What a year for Nintendo to finally release the Switch 2. While the hardware itself looks to be the dream upgrade many fans hoped for — a more powerful iteration of the beloved console — the global economic uncertainty has added layers of complexity to its launch.
The situation is further complicated by 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, it has become a focal point amid escalating costs of games and gaming hardware, both domestically and internationally.
To better understand global reactions to the Switch 2, I consulted with editors from IGN's international branches in Europe, South America, and Asia. The feedback has been mixed. While the hardware upgrades, such as a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output, are well-received, the absence of an OLED screen is seen as a significant drawback.
How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2
IGN Italy's editor-in-chief, Alessandro Digioia, notes, “Our readers are predominantly dissatisfied with the Nintendo Switch 2. The main concerns revolve around the price, the lack of an OLED screen, no trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch lineup. While third-party announcements were welcomed, many expected more from Nintendo’s first-party titles.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal says, “Personally, I'm not that impressed with the Switch 2; it's just a beefed-up Switch 1 - better in every way, but without the novelty factor of the original. However, it all boils down to the games, and Mario Kart World looked impressive.”
In contrast, some regions are more receptive to the hardware improvements. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux reports, “The console has been well-received here. Despite the price, it sold out within hours. We announced pre-order availability on our Discord server, which saw a massive influx of new members.”
Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey shares, “Nintendo addressed many of the criticisms from the original Switch, which was positively received. The LCD screen's quality was praised, though the lack of Hall Effect in the Joy-Con 2 was a point of contention due to concerns about Joy-Con drift.”
Kamui Ye from IGN China provides a balanced view, stating, “The reveal event disappointed many due to the lackluster launch titles and regional pricing strategies. The absence of new Mario, Zelda, or Animal Crossing titles was a significant negative. However, core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's long-term plans, valuing backward compatibility, hardware refinements, and the company’s history of software support.”
Ye adds, “The brand's loyal fanbase seems willing to overlook short-term issues, betting on Nintendo's ability to refine its platforms through compelling games over time.”
Hardware Price and Tariff Fears
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Switch 2 is set to launch at $450 USD in the United States, with pre-orders delayed due to ongoing tariffs from President Trump. This has led Nintendo to reconsider its rollout strategy for the June 5 release date.
In Europe, where tariffs aren't a concern, pre-orders are already underway. Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany explains, “In Germany, tariffs aren't a worry, but the console's price is. Many compare it unfavorably to the PS5, though pre-orders are still coming in.”
The Switch 2's pricing puts it in direct competition with the PS5 and Xbox Series X globally, complicating consumer choices. Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa notes, “At R12,499, it's no longer a budget option but competes directly with the PS5 and Xbox Series X. This, combined with increased game prices, could pose a problem.”
Erwan Lafleuriel from IGN France adds, “The pricing issue overshadowed everything about the Switch 2 reveal. The debate is intense, especially since much of the reveal was already leaked, and there was no standout feature to excite fans. Even the games felt underwhelming.”
In Brazil, the tariff war exacerbates the situation. Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil says, “The weak Real and potential U.S. price increases could make the Switch 2 unaffordable for many in Latin America.”
Japan faces a unique situation with a region-locked version of the Switch 2 at a lower price point. Daniel Robson from IGN Japan explains, “Nintendo couldn't exceed 50,000 yen in Japan due to the weak yen. The region lock prevents importing, ensuring the console remains competitively priced compared to the PS5 at 77,000 yen. Japan's strong affinity for Nintendo suggests high demand despite the cost.”
Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point
Despite hardware and tariff concerns, the pricing of software has emerged as the primary issue. Nintendo's decision to price Mario Kart World at $80 USD, alongside varying prices for other launch titles, has sparked widespread concern.
Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy highlights, “Game pricing is the biggest issue. Many feel Nintendo's new pricing structure is unjustifiable, especially with first-party games reaching €90. The €9.99 price for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour and paid upgrades for existing games have caused backlash.”
Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany bluntly states, “People are angry, especially with Mario Kart World at €90 - a record for a video game in Germany. Even the tutorial game costing money seems greedy.”
While the $80 price for Mario Kart World is contentious, the $10 charge for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour also draws ire. In mainland China, without an official release, gamers may turn to the gray market, where prices are lower.
Kamui Ye from IGN China notes, “Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are lower than in Western markets, and the official price increase for the Switch 2 is generally accepted, especially with backward compatibility.”
The Switch 2 appears poised for success as a recognizable upgrade to a beloved console. However, the looming threat of $80 games during economic hardship, combined with uncertainties around tariffs and stock shortages, casts a shadow over its launch. Despite these challenges, the global excitement around the Switch 2 is palpable, albeit with significant caveats.
