According to Nintendo, the $449.99 price point for the Switch 2 was not influenced by US tariffs
Nintendo has officially stated that the newly introduced US tariffs were not included in the $449.99 price of the Switch 2 console that was unveiled last week. This was detailed in an interview with The Verge by Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s president. Bowser mentioned that the company is still evaluating the tariff's potential effects.
Due to these tariffs, Nintendo has postponed the US pre-orders of the console, originally scheduled for April 9, 2025. The initial release date of June 5 remains unchanged.
Discussing the reasoning behind the Switch 2's $449.99 price, Bowser emphasized the long-term value of the new console. He stated the device is designed to be a lasting part of consumers’ entertainment systems, ensuring the price reflects its capabilities.
Bowser also talked about the enhancements in the console’s hardware, including a larger LCD screen, redesigned Joy-Cons for enhanced durability, and a custom Nvidia chip that supports ray tracing. This new hardware differentiates it significantly from its predecessor and justifies the pricing.
Nintendo's pricing of games for the Switch 2 revolves around the unique experiences each game offers. For example, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is priced at $9.99 due to the variety and replayability of its mini-games. Bowser remarked that the depth and quality of the gaming experience influenced the pricing decision.
The main title for the console, Mario Kart World, is priced at $80, reflecting the enhanced gaming experience it offers, which is higher than typical Nintendo game prices.
In a detailed discussion with GamesIndustry.biz, analysts weighed in on the reasons for the elevated prices of Switch 2 games, pointing to inflation and other market factors.
Bill Trinen, Nintendo of America's vice president of product and player experience, reiterated Bowser’s views in an interview with IGN. Trinen noted that Nintendo considers the experience, content, and value of each game when setting prices, focusing more on the quality provided than pricing strategy.