Ever since the Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2, we’ve received pricing information on the console as well as a few titles, and the backlash has been nothing short of UGLY. While times have been tough on global economy, I believe people who are shaking their fists at the sky and shouting at the top of their lungs (or hammering the keyboard) need to stop complaining about Switch 2 video game prices.

I will admit, it was a little shady that Nintendo did not list any pricing information during the Switch 2 Direct. We only learned about the console and game prices after the fact, and boy did the internet let Nintendo have it in the live chat of Treehouse.

One of the Switch 2 headliners was Mario Kart World, and the Earth shook when Nintendo revealed the $79.99 USD price point. Nintendo last rose their first-party prices to $70 USD with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of Kingdom in 2023; however, only a select few titles were given that new price point.

The angry internet mob insists Nintendo lower their prices, citing unaffordability and/or setting a “dangerous precedent” for other publishers to set their prices at this new high.

But is it really a new high? Back in the 1980s, the price for top tier games on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) were $60, which translates to approximately $230 today. PlayStation games sold for $40-$60 in the mid-90s, which translates as high as $125 today. If games cost “$60” in the 80s and 90s, seeing it jump to $80 in 2025 really should put things into perspective.

Also, keep in mind that not all Nintendo Switch 2 games will be $80. For example, Donkey Kong: Bananza will be $69.99 USD, Street Fighter 6: Years 1 & 2 Fighter’s Edition will be $59.88 USD, and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster will be $39.88 USD. To further support this, Doug Bowser spoke to the public outrage and insisted that players, “can anticipate that there will be variable pricing, and we haven’t set a benchmark.”

Lastly, one can believe that Mario Kart World will likely contain significantly more (or different) content than other games, much like how The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offered significant amount of gameplay to justify the $70 price tag.

Am I happy to pay more money for the next Nintendo console and its games? Of course not; however, I don’t think it is fair to spam a Nintendo Treehouse Live chat for Nintendo to lower their price or beat their digital chest on social media. If you don’t agree with the pricing, do not buy the Switch 2 and its games. And before you start hurling insults, make sure you do your research.

Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.

Pow Block Podcast – A Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush

Nintendo Pow Block is the weekly Nintendo Podcast for Boss Rush Media and The Boss Rush Network. Each week, Edward Varnell and Corey Dirrig, as well as their friends from around the internet dive into the week that was in the world of Nintendo, including news, rumors, new games, discuss weekly pickups, and fan favorite segments like Question Block where they answer community questions, what they’ve been playing in Playing with Power, and their latest food quests in Snacktendo! New episodes every Monday on YouTube and podcast services.

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Sources: Walmart, in 2013 dollars, Shack News, Washington Post

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