If the Nintendo Switch 2 raises questions about its hardware components and therefore its power, many people are also starting to question the games and, more broadly, Nintendo’s overall policy.
The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has yet to be officially revealed. While we wonder about its power, information is also starting to circulate regarding games, and in particular on a sensitive subject: pricing policy. This element is sometimes difficult to understand for the general public, because it can vary considerably from one platform to another.
The Nintendo Switch 2 and the price of games
According to new information provided by Zippo, a renowned leaker in the video game industry, the next generation of Nintendo games could see a price increase of 10 dollars (with an equivalent here in euros), thus bringing the cost to 70 dollars for most Switch 2 first-party games. This prediction aligns with the current market trend. Where many major titles like Diablo 4, Final Fantasy 16 and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launched at this higher price in 2023. Nintendo has already experimented with this price with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, launched at 69 euros , although the majority of its major 2023 titles have maintained the traditional price of 59.99 euros. You just need to take a look at the Nintendo store to see it.
An ever higher price
The price increase is likely linked to increased development budgets and production values, especially with improvements to the Nintendo Switch 2. Zippo says the new console’s significantly better performance justifies the increase, although It is not expected that the Switch 2 will be able to run extremely resource-intensive games like GTA 6.
The upcoming reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 should also provide clarity on the games’ pricing strategy. While this increase may represent a change for users, it is part of current market dynamics, where the costs of producing quality video games are increasing. Attention will therefore be focused on this pricing trend at the time of the announcement of the console and the presentation of its first titles.
Adjusting game prices for the Nintendo Switch 2 raises broader questions about the economics of video games. Consumers are increasingly aware of the value and cost of development. As prices increase, so do expectations for game quality, lifespan, and content. If the price goes up for the entire catalog, the public risks becoming much more picky.