Why the Nintendo Switch 2 is a Red Flag for Gaming’s Future

The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked intense debate within the gaming industry.

While anticipation for Nintendo’s next console remains high, discussions have shifted toward an increasingly pressing issue: its price.

The Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, and in the UK, it will cost £395, a figure that surprised analysts and consumers alike.

This hefty price extends to software as well, with its flagship launch title Mario Kart World carrying a price tag of £74.99, setting a new high for Nintendo games.

The question remains: does the Switch 2 justify its higher price?

With competitors like Valve’s Steam Deck offering comparable, if not superior, hardware for less, Nintendo’s strategy is under scrutiny.

Additionally, the console’s reliance on proprietary storage solutions and a seemingly weaker exclusive launch lineup adds further complexity to its perceived value.

We explore the impact of the Switch 2’s pricing, its hardware and software considerations, and how its release could shape the future of gaming.

Cost vs Value

Nintendo has historically positioned itself as a more affordable alternative to Sony and Microsoft, but the Switch 2 marks a notable shift in that strategy.

While the console is still cheaper than the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which launched at £449, its hardware limitations call into question whether the £395 price tag is justified.

The Switch 2 offers a 7.9-inch LCD display, an upgrade from the original’s 6.2-inch screen but a downgrade compared to the Switch OLED model.

While the console will support 4K resolution when docked, comparisons to other devices make this advancement less impressive.

The Steam Deck, which starts at £349 for a 256GB model, provides access to thousands of Steam titles, powerful customisation options, and comparable processing power.

The Asus ROG Ally, another handheld competitor, also offers a compelling alternative, albeit at a higher price point.

Beyond screen quality, storage limitations add to consumer concerns.

The Switch 2 includes only 256GB of internal storage, far less than the 1TB that is becoming standard in the industry.

More troubling is Nintendo’s decision to shift from traditional MicroSDXC cards to MicroSDXC Express for expandable storage, making existing storage solutions incompatible with the new console.

Consumers will be forced to purchase new, likely more expensive, storage cards, increasing the overall cost of ownership.

A New Era of Expensive Games?

Nintendo’s pricing strategy for its games has also raised eyebrows.

Mario Kart World will cost £74.99, pushing the boundaries of game pricing even further.

In an industry where £60 price tags have already sparked backlash, Nintendo’s decision to increase its premium title pricing by £15 is significant.

While Mario Kart World does introduce new gameplay elements, including a larger, open-world experience and 24-player online races, it remains unclear whether these features warrant the extra cost.

However, Nintendo has not announced any plans for a significant price adjustment for other first-party games, leading many to believe that £75 titles will become the new norm.

Nintendo has taken an unconventional approach with its launch lineup.

Unlike previous console releases, the Switch 2 does not offer a strong selection of exclusive titles on day one.

The only truly new, exclusive game outside of Mario Kart World is Konami’s Survival Kids, a survival adventure title.

Other games available at launch include enhanced versions of previous Nintendo Switch titles, but Nintendo has yet to clarify whether these upgraded versions will be free for existing owners or require additional purchases.

Compounding concerns is the inclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a guided introduction to the console’s features.

While many expected this to be a free pack-in similar to Astro’s Playroom on PlayStation 5, Nintendo has confirmed it will be a paid downloadable title.

Additionally, voice chat improvements, a long-requested feature, will only be free until March 31, 2026, after which they will become part of a premium Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

These incremental costs paint a picture of a console that could become increasingly expensive beyond its initial purchase price.

Industry Trends

Nintendo’s pricing strategy is not isolated.

Over the past few years, the cost of AAA game development has skyrocketed, leading to higher retail prices.

Analysts have warned that the era of £60 games was inevitable, with rising development costs, inflation, and longer development cycles cited as key factors.

However, Nintendo’s decision to charge £74.99 for a launch title suggests that the company is pushing the industry further into higher pricing territory.

Comparisons to other publishers highlight the concerns surrounding this pricing shift.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, released in 2023, was priced at £60 and featured significant enhancements over its predecessor.

Yet Mario Kart World does not appear to introduce comparable innovations that justify its additional £15.

Other major publishers like Take-Two Interactive have experimented with premium pricing, leading to speculation that upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 could cost £80 or even more.

While rising game prices may reflect increased development costs, there is scepticism regarding whether these costs are passed on fairly to consumers.

Many games now feature microtransactions, season passes, and deluxe editions, further complicating the value proposition of standard game pricing.

Potential Consumer Reactions

Given these trends, how will gamers respond?

History suggests that while initial backlash against price increases is common, mainstream buyers often adjust over time.

However, some market shifts could emerge as a result of Nintendo’s pricing strategy.

One possibility is that gamers become more selective with their purchases, buying fewer full-priced titles in a given year.

Instead of purchasing multiple £75 games, some may opt for discounted or indie games that offer strong value at lower prices.

Others may choose to wait for price drops or sales rather than buying games at launch.

Nintendo’s aggressive pricing may also push some consumers toward alternative platforms.

Devices like the Steam Deck provide access to an extensive library of games, many of which frequently go on sale.

While Nintendo’s strongest asset remains its first-party exclusives, price-sensitive gamers may begin exploring other options that offer better overall value.

The Switch 2’s long-term success could hinge on whether Nintendo introduces additional incentives.

Factors such as a robust subscription service, comparable to Xbox Game Pass, could offset high software costs and provide better value.

However, Nintendo has not indicated any plans to introduce such a model.

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents both an evolution and a challenge for Nintendo.

While its upgraded hardware and promising software lineup offer exciting possibilities, its increased pricing has raised legitimate concerns about value and affordability.

With a launch price of £395 and flagship games reaching £74.99, Nintendo is pushing its pricing closer to that of premium competitors while still offering a technically weaker system.

As the gaming industry faces rising development costs and economic pressures, Nintendo’s pricing strategy could set a new precedent.

Whether gamers accept these changes or push back through alternative choices will play a key role in shaping the future of gaming.

Ultimately, Nintendo’s gamble on higher prices may pay off, but it also risks alienating players in an industry where affordability has long been one of its biggest strengths.