Summary
TheNintendo Switch 2Treehouse livestream, which showcased some games running on the new console, was flooded with angry comments from viewers. Upon accessing the chat on YouTube, these comments overshadowed everything else, which reflects the audience’s reaction after the price reveal forNintendo Switch 2games likeMario Kart World. It’s unclear whether these comments will have any effect, but they didn’t slow down at all during the livestream.
On April 2, Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct focused exclusively on the Switch 2. The presentation started withMario Kart World’s reveal and then moved on to the hardware. Following that, several third-party games coming to the Switch 2 were showcased, along with upcoming first-party releases likeDonkey Kong BananzaandKirby Air Riders. At the end of the presentation, Nintendo didn’t mentionthe price of the Switch 2. The information had to be found on the official website and in press releases sent out after the livestream. However, it came alongside the price of some games, which didn’t sit well with the audience.
A portion of the audience took advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse livestream to vent their frustrations, flooding the YouTube chat with requests for Nintendo to drop the price. While the messages didn’t specify the price of what exactly, it’s speculated that they refer to thecost of the Switch 2 games.Mario Kart Worldwas announced at $80 for the digital version, which is $10 more expensive than the standard industry price. Some Switch 1 games will have upgrades for the Switch 2, such asThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom. However, upgrades cost $10, while these games physical Switch 2 versions cost $70 and $80, respectively.
Fans Ask Nintendo To Drop The Prices During Livestream
In some European markets, the physical version ofMario Kart Worldwill be even more expensivethan the digital one, costing 90 euros. Additionally, some physical games won’t come fully loaded on the cartridge but will only include a portion of the game. Known as Game-Key cards, these games will require an internet connection to download the remaining files. Once the download is complete, the Game-Key card will still need to be inserted in the Switch 2 to run the game, although a constant internet connection won’t be necessary afterward.
On the other hand,Donkey Kong Bananzastill carries a $70 price tag, suggesting that not all of Nintendo’s first-party titles will cost $80. The biggest concern among the audience and industry specialists is that the $80 price tag forMario Kart Worldsets a precedent for other companies to follow suit. Analysts still believe that despite the high price, the Switch 2 is on track for strong sales in its first year. Nothing will stop future games from being priced similarly if an $80 launch doesn’t scare off consumers. Many analysts predict thatGrand Theft Auto 6will cost $100, and if Rockstar Games needs market research to determine its price, the Switch 2’s launch will serve exactly that purpose.
Nintendo Switch 2
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on July 25, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
