The long-awaited reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 sent ripples through the gaming world—just not entirely for the reasons Nintendo might have hoped. While the console’s upgraded features and flagship titles sparked genuine excitement, the price tag landed with a thud. Now, with fans caught between anticipation and hesitation, the conversation has shifted from graphics and gameplay to cost and value.
First Impressions: Applause, Demos… and Doubts
During a demo weekend held at the Grand Palais in Paris, selected fans were given four-hour time slots to try out the Switch 2 and its early lineup, including the highly publicized Mario Kart World. The vibe? A mix of genuine applause and quiet concern.
“Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to get picked,” said Arthur, a longtime Nintendo fan who snagged the original Switch back in 2017. “But I’m not planning to buy this one. €470 for the console and up to €90 per game? That’s just not doable for me.”
Arthur’s not alone. Families, younger players, and even longtime fans voiced similar concerns about the steep price point, especially when compared to the more powerful PlayStation 5, which is now available at competitive prices. “Nintendo has always been the affordable console,” added Fanny, who came with her husband and their eight-year-old son. “Now, with accessories and the online subscription, this feels out of reach.”
A Console That’s Beautiful—but Familiar
Inside the venue, reactions to the games were a mixed bag. While Mario Kart World received praise for its polished visuals and fluid gameplay, some couldn’t help but wonder if it truly pushed the envelope. “It looks great,” said Julien, “but I’m not convinced it needed a whole new console. I feel like this could’ve run on the original Switch.”
That sentiment echoed among several attendees. Others, though, were more forgiving. “I came in skeptical, but the screen is stunning, and the console feels really light in hand,” said Grégoire. “It’s definitely a step forward. You can tell Nintendo put care into the hardware design—even if it’s not OLED, the display pops.”
An anonymous event host shared that while feedback on the user experience was overwhelmingly positive, the price kept coming up again and again. “People love playing it, but they’re just not sold on paying that much. And honestly, we don’t have an answer. We’re just here to demo the thing.”
Where Are the Wow-Factor Exclusives?
Beyond pricing, another point of contention was the launch lineup. While Nintendo made a splash with Mario Kart World, other offerings felt either recycled or underwhelming to some attendees. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was shown off in mouse mode, and games like Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077, while impressive, are already available elsewhere.
“Donkey Kong Bananza looks cute, but it’s not my thing,” said Tiphaine, who came with a friend. “And Hogwarts? I’ve already played that on PS5.”
Juliette, who plans to buy the console on day one, still expressed disappointment: “I’m excited, sure, but I wish there were more must-have exclusives. One game isn’t enough to justify that kind of spend.”
Will the Switch 2 Win Us Over—or Price Us Out?
Nintendo faces a challenge: the Switch 2 arrives with high expectations and an even higher cost. And while early feedback suggests fans are intrigued, many are hesitant to commit. According to analysts at Ampere Analysis, Nintendo is betting big on its loyal fan base—but whether that loyalty translates to purchases remains to be seen.
Complicating things further, potential tariffs on electronics in the U.S. could inflate prices even more, depending on upcoming trade decisions from the White House.
For now, the Switch 2 is a console at a crossroads—technologically promising, financially divisive. As June’s official release approaches, fans will have to decide: is the next chapter in Nintendo’s legacy worth the price of admission?
