Nintendo Warns: Switch 2 Price May Increase

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has announced that after the launch of the Switch 2, the company may need to reconsider the console’s price if tariff policies change. Players are already expressing frustration: Mario Kart World is priced at $80, and some Switch 2 accessories have become more expensive due to tariffs.

Nintendo has repeatedly faced criticism over the high cost of its games. While the market is slowly adjusting to the idea of $100 games (with the upcoming GTA 6, for example), Nintendo was one of the first to take a step in that direction, pricing Mario Kart World at $80.

To cope with the effects of tariffs introduced during the Trump administration, the company has already raised prices on some accessories. Although the console’s price has remained stable so far, Furukawa acknowledged that adjustments might be needed down the line. During an investor meeting, he explained: “Right now, our priority is to quickly popularize the Switch 2. If the tariff situation changes significantly, we will have to take that into account when setting the price and take the necessary measures.”

Many fans were disappointed after the Nintendo Direct presentation, where the console’s price was announced at $449.99 and Mario Kart World at $80. Despite the franchise’s popularity, the trailers failed to convince many players, and even former Nintendo staff expressed doubts about the justification for such pricing.

Nevertheless, the company remains confident that the Switch 2 will surpass the combined first-year sales of the PS4 and PS5. Unfortunately, not everything is within Nintendo’s control, as tariff policies remain highly unpredictable.