Nintendo's first post-Switch 2 Nintendo Direct Treehouse livestream has been inundated with angry comments from fans demanding the company to "DROP THE PRICE." A quick look at the YouTube chat during the stream reveals a surge of dissatisfaction with the pricing of Nintendo's next-generation console, particularly the $449.99 price tag on the Switch 2 and the controversial $79.99 price for Mario Kart World.
The Nintendo Switch 2 itself is set to retail at $449.99, but a bundle option is available that includes Mario Kart World for $499.99, offering a $30 saving on the game's standalone price.
Mario Kart World isn't the only game on the Switch 2 priced at $79.99; other titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also carry this price point. Additionally, Nintendo has faced criticism for charging for the Switch 2 tutorial game, Welcome Tour, which many fans believe should be a free inclusion, similar to Astro's Playroom, which comes pre-installed on every PlayStation 5 and serves as a tech demo for the DualSense controller.
The Nintendo Switch 2 package includes:
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
- Joy-Con 2 Grip
- Joy-Con 2 Straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
- USB-C Charging Cable
The backlash over Nintendo's pricing strategy is now spilling over into the Treehouse livestream, with the presenters so far choosing to ignore the chat. This suggests that Nintendo might continue to face pressure from the gaming community to address these pricing concerns.
For further insight, check out IGN's article on what experts think about the pricing of Nintendo's Switch 2 and Mario Kart World.
If you missed any announcements, you can catch up on all the news from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
