Nintendo has finally addressed the discussions surrounding the pricing of the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World. These pricing decisions have left some fans feeling a bit frustrated.
Just to recap, the Switch 2 was revealed to have a price of $449.99/£395.99/€469.99 for the console alone, while a bundle including Mario Kart World is priced at $499.99/£429.99/€509.99. If you opt to purchase Mario Kart World separately, it will cost $79.99/£74.99. Quite a hefty price tag.
So, what has Nintendo said about these prices after initially remaining silent? Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser informed The Verge that the recent US tariffs, which caused the delay in US Switch 2 pre-orders, were not taken into account when setting the $449.99 price.
“Disregard the April 2nd announcement. Previous tariffs were not considered in the pricing,” Bowser stated, mentioning that Nintendo is currently evaluating the potential impact of these tariffs. This aligns with Nintendo’s statement regarding the pre-order delay last week.
When questioned about the reasons behind the pricing, Bowser explained similar points for both the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World in an interview with The Verge and the Washington Post respectively. In the case of the Switch 2, Bowser highlighted the new features and the unique gaming experience it offers compared to the Switch 1.
Regarding Mario Kart World’s higher price compared to the $70 Donkey Kong Bananza, Bowser referred to it as “variable pricing.” He emphasized the development efforts, gameplay depth, longevity, and replay value as factors influencing the pricing decisions.
Does this information change your perspective on Nintendo’s pricing strategy? Share your thoughts below!
