Nintendo’s Switch 2 is on the horizon, but is it the next must-have console—or a step backward for consumers? With a higher price tag, restrictive pre-order conditions, potential tariff-driven cost spikes, and battery life concerns, the upgrade isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Add in Nintendo’s history of upgrading their consoles mid-generation, and the question becomes clear: Is buying the Switch 2 now a smart move, or is waiting the better choice?
Higher Prices Across the Board
The Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, with a $449.99 price tag. A limited-edition bundle with Mario Kart World will cost $499.99. But the real shock? Mario Kart World itself is priced at $80—breaking past the $70 standard set by the current console generation.
Yes, Mario Kart World introduces an open-world map with free roaming, enhancing the racing experience for players. That’s ambitious. But is it $10 more ambitious than other AAA releases?
Meanwhile, Donkey Kong Bananza—a return to classic 2D platforming—sticks to the $70 price point. It’s visually enhanced and introduces new mechanics like the ability to dig below ground. But it’s causing some fans to wonder: Should it have cost less?
And then there’s the digital ownership problem. Buying a game digitally doesn’t mean you actually own it. You’re only licensing it—meaning Nintendo can remove access at any time. Physical copies offer permanence (as long as they don’t require Internet access), but with potential tariff-driven price hikes, they might not be the budget-friendly alternative they once were.
The bottom line? Not every game is jumping to $80, but the trend toward higher prices is undeniable. And for budget-conscious gamers, that’s a problem.
Restrictive Pre-Order Requirements
Pre-orders open on April 9, but not everyone can get in. Nintendo’s official system comes with eligibility requirements:
✔️ Must be 18 years or older
✔️ Must have an active 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership
✔️ Must have logged at least 50 hours on the original Switch by April 2, 2025
✔️ Must consent to sharing gameplay data with Nintendo
On the surface, these rules might seem like a way to deter scalpers. But they also shut out casual players and newcomers—the very consumers Nintendo should be trying to attract.
Tariffs Could Push Prices Even Higher
And just when the price seemed steep enough—tariffs could make it worse.
The U.S. has announced new tariffs of up to 46% on imports from Vietnam, where much of the Switch 2’s production takes place. If fully imposed, the console’s price could soar past $600—a staggering increase that would put it dangerously close to budget gaming PCs and next-gen consoles.
The Consumer Technology Association warns these tariffs could “drive inflation, kill jobs, and potentially trigger a recession.” But for gamers, the immediate concern is simple: Will the Switch 2 become an even bigger investment than expected?
Battery Life: A Step Back?
Battery life was a major draw for the Switch’s portability. The original 2017 model lasted 2.5 to 6.5 hours, but later models improved to 4.5 to 9 hours. The Switch 2? Reports suggest 2 to 6.5 hours—matching the worst-case performance of the original.
For a handheld-first console, that’s a red flag. Sure, the Switch 2’s custom Nvidia processor boosts performance, but what’s the point if it cuts into portability?
Should You Buy Now—Or Wait?
Nintendo has never struggled with loyalty, but will these changes push players away instead of pulling them in? Given the pricing concerns, restrictive pre-orders, potential tariffs, and weak battery life, the Switch 2 feels less accessible than its predecessor. While it promises exciting new features, it also raises major concerns about affordability and fairness.
It’s also worth noting that Nintendo has a history of mid-generation upgrades (Switch OLED, New 3DS, DSi). If the Switch 2 follows the pattern, a Pro model with better hardware could be a year or two away. Waiting until a newer version is released or until the price goes down might be the smartest move for many gamers.
So, should you be excited? Maybe. Should you be cautious? Absolutely.
