NINTENDO NEWS – Nintendo Switch 2’s big reveal came with huge titles like Donkey Kong: Bananza and Mario Kart World—but also with the most expensive physical games the industry has ever seen. A dangerous precedent has just been set.

Today is officially Nintendo Day. The Japanese company has finally unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2’s release date and pricing, along with a lineup of new titles, including third-party hits like Cyberpunk 2077 and first-party exclusives like the open-world Mario Kart World. But while excitement is high, there’s troubling news as well: Nintendo has hiked its game prices across the board—digital and physical editions will now cost between €80 and €90 in Europe, and $80 to $90 in the U.S.

Seeing a new Donkey Kong game with the subtitle Bananza and a sandbox-style Mario Kart got fans buzzing. But the new pricing model has come as a shock. Since 2020, Xbox and PlayStation broke the long-standing €60 barrier with €69.99 releases, but Nintendo’s jump is even steeper and was introduced without prior warning.

According to the official My Nintendo Store, digital games will be priced at $80, while boxed versions will cost $90 in the U.S. That’s a notable increase over the $59.99 standard of the original Nintendo Switch era.

The situation is similar in Europe, where digital versions will go for €80 and physical copies for €90. This sharp rise from previous generations has sparked backlash and frustration among fans. While inflation and higher development costs are understandable factors, many players feel blindsided by the sudden spike and are worried about the long-term impact on game accessibility.

Accessories Are Getting More Expensive, Too

The price increases don’t stop with software. Nintendo has also raised the cost of Switch 2 accessories. Launching alongside Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will be new peripherals including microSD Express cards, a special camera, and redesigned controllers. Here are some of the announced prices:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – €59.99
• Nintendo GameCube Controller – €69.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – €89.99

With the Nintendo Switch 2 scheduled to launch in June 2025, players better start budgeting. Between the console, its games, and its new add-ons, this generation is shaping up to be Nintendo’s priciest yet.

Source: 3djuegos