How much are Nintendo Switch 2 games? Why Switch 2 game prices are higher explained

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It seems almost unbelievable that the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner, considering how long we’ve been eagerly anticipating its release.

During the Switch 2 Direct held on April 2nd, the official release date was announced, yet what preoccupied many fans was not just the release date but rather the game prices.

It seems that the next generation will see an upward adjustment in the prices for Switch games – here’s what you should be aware of.

How much are Nintendo Switch 2 games?

Just as the costs of games for the original Switch can differ, so too do the prices of games for the Switch 2. The priciest versions of Switch 2 games are typically around £75 or $80 when purchased physically.

At present, Mario Kart World is the sole game identified with a hefty $80 price label, which comes as no shock that it holds the title of the costliest game available.

Compared to it, Donkey Kong: Bananza, coming out later in the year, is already priced at around £67 or $70 for its physical version, which is slightly less expensive.

The savings deepen when opting for the digital version priced at £59, comparable to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch 1.

It appears that high-end Switch 2 games might cost around $80, but based on current trends, it’s likely that most Nintendo-developed games for the new console will be priced similarly to top-tier titles from the original Switch.

Why are Nintendo Switch 2 game prices higher explained

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you straight up that the increased cost of Switch 2 games isn’t due to a single factor. It’s probably a mix of several factors at work.

Initially, we’re now in our seventh year since the debut of the original Switch, and although the game library hasn’t grown significantly, it seems Nintendo is leveraging this period to account for inflation, given the enhanced capabilities of the latest model.

Additionally, some have proposed that the price hike might be a strategy to motivate gamers to buy more digital games.

Up until this point, the majority of digital games for the Switch have tended to cost more compared to their physical counterparts. However, that trend has reversed recently, making digital versions the less expensive choice.

Of course, digital versions aren’t as readily swappable as physical ones, including with Nintendo’s latest game-sharing function. However, this could potentially lead to an increase in sales down the line.

Ultimately, the current state of the world economy isn’t particularly favorable. Rising prices could serve as a strategy to offset economic instability and escalating tariffs from the U.S.

In contrast, Japan has faced a 24% import tax, whereas the manufacturing location of the Switch 2, Vietnam, has been subjected to a 46% import tax.

Essentially, since Nintendo operates as a company, they would have accounted for possible tariffs in their calculations. A higher selling price could help compensate for any financial setbacks caused by the tariffs.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 release date – our speculation
  • Nintendo Switch 2 price – how much does it cost?
  • Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders – where to buy
  • Nintendo Switch 2 vs original Switch – what are the differences?
  • Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer – see the console here
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Experience – how to try out the new console in person
  • Do Switch 2 games work on Switch 1? – are there Switch 2 exclusives?
  • Switch 2 backwards compatibility explained – can you play OG Switch games on Switch 2?
  • Switch 2 games – confirmed and predicted games
  • Mario Kart 9 – everything we know!

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2025-04-03 19:39