What a year for Nintendo to finally release the Switch 2! While the hardware itself looks to be everything fans could have hoped for in a successor to the beloved original Switch — boasting a more powerful console with features like a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output — the global economic uncertainty has made the launch of the Switch 2 a more complex affair.
Adding to the complexity is the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. With the Switch 2 priced at $450 USD and Mario Kart World at $80 USD, the console has become a flashpoint amidst the rising cost of games and gaming hardware, both in the US and internationally.
To gauge the global reaction to the Switch 2, I consulted with editors from IGN's international branches across Europe, South America, and Asia. The feedback has been mixed. While the hardware upgrades are generally well-received, the absence of features like an OLED screen has been a point of contention.
How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2
IGN Italy’s editor-in-chief, Alessandro Digioia, reports widespread dissatisfaction among readers. “The main concerns revolve around the price point, the lack of an OLED screen, the absence of a trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch line-up,” he says. “While some third-party announcements were welcomed, many readers expected more from Nintendo’s first-party titles.”
Similarly, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal shares that their readers, and he himself, are unimpressed. “It's basically a souped-up Switch 1 - better in every sense, but without the novelty factor of the original. That being said, I reckon it's gonna come down to the games, and Mario Kart World looked damn nice,” he notes.
In contrast, regions like Benelux and Turkey show more enthusiasm. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux mentions a positive reception despite the price concerns. “The console sold out within hours. We put up a post on our website about pre-orders, and our Discord server saw a surge in new members that day,” he states.
Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey highlights positive feedback on the hardware upgrades, particularly the improved screen. However, he points out a significant criticism: “The most criticized point was that Hall Effect was not used in Joy-Con 2,” which could have helped prevent Joy-Con drift.
In China, IGN’s Kamui Ye shares a mixed response. “The reveal event has been met with widespread disappointment due to its lackluster launch title lineup and perplexing regional pricing strategies,” they note. Despite this, optimism persists among core fans who value backward compatibility and hardware refinements.
Hardware Price and Tariff Fears
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Switch 2 is set to launch at a $450 USD price point in the United States, with pre-orders delayed due to ongoing tariffs. This situation has Nintendo rethinking its rollout strategy ahead of the June 5 release date.
In regions unaffected by these tariffs, like Europe, pre-orders are already underway. IGN Germany’s Antonia Dressler says, “In Germany, nobody is really worrying about the tariff situation regarding the Switch 2.” However, the console's price remains a hot topic, with comparisons to the PS5 being drawn.
The Switch 2's pricing positions it directly against competitors like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, complicating consumer choices. Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa points out, “It's no longer a cheaper alternative, and that could be a problem, especially with the increase in game prices Nintendo has introduced.”
In Brazil, the tariff war exacerbates the issue, as IGN Brazil’s Matheus de Lucca explains, “The current tariff war makes the scenario even worse for Brazil, since the Real is a weak currency compared to the dollar, and an increase in the price of the Switch 2 in the United States will most likely have a huge impact on Latin America.”
In Japan, Nintendo has introduced a region-locked version at a lower price point. Daniel Robson from IGN Japan notes, “I think Nintendo knew they couldn’t go over 50,000 yen in Japan – the weak yen means the relative pricing scale is very different here. But presumably they also realized that if the console was much cheaper here than anywhere else, people would try to import it or buy all the stock when they visit Japan.”
Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point
Despite hardware costs and tariffs, the most significant concern for many is the price of software. The $80 USD price tag on Mario Kart World has sparked fears of even more expensive games in the future. Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy states, “Game pricing is by far the biggest issue raised, not only by our readers but by the Italian gaming community at large. Many feel that Nintendo's new pricing structure is unjustifiable.”
IGN Germany’s Antonia Dressler echoes this sentiment, saying, “Especially with the 90 Euro for Mario Kart World, that is a record for a video game in Germany; not even titles like Assassin’s Creed cost as much.”
The $10 charge for Switch 2 Welcome Tour has also drawn criticism. In mainland China, where there are no current plans for an official release, gamers may turn to the gray market, where prices for games from Japan and Hong Kong are relatively lower.
Kamui Ye from IGN China notes, “Observations from social media comments under our content show most players find the official price acceptable. While the console itself has seen some price hikes, users generally consider it more cost-effective than handheld PCs like Steam Deck, especially with backward compatibility support.”
The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised for success, being a recognizable upgrade to one of the most popular consoles ever. However, the potential for $80 games during economic hardship and uncertainties around tariffs and stock shortages cast shadows over its launch. Despite these challenges, Nintendo has generated excitement worldwide, albeit with some caveats.
