Nintendo's release of the Switch 2 has been highly anticipated, and the hardware itself delivers on the expectations of fans looking for a more powerful successor to the beloved original Switch. However, the launch comes at a time of global economic uncertainty, complicating the reception of this new console. The $450 USD price tag for the console and the $80 USD price for Mario Kart World have sparked debates about affordability amidst rising costs in the gaming industry worldwide.
To gauge global reactions, I connected with editors from IGN's international branches, spanning Europe, South America, and Asia, to understand how the Switch 2 is being perceived around the world.
Global Perspectives on the Nintendo Switch 2
The feedback on the Switch 2 varies significantly across different regions. While the hardware enhancements such as a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output are generally well-received, the absence of an OLED screen has been a notable point of contention.
"IGN Italia's audience has expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the Switch 2," reports Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy. "The main grievances include the high price, lack of an OLED screen, absence of a trophy/achievement system, and a lackluster initial game lineup. Although third-party game announcements were somewhat welcomed, there was a strong expectation for more robust first-party titles from Nintendo."
Echoing similar sentiments, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal noted, "The Switch 2 feels like an enhanced version of its predecessor, but it lacks the original's novelty. Ultimately, the success of the Switch 2 will hinge on its game library, and Mario Kart World certainly looks promising."
In contrast, some regions have responded more positively to the hardware upgrades. "Despite the high cost, the Switch 2 has been well-received in our region," says Nick Nijiland of IGN Benelux. "Pre-orders sold out in hours, and our Discord server saw a surge in new members eager to get notified about pre-order availability."
Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey added, "The improvements over the original Switch are generally seen as positive, especially the enhanced screen quality. However, the lack of Hall Effect in the Joy-Con 2 has been a point of criticism due to concerns over Joy-Con drift."
Kamui Ye from IGN China provided a balanced view, stating, "While there's disappointment over the launch lineup and regional pricing, core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's future plans. They value backward compatibility, hardware refinements, and Nintendo's history of supporting its platforms with strong game releases over time."
Hardware Price and Tariff Concerns
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Switch 2 is set to launch at $450 USD in the United States, but pre-orders have been delayed due to ongoing tariff issues stemming from trade disputes with China. This situation is affecting Nintendo's rollout strategy as it approaches the planned June 5 release date.
"In Germany, the tariff situation isn't a major concern, but the price of the console is," says Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany. "Many are comparing it unfavorably to the PS5, yet pre-orders are still coming in."
The pricing positions the Switch 2 in direct competition with the PS5 and Xbox Series X globally. "Nintendo's pricing is now on par with these other consoles, which could be problematic, especially with the increased cost of games," notes Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa.
"The pricing issue has overshadowed everything else about the Switch 2's reveal," adds Erwan Lafleuriel, editor-in-chief of IGN France. "The high price, combined with leaks and a lack of exciting new announcements, has left many feeling underwhelmed."
In regions outside the US, such as Brazil, the impact of tariffs exacerbates the situation. "The weak Brazilian Real against the dollar, coupled with potential price increases, could limit the Switch 2's accessibility," says Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil.
Japan presents a unique scenario with a region-locked version of the Switch 2 at a lower price point. "Nintendo had to keep the price under 50,000 yen in Japan, but the region lock prevents it from being imported and sold elsewhere," explains Daniel Robson, executive producer at IGN Japan. "Despite the high cost, it's still more affordable than the PS5, and given Nintendo's dominance in Japan, the Switch 2 is expected to perform well."
Software Pricing: A Major Concern
Amidst discussions about hardware costs and tariffs, the pricing of software has emerged as a significant issue. The $80 USD price for Mario Kart World, along with other games ranging from $70 to $10 USD, has raised concerns about affordability.
"The new pricing model is a major point of contention in Italy," says Alessandro Digioia. "Nintendo's decision to price some first-party games at €90, especially in an era where discounts are rare, has caused significant backlash."
"The high price of Mario Kart World, at €90, is unprecedented in Germany," adds Antonia Dressler. "Even the tutorial game, Switch 2 Welcome Tour, costing anything at all, feels like a cash grab to many."
In China, where an official release isn't planned, gamers may turn to gray markets for access to the console and games, which might be cheaper in regions like Hong Kong and Japan. "Game prices are lower in these markets, which makes the official pricing more acceptable," notes Kamui Ye from IGN China.
Despite these challenges, the Switch 2 is poised for success as an upgrade to one of the most popular consoles ever. However, the high cost of games during economic uncertainty, ongoing tariff issues, and potential stock shortages due to international politics add layers of complexity to its launch. While Nintendo has generated global excitement, it comes with a set of caveats that highlight the nuanced reception of the Switch 2 worldwide.
