What a year for Nintendo to finally release the Switch 2. The hardware itself looks to be everything fans could have hoped for in a Switch successor—a more powerful version of the console that millions already adore. However, the current economic uncertainty worldwide has turned the Switch 2 into a much more complex prospect.
Adding to this complexity is the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. The $450 USD price tag for the console and the $80 USD sticker price on Mario Kart World have made the Switch 2 a contentious topic amid rising costs for games and gaming hardware, both in the US and globally.
To gauge global reactions to the Switch 2, I spoke with editors from IGN brands around the world to understand how the upcoming release is being received.
How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2
After consulting with editors from IGN sites in Europe, South America, and Asia, the response to the Switch 2 has been mixed. While the hardware enhancements like a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output have been praised, the absence of an OLED screen has been viewed as a significant drawback.
“IGN Italia’s readers are predominantly dissatisfied with the Nintendo Switch 2,” says Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy. “The main concerns revolve around the price, the lack of an OLED screen, no trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch lineup. Although some third-party announcements were welcomed, many expected more from Nintendo’s first-party titles.”
Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal echoed these sentiments, adding, “Personally, I'm not that impressed with Switch 2, as it's essentially an enhanced Switch 1—better in every way, but without the novelty of the original. Ultimately, it will depend on the games, and Mario Kart World certainly looks impressive.”
In other regions, the reception to the Switch 2's hardware improvements has been more positive. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux noted, “Despite the price, the console has been well-received in our region. It sold out within hours. We announced pre-order availability on our Discord server, and the influx of new members was incredible.”
Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey also shared positive feedback, stating, “Readers appreciate Nintendo addressing criticisms from the original Switch. Even though it uses an LCD screen, the improved display quality was well-received. However, the lack of Hall Effect in Joy-Con 2 was the most criticized aspect, especially concerning the risk of Joy-Con drift.”
Kamui Ye from IGN China provided a balanced view, noting, “The reveal event was met with disappointment over the lackluster launch titles and confusing regional pricing. The absence of new Mario, Legend of Zelda, or Animal Crossing titles was another negative. Yet, optimism remains among core fans about Nintendo's long-term plans, with hopes for a better software lineup and appreciation for backward compatibility, hardware refinements like magnetic Joy-Cons, and Nintendo's history of iterative software support.”
Hardware Price and Tariff Fears
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Switch 2 is expected to launch at a $450 USD price point in the United States when pre-orders become available. The delay in pre-orders in the US and Canada, despite global pre-orders being active, is due to the ongoing tariff situation initiated by President Trump. This situation has forced Nintendo to reconsider its rollout strategy ahead of the June 5 release date.
In regions like Europe, tariffs are less of a concern. Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany mentioned, “In Germany, tariffs regarding the Switch 2 aren't a major worry. However, the console's pricing has drawn many complaints, with direct comparisons to the PS5, which is seen as a better value.”
The Switch 2's pricing positions it directly against the PS5 and Xbox Series X in many markets, complicating the choice for global consumers. Zaid Kriel from IGN Africa pointed out, “Nintendo's official website is taking pre-orders at R12,499. It's no longer the cheaper alternative, especially with the increased game prices Nintendo has introduced.”
Purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 along with accessories can be quite costly. Erwan Lafleuriel, editor-in-chief of IGN France, remarked, “The pricing issue overshadowed everything else about the Switch 2 reveal. The debate centers mainly on prices, but this was partly because the reveal lacked other significant elements. Most of what was revealed was already leaked, and there was no standout 'one more thing.' Even the games, while good, felt like something was missing.”
Outside the United States, other regions are also feeling the impact of the tariff war. Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil explained, “The tariff situation worsens things for Brazil, given the weak Real against the dollar. A price increase in the US will likely have a significant impact across Latin America, making the Switch 2 accessible to only a small segment of Brazilian players.”
In Japan, Nintendo is launching a region-locked version of the hardware at a lower price point to protect its domestic market. Daniel Robson, executive producer at IGN Japan, noted, “Nintendo couldn't go over 50,000 yen in Japan due to the weak yen. But if the console were much cheaper here, people would import it or buy all the stock when visiting Japan. Hence the region lock—our cheaper Switch only plays Japanese games and supports Japanese accounts. This is likely a direct response to the global trade situation.”
Robson also added, “The price is still high and challenging for many families here, but it's more competitively priced than the 77,000 yen PS5. Japan is firmly a Nintendo country, so families here will likely want a Switch 2. As a parent, I’m relieved my daughter hasn’t asked for one, as the price is beyond a typical birthday present.”
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 affecting the general sentiment around the Switch 2 announcement. Nintendo games have traditionally been expensive, and the company's decision to price Mario Kart World at $80 USD has sparked fears of a trend toward even higher game prices.
“Game pricing is the biggest issue, not just for our readers but for the entire Italian gaming community,” says Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy. “Many feel that Nintendo's new pricing structure is unjustifiable, especially after recent price hikes with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Now, some first-party games are priced at €90, causing concern, particularly given Nintendo's historically conservative approach to discounts. The €9.99 price for Switch 2 Welcome Tour and paid upgrades for existing games are seen as additional ways to extract money from loyal customers.”
Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany bluntly stated, “People are angry. Especially with the 90 Euro price for Mario Kart World, which is a record for a video game in Germany. Even the tutorial game costing anything makes Nintendo seem greedily absurd.”
While Mario Kart World's $80 price is the main issue, the $10 charge for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour has also irritated fans. This sentiment is evident in comment threads on IGN.com, where the high cost of games is unwelcome, especially during a time of increased living expenses. In mainland China, where there are no current plans for an official release, gamers might turn to the gray market, with stock coming from Japan and Hong Kong, where game prices are slightly cheaper.
Kamui Ye from IGN China noted, “Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are relatively lower compared to Western markets. Most players find the official prices acceptable. While the console has seen price hikes, it's considered more cost-effective than handheld PCs like the Steam Deck, especially with backward compatibility. Chinese mainland Nintendo Switch 1 players seem receptive to the official Nintendo Switch 2 price increase.”
The Switch 2 is poised to be a success—it's a safe, recognizable upgrade to one of the most popular and beloved consoles. However, the extent of this success remains uncertain. The prospect of $80 games during economic hardship has put many potential buyers in a negative mindset. Additionally, there are still many unknowns, particularly in the United States where tariffs could negatively impact the North American launch. International politics may also lead to potential stock shortages and affect the system's global rollout.
Despite these challenges, conversations with IGN's global staff reveal that Nintendo has generated excitement worldwide. It's just an excitement with more caveats than typically expected from a Nintendo release.
