The Nintendo Switch 2 Situation

Switch 2's reveal was spoiled by misinformation, tariffs, and a lack of clarity.

April 2nd was supposed to be a day of excitement and jubilation. The most anticipated Nintendo Direct about the long waited Switch 2. Instead, the grand reveal of the Switch 2 met with mixed feeling across the board.

While some gamers were excited and happy about the Switch 2's performance and specs. These happy vibes were marred misinformation, lack of transparency, and tariffs.

Politics also reared its divisive, ugly head. The orange man's tariffs have muddled things in the market. It’s so bad and unclear that Nintendo had to postpone pre-orders in the US.

This brings us to our first agenda. How the orange man’s tariffs have reduced the vibes of the Nintendo Switch 2. What could mean for price of the Switch 2?

The Unnecessary, Troublesome Tariffs

Let's get politics out of the way first. I hate politics. There are several reasons why I do. But I’m going to stick with the topic that pertains to the Switch 2.

Currently, the Switch 2 currently sits at 449.49. A fair price in my opinion. The Switch 2 is a much more powerful system than its predecessor.

However, there is a chance they may change. Thanks to the tariffs, there may be another price increase. The reason is that the tariffs have drastically changed the markets. And it’s bad!

Many believe that Nintendo settled on the current price to account for the tariffs. The company also shifted production of the Switch 2 to Vietnam to lessen the blow from the tariffs. But, Vietnam is now getting hit with hefty tariffs too.

The Orange Man’s Liberation Day consisting of his announcement of heavy tariffs marred the Switch 2’s reveal. More importantly, the market is chaotically bad. Tariffs have prompted Nintendo the delay of US pre-orders for the Switch 2.

Is There Hope?

Yes! The tariffs have been paused for 90 days. Nintendo is extending invitation to buy the Switch 2 thru them starting May 8th. Hopefully, US and Canadian retailers will be able to start their pre-orders soon.

The Price Of Games

While the console sits at 449.49. And most people are fine with the console’s price. The games are a different story.

Mario Kart World is slated for 79.99! This triggered a lot of uproar from the gaming community. Can you blame them? No.

However, Donkey Kong Bananaza is going to be 69.99. So, there is no benchmark yet for the price of normal Switch 2 games. Mario Kart World seems to be the only outlier for 80 dollars.

Variable Pricing

From recent interviews, there was a statement by Doug Bowser. Basically, the price of a game will determine by value, development, replayability and other factors. There is no benchmark for the price of games.

This means there will be no standard pricing for games. An individual game’s price will be based on multiple factors. So, there will be variable pricing for Switch 2 games.

We have already seen this type of thing with Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The game is 70 dollars, which is 10 more than the normal Switch game. We're seeing it a lot more with Switch 2 games.

Doug Bowser also said that third party publishers can set their own prices. The HD remaster of Bravely Default is 39.99. And I say that’s a fair price for a game I’m definitely going to buy in the near future.

Variable pricing means be mixture of outcomes. Some prices will be good. Some will be fair. Others will have negative ones. Since variable pricing can be subjective for the publisher and people.

Physical Games and Key Cards?!

The practice of physical games and card keys is the most confusing thing about the Switch 2. Nintendo says that physical games will consist of a cartridge that will contain a game’s full data. Or, games will come in key cards that will not come with all of the data.

Nintendo explains that you have to insert a game key card into the system. Then you’ll download the rest of the game from the internet. Once the game is downloaded, you will be able to insert the key card like a normal cartridge.

It ‘s similar to how PS5 and Xbox’s downloads and installs games. Nintendo is just late to the party on that one. But, I give them the benefit of the doubt here since they used cartridge mostly. And cartridges are more expensive than disc due to data storages.

Nintendo claims they don’t want publishers to worry about space. But, it begs a fair question. Why not just download the game digitally then?

I don’t think Nintendo clarified this well enough. The lack of clarity led to people being confused and outraged. And you can’t blame people either.

Am I Still Getting The Switch 2?

If you made it this far. Thank you. You’re probably wondering if I'm getting the Switch 2?

The answer is yes! I still want it, but I am waiting to see how things play out first. The Switch 2 is the grand evolution that I have been waiting for.

Despite my concerns, fears, and grievances, I am still excited about the Switch 2. Yes, my excitement and desire for the Switch 2 have diminished.

It doesn’t mean I won’t get the Switch 2 at all. However, I’m waiting to see how things play out. Next time, I will talk about why I’m still psyche for the Switch and the positives.

Sources: Nintendo Switch 2 Direct,

Nintendo Physical Key Card Overview