Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes that while gamers are initially shocked by Nintendo’s decision to price certain Switch 2 games at €90, the draw of exclusives like Mario and Zelda will ultimately soften the blow.

The reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked excitement among gamers worldwide, yet the announcement of steep prices for exclusive titles has also stirred controversy. Prices for games like Mario Kart World (€90 physical, €80 digital) and Donkey Kong Bankanza (€80 physical, €70 digital) have raised eyebrows and set a potentially troubling trend for the gaming industry. Shawn Layden, a respected industry veteran who once led PlayStation, recently weighed in on Nintendo’s bold pricing strategy.

Speaking on the PlayerDriven podcast, Layden admitted that Nintendo’s €90 price point initially triggered strong reactions among consumers. However, he emphasized that Nintendo’s powerhouse exclusive franchises possess a unique appeal capable of redefining market expectations.

Shawn Layden on Switch 2 Pricing

“Nintendo has completely changed the rules regarding what we thought video games could cost. Not so long ago, gamers reacted fiercely when titles hit the $70 mark. Now Nintendo has gone a step further, effectively stating, ‘Our major games will cost $80 on our new system.’ Consumers naturally protest, saying ‘$80 for one game? That’s steep!’ Yet, if it’s your only way to play Mario, you’re inevitably going to open your wallet,” Layden remarked, as reported by VGC.

“The exclusivity of Nintendo’s first-party games reduces the initial shock factor because players deeply desire that content,” he added. Nintendo recently addressed the backlash concerning the Switch 2 pricing model, with Doug Bowser explaining: “We’re employing variable pricing. Each game will be assessed based on development complexity, gameplay depth, length, and replayability. These criteria will help us determine the fairest price for each game. We have no fixed pricing standards; consumers can expect this variable approach going forward.”

Source: 3djuegos