switch 2’s appeal with its new characters, maps, gamemodes and more.
Upgraded features and resolved issues have also played a part in the buzz surrounding Nintendo’s newest product. Bug-ridden 720p screens on the console have become larger, more responsive 1080p displays. Joycons, remotes attached on either side of the screen, have seen updates as well, with enhanced haptic feedback, making for a more nuanced and interactive experience. Backwards compatibility has also been implemented, allowing players to play their favorite games from the original Switch, with little to no limitations. Overall, these upcoming updates have Nintendo fans justifiably excited to purchase the next upgrade.
Despite these promising details, one concern many raised about the Switch 2 was the increase in price of the device itself as well as its content. While the original Switch console and games came in at $300 and $60 (per title) respectively, its second in-line boasted a $450 price tag accompanied by an $80 addition per game.
“I was really excited for the new ‘Nintendo Switch’ until I saw the price,” Shiver said. “I don’t understand why they’d mar such an exciting release with that.”
Many initially pointed to the economy, in light of tariffs, as reason for these price hikes. Nintendo confirmed the allegations, citing the need for price adjustments in the wake of inflation and economic downturn. Then, following the retraction of the tariffs on electronics, consumers expected prices to revert to the original $300 and $60—but to no avail. Nintendo asserted that the new features and improvements warranted the prices, further adding to the growing sense of unease amongst Nintendo fans and customers alike.
Nintendo is not alone in the latest trend of corporate greed within the video game industry. Companies such as Rockstar Games, creator of notable games including “GTA V” and “Red Dead Redemption 2,” expressed interest in charging games by the hour as opposed to the traditional, outright purchase of titles. This was met with public outrage among the video game community.
Nintendo has long ruled the handheld gaming console market with the Nintendo Switch. With over 150 millions units sold to date, the Switch has become a worldwide phenomenon. However, Nintendo is not unfamiliar with this success, with handheld predecessors including the Game Boy, DS lineup and more. This has effectively allowed Nintendo to become a monopoly in the space, with little to no competition. By hiking prices to such an egregious extent, this not only serves implications for consumers but encourages companies to follow suit.
All in all, Nintendo has scored big wins but even bigger losses. While there are some very promising developments coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo executives are wrapped up in the idea of maximizing profits at the expense of the customer. What could have been a very lucrative and exciting product has already let down many, something that is already very telling of how it will fare following its release.
