What a year for Nintendo to finally unveil the Switch 2. The new hardware promises everything fans could hope for in a successor to the beloved original Switch—enhanced performance, yet maintaining the portability and versatility that millions adore. However, the global economic uncertainty has complicated the excitement surrounding this launch.
The situation is further muddled by the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. The Switch 2's $450 USD price tag, coupled with the $80 USD cost for Mario Kart World, has positioned the console as a contentious topic amidst rising game and hardware prices worldwide.
To gauge the global sentiment towards the Switch 2, I reached out to editors at IGN brands around the world for their insights on the upcoming release.
How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2
Feedback from IGN's international sites, spanning Europe, South America, and Asia, reveals a mixed reception to the Switch 2. While the hardware upgrades such as a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output have been lauded, the omission of an OLED screen has been a significant point of contention.
Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy, notes, “Our readers are predominantly dissatisfied with the Nintendo Switch 2. The primary concerns revolve around the price, the absence 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 Switch 2, as it's essentially an enhanced Switch 1 - better in every sense, but without the novelty of the original. Ultimately, it will boil down to the games, and Mario Kart World looked impressive.”
However, other regions show a more favorable response to the hardware improvements. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux states, “Despite the price, the console has been well-received. It sold out within hours of pre-orders opening. Our Discord server saw a massive influx of new members eager to know when pre-orders would go live.”
Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey shares positive feedback, “Nintendo has addressed many criticisms from the original Switch, and the improved screen quality, despite being LCD, was well-received. However, the lack of Hall Effect in Joy-Con 2, which could have prevented Joy-Con drift, was a major point of criticism.”
Kamui Ye from IGN China provides a balanced perspective, “The reveal event received mixed reactions due to a lackluster launch lineup and confusing regional pricing. The absence of new titles like Mario, Legend of Zelda, or Animal Crossing was disappointing. Yet, core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's long-term plans, valuing backward compatibility, hardware refinements, and Nintendo's track record of iterative software support.”
Hardware Price and Tariff Fears
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
22 Images
The Switch 2 is slated to launch at $450 USD in the United States, but pre-orders have yet to open due to ongoing tariff disputes with China. This situation has led Nintendo to reconsider its rollout strategy ahead of the June 5 release date.
In regions not directly affected by these tariffs, such as Europe, pre-orders are already underway. Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany notes, “In Germany, the tariff situation isn’t a concern, but the pricing of the console has sparked numerous complaints, with many comparing it unfavorably to the PS5.”
The Switch 2's price positions it directly against competitors like the PS5 and Xbox Series X globally. Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa points out, “At R12,499, it's now in the same price bracket as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, no longer a more affordable option, which could be problematic, especially with Nintendo's recent game price increases.”
Erwan Lafleuriel, editor-in-chief of IGN France, adds, “The pricing debate has overshadowed other aspects of the Switch 2 reveal. Most of what was announced was already known from leaks, and there was no standout feature. Even the game lineup, while good, felt incomplete.”
Outside the U.S., other regions are grappling with the tariff fallout. Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil explains, “The weak Brazilian Real and potential U.S. price increases could make the Switch 2 unaffordable for many in Latin America, limiting its market to a small group of players.”
In Japan, Nintendo is taking a unique approach by launching a region-locked version at a lower price to protect its domestic market. Daniel Robson, executive producer at IGN Japan, says, “With the weak yen, Nintendo couldn’t exceed 50,000 yen. A region lock ensures this cheaper version is only usable in Japan, a direct response to the global trade situation. While still expensive, it's more competitively priced than the PS5, and Japan remains a strong Nintendo market.”
Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point
Despite concerns over hardware costs and tariffs, the pricing of software has emerged as the most significant issue for many. The $80 USD price for Mario Kart World has sparked widespread discontent, with fears that this sets a precedent for future game pricing.
Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy notes, “Game pricing is the predominant issue, with many feeling Nintendo's new structure is unjustifiable, especially with recent price hikes seen in the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S era. The €90 price for some first-party games and the €9.99 for Switch 2 Welcome Tour have caused significant backlash.”
Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany adds, “The €90 price for Mario Kart World is unprecedented here, and the additional cost for the tutorial game seems greedy.”
In mainland China, where an official release isn’t planned, gamers may turn to the gray market, where prices for games are lower. Kamui Ye from IGN China explains, “Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are relatively lower. Despite the console price increase, many consider it a good value compared to handheld PCs like Steam Deck, especially with backward compatibility.”
Despite these challenges, the Switch 2 is poised for success as an enhanced version of one of the most popular consoles ever. However, the high cost of games during economic uncertainty and the uncertainties surrounding tariffs in the U.S. cast shadows over its launch. International politics may also impact stock availability globally. Yet, the global excitement for the Switch 2 is undeniable, albeit with more reservations than typically expected from a Nintendo release.
