"Switch 2 Global Pricing: A Universal Issue"

What a year for Nintendo to finally release the Switch 2. While the hardware itself looks to be what anyone could have hoped for in a successor to the beloved Switch — boasting enhanced power and features — the global economic uncertainty has complicated its prospects significantly. The backdrop of a trade war between the United States and China adds another layer of complexity, with the console priced at $450 USD and Mario Kart World at $80 USD, raising eyebrows both domestically and internationally amidst the rising costs of gaming hardware and software.

To gauge global reactions to the Switch 2, I consulted with editors from IGN's international branches, spanning Europe, South America, and Asia. The feedback has been mixed. The hardware upgrades, including a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output, have been well-received, yet the absence of an OLED screen has been a notable point of criticism.

How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2

IGN Italy's editor-in-chief, Alessandro Digioia, reports dissatisfaction among readers, primarily due to the price point, the lack of an OLED screen, no trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch lineup. "While third-party announcements were welcomed, many expected more from Nintendo's first-party titles," he notes. Similarly, IGN Portugal's Pedro Pestana expresses a lack of excitement, seeing the Switch 2 as a souped-up version of the original without the novelty factor. "It's going to come down to the games, and Mario Kart World looked impressive," he adds.

On the other hand, regions like Benelux and Turkey have shown more enthusiasm. IGN Benelux's Nick Nijiland reports positive feedback, despite the price, with the console selling out quickly. "We announced pre-order availability on our Discord, and it led to a surge in new members," he shares. IGN Turkey's Ersin Kilic highlights positive reception to the improved screen, though the lack of Hall Effect in Joy-Con 2 for reducing drift was a point of criticism.

In China, IGN's Kamui Ye notes widespread disappointment over the launch titles and pricing strategies, yet sees optimism among core fans for Nintendo's future plans. "The brand's loyal fanbase seems willing to tolerate short-term missteps, betting on Nintendo's ability to refine its platforms over time," Ye observes.

Hardware Price and Tariff Fears

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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The Switch 2 is set to launch at a $450 USD price point in the United States, though pre-orders are delayed due to ongoing tariffs imposed by President Trump. This situation has prompted Nintendo to reconsider its launch strategy ahead of the June 5 release date. In Europe, where tariffs are less of an issue, IGN Germany's Antonia Dressler notes that the price, rather than tariffs, is the primary concern. "There are direct comparisons with the PS5, which is seen as the better console," she explains, despite strong pre-order numbers.

The pricing positions the Switch 2 in direct competition with the PS5 and Xbox Series X, complicating the decision for global consumers. IGN Africa's Zaid Kriel points out the console's pricing now matches that of its competitors, losing its status as a more affordable option. "This could be a problem, especially with the increase in game prices," Kriel notes.

In Brazil, IGN Brazil's Matheus de Lucca highlights the impact of the tariff war on the region's market, potentially making the Switch 2 accessible only to a small group of players. Meanwhile, in Japan, IGN Japan's Daniel Robson discusses Nintendo's strategy of launching a region-locked version at a lower price to protect its domestic market. "The weak yen means the relative pricing scale is very different here," he explains, adding that the price remains high but more competitive than the PS5.

Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point

Despite hardware costs and tariffs, the price of software has emerged as the most significant concern following the Switch 2 announcement. The $80 USD price tag on Mario Kart World has sparked fears of even higher game prices, though Nintendo has indicated that pricing will vary by game. IGN Italy's Digioia emphasizes that game pricing is a major issue, with some first-party games priced at €90, causing considerable concern. "The €9.99 price for Switch 2 Welcome Tour sparked additional backlash," he adds.

IGN Germany's Antonia Dressler echoes these sentiments, calling the €90 price for Mario Kart World a record for Germany. "People are pissed," she states, highlighting the frustration over the cost of the tutorial game as well. In China, where an official release is not planned, IGN's Ye notes that game prices from Hong Kong and Japan are relatively lower, making the official price more acceptable to mainland consumers.

Despite these concerns, the Switch 2's success seems likely, given its status as an upgrade to one of the most popular consoles ever. However, the looming threat of $80 games during economic hardship and the uncertainties surrounding tariffs and international politics could impact its launch and reception. What's clear from discussions with IGN's global staff is that the Switch 2 has generated excitement worldwide, albeit with notable caveats.