Nintendo Switch 2: A Bittersweet Launch with Expensive New Game Prices
The gaming world was hit with some pretty big news yesterday, following the recent Nintendo Direct event that gave us all of the juicy details on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console – launching on June 5, 2025, with preorders starting on April 8, 2025.
A Bittersweet Response
But after the initial excitement over the biggest console launch of the year, there seems to be a bittersweet response to everything announced at yesterday’s Nintendo Direct. There are plenty of gamers (myself included) overwhelmed with joy for the new Switch 2 features, but other Nintendo fans have highlighted the extortionate new game prices, questioning the $80 price tag for a new game.
A Solution to Avoid High Prices
I wholeheartedly agree that these new Nintendo Switch 2 game prices are far too high, and I worry that if the majority of people agree to pay these prices, it could set a new precedent or industry standard for other brands to follow. Thankfully, I think I have a solution (more of a hack really) to help gamers avoid paying these high prices for upcoming Switch 2 versions of games.
Upgrade Packs and Second-Hand Games
Here’s my hack – you can get The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for as low as £38 from retailers like CeX in the UK right now, and according to Nintendo, if you already own a copy of this game (and have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership) at the time of the Switch 2 edition launch, then you can access the upgrade pack for free.
That’s better than paying full price, right? As another example, if you pick up a cheaper secondhand copy of Mario Party Jamboree before the Switch 2 launch, then you’ll only need to purchase the upgrade pack (and not the full game) to play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition when it launches.
Physical Cartridges vs. Digital Copies
While we don’t know the official price of Mario Party Jamboree version 2 yet, plenty of credible online sources like VGC, are reporting that new Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will be priced as high as $79.99 / £66.99 (yikes), with physical cartridges expected to cost more than digital for the first time ever.
Stock Up on Original Titles
My advice: stock up your Switch game library of original titles for a cheap rate while you can, as it wouldn’t surprise me if Nintendo decided to enhance more of its OG titles (like Super Mario Odyssey) in the future, if the concept is received well.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is just around the corner, and while the new console features are exciting, the high prices of new games are a concern. By taking advantage of upgrade packs and second-hand games, gamers can avoid paying full price for new titles. Stock up on original titles while you can, and consider upgrading to the Switch 2 edition when it launches.
FAQs
Q: What are the prices of new Switch 2 games?
A: According to credible online sources, new Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will be priced as high as $79.99 / £66.99.
Q: Can I get a cheaper copy of a game?
A: Yes, you can find cheaper copies of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Party Jamboree at retailers like CeX in the UK or online marketplaces like Amazon.
Q: How can I avoid paying full price for new games?
A: By taking advantage of upgrade packs and second-hand games, you can avoid paying full price for new titles.
Q: Should I stock up on original titles?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to stock up on original titles while you can, as Nintendo may decide to enhance them in the future.
