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The former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, Shawn Layden, has weighed in on the growing conversation surrounding Nintendo’s Switch 2 pricing strategy, suggesting that the strong appeal of Nintendo’s exclusive franchises helps soften the blow of higher price tags. Following Nintendo’s official confirmation of the Switch 2 at $449.99—$50 above some analyst expectations—and the introduction of $79.99 game pricing for select titles like *Mario Kart World*, consumer reaction has been mixed. However, Layden believes the unmatched access to beloved Nintendo IPs plays a crucial role in justifying the cost.
While the $10 increase for certain Switch 2 games has raised eyebrows, Nintendo is offering a limited-time bundle that includes the console and *Mario Kart World* for $499.99, effectively reducing the game’s standalone price by $30. This promotional offer, however, may not last indefinitely, especially amid ongoing uncertainties related to international tariffs and the recent delay in U.S. pre-orders.
Notably, *Mario Kart World* isn’t the only title priced at $79.99. Several *Switch 2 Edition* upgrades carry the same premium, including *Kirby and The Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World*, *Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV*, and *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition*. These upgraded versions offer enhanced visuals, new features, and expanded content tailored for the new hardware.
Layden, speaking on the PlayerDriven podcast and YouTube channel, contrasted Nintendo’s approach with that of Sony and Microsoft, both of which have increasingly embraced cross-platform availability. In contrast, Nintendo continues to keep its flagship franchises exclusive to its own hardware, reinforcing the value proposition for its ecosystem.
“But if it’s the only place where you can play Mario, then you get your wallet out and you buy into it… and Donkey Kong and Zelda. That first-party exclusivity kind of mitigates the sticker shock, if you will, of these price hikes, because you want that content so bad.”
Layden also offered broader context on video game pricing, noting that when adjusted for inflation, today’s $59.99 standard price is significantly lower than what it should be based on historical trends. He argued that game prices should have increased by $5 with each console generation, which would place the current standard closer to $90.
“In 2025 dollars, $59.99 in 1999 is equivalent to $100. Your purchasing power compared to your cost of living, it's much smaller now than it was before, but still companies have been reluctant to push that price up. I was in it at the time — probably every generation they should have baked in a $5 software price hike, and make that the typical, 'well every generation it's another five bucks.' And you would have been up to $90 already by now.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing (U.S.)
- Nintendo Switch 2 (console only): $449.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle: $499.99
- Mario Kart World (standalone): $79.99
- Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
- Joy-Con 2 Controller pair: $89.99
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
- Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel pair: $19.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99
In a recent interview with IGN, Bill Trinen, Nintendo of America’s Vice President of Product and Player Experience, defended the pricing of *Mario Kart World*, emphasizing the depth and scale of the experience. He encouraged fans to watch the upcoming dedicated Nintendo Direct for *Mario Kart World*, promising new insights into the game’s expansive world and hidden content.
“This is a game that is so big and so vast and you will find so many little things in it to discover. And there's still some other secrets remaining that I think as people end up buying and playing the game, they're going to find this to be probably the richest Mario Kart experience they've ever had.”
Regarding the $79.99 price point for *Switch 2 Edition* titles, Trinen reiterated that Nintendo evaluates each game based on its content, features, and overall value. He highlighted that existing owners can upgrade for $9.99 and that *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition* and *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition* are included at no extra cost for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
“We just look at each individual game and we look at the content and the value of that game, and then we say, 'what is the right price for the value of this entertainment?'”
On the Switch 2 console pricing, Trinen acknowledged rising production costs due to new technology and features, stating that Nintendo aims to balance innovation with fair pricing. However, with the potential impact of tariffs still unclear, some fans worry the price could rise further, potentially alienating budget-conscious players.
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