What a year for Nintendo to finally unveil the Switch 2. The hardware promises to be everything fans could hope for in a successor to the beloved original Switch — a more powerful version of the console that millions have come to cherish. However, the global economic uncertainty has turned the Switch 2 into a more complex proposition.
Adding to the complexity is the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. With the Switch 2 priced at $450 USD and the new Mario Kart World game tagged at $80 USD, the console has become a focal point amid the escalating costs of gaming hardware and software, both in the US and internationally.
To gauge global reactions to the Switch 2, I consulted with editors from IGN's international branches, spanning Europe, South America, and Asia. The response has been varied. While the hardware upgrades such as a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output are lauded, the absence of an OLED screen is seen as a notable omission.
Global Sentiments on the Switch 2
According to Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy, "IGN Italia's readers are predominantly dissatisfied with the Nintendo Switch 2. The main concerns revolve around the price, the lack of an OLED screen, the absence of a trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch lineup. While some third-party announcements were welcomed, many expected more from Nintendo's first-party titles."
Echoing similar sentiments, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal stated, "Personally, I'm not that impressed with Switch 2, as it is essentially an enhanced version of the original Switch without the novelty factor. It all comes down to the games, and Mario Kart World did look impressive."
In contrast, regions like Benelux and Turkey seem more receptive to the Switch 2's hardware enhancements. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux reported, "Despite the price, the console has been well-received in our region. It sold out within hours, and our Discord server saw a surge in new members when we announced pre-order availability."
Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey noted, "Nintendo's efforts to address criticisms from the original Switch have been positively received. The improved screen quality, despite being LCD, has been a highlight. However, the lack of Hall Effect in Joy-Con 2, which could have prevented Joy-Con drift, has been a point of contention."
Kamui Ye from IGN China provided a balanced view, "The reveal event has sparked disappointment due to the lackluster launch title lineup and confusing regional pricing. The absence of new titles from major franchises like Mario, Legend of Zelda, or Animal Crossing was a significant letdown. However, core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's long-term strategy, valuing backward compatibility, hardware refinements, and the promise of future software support."
Hardware Price and Tariff Concerns
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 tariff issues stemming from President Trump's policies. This situation has prompted Nintendo to reconsider its rollout strategy ahead of the June 5 release date.
In regions unaffected by these tariffs, such as Europe, pre-orders are already underway. Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany commented, "In Germany, the tariff situation isn't a concern, but the console's price is. Many are comparing it unfavorably to the PS5, yet pre-orders are still coming in."
The Switch 2's pricing positions it directly against competitors like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, complicating consumer choices globally. Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa noted, "At R12,499, the Switch 2 is now in the same price bracket as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, no longer the cheaper alternative, especially with Nintendo's increased game prices."
Erwan Lafleuriel, editor-in-chief of IGN France, highlighted the overshadowing effect of pricing, "The pricing debate has dominated the Switch 2 reveal, partly because the event lacked other significant announcements. Even the games, while good, felt like something was missing."
In regions like Brazil, the tariff war exacerbates the situation. Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil explained, "The weak Real against the dollar means any price increase in the US will significantly impact Latin America, potentially limiting the Switch 2's accessibility."
In Japan, Nintendo has introduced a region-locked version at a lower price to protect its domestic market. Daniel Robson, executive producer at IGN Japan, said, "Nintendo couldn't exceed 50,000 yen due to the weak yen, but they've implemented a region lock to prevent imports. The price, while high, is more competitive than the PS5's 77,000 yen, and Japan remains a stronghold for Nintendo."
Software Pricing: The Biggest Concern
Despite hardware and tariff issues, the most significant concern globally has been the price of software. Nintendo's decision to price Mario Kart World at $80 USD, alongside other launch window games ranging from $70 to $10 USD, has raised fears of a new norm for game pricing.
Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy stated, "Game pricing is the biggest issue, with many feeling Nintendo's new structure is unjustifiable, especially with first-party games reaching €90. The €9.99 price for Switch 2 Welcome Tour and paid upgrades for existing games have also sparked backlash."
Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany added, "The €90 price for Mario Kart World is unprecedented here, and the charge for the tutorial game has led to accusations of greed."
In mainland China, where there are no official plans for a Switch 2 release, gamers may turn to the gray market. Kamui Ye from IGN China noted, "Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are lower than in Western markets, and most players find the official price acceptable. Despite the console's price increase, it's seen as more cost-effective than alternatives like the Steam Deck."
The Switch 2 is poised to be a success, building on the legacy of its predecessor. However, the looming threat of $80 games during economic hardship, coupled with uncertainties around tariffs and international politics, casts a shadow over its launch. Despite these challenges, Nintendo has undoubtedly generated global excitement, albeit with more caveats than usual.
