What a year for Nintendo to finally unveil the Switch 2. The new console promises to deliver the enhanced performance that fans have been eagerly anticipating—a more powerful iteration of the beloved original Switch. However, the global economic uncertainty has cast a shadow over its launch, making the Switch 2's rollout a more complex endeavor than expected.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. With a price tag of $450 USD for the console and $80 USD for Mario Kart World, the Switch 2 has become a focal point in the escalating costs of gaming hardware and software, both domestically and internationally.
To gauge global reactions to the Switch 2, I consulted with editors from IGN brands worldwide. Here's a glimpse into the mixed sentiments surrounding its impending release.
How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2
Feedback from IGN editors across Europe, South America, and Asia reveals a varied reception to the Switch 2. While the hardware upgrades, including a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output, are lauded, the absence of features like an OLED screen is considered a significant drawback.
“IGN Italia's readers are mostly unhappy with the Nintendo Switch 2,” states Alessandro Digioia, editor-in-chief of IGN Italy. “The price, the lack of an OLED screen, no trophy/achievement system, and a modest launch lineup are the primary concerns. While third-party announcements were appreciated, many expected more robust offerings from Nintendo’s first-party titles.”
Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal echoes these sentiments: “I'm not particularly impressed with the Switch 2; it's essentially an enhanced version of the original without the same novelty factor. However, the success of the console will ultimately depend on its game lineup, and Mario Kart World certainly looks impressive.”
In contrast, some regions are more enthusiastic about the hardware enhancements. Nick Nijiland of IGN Benelux notes, “Despite the high price, the console has been well-received in our region. It sold out within hours, and our Discord server saw a huge influx of new members eager for pre-order updates.”
Ersin Kilic from IGN Turkey also reports positive feedback: “Readers appreciate that Nintendo addressed previous criticisms of the original Switch. The improved screen quality, despite being LCD, has been well-received. However, the absence of Hall Effect technology in the Joy-Con 2, which could prevent Joy-Con drift, remains a point of contention.”
IGN China's Kamui Ye provides a balanced view: “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 games was a notable letdown. Yet, there's optimism among core fans about Nintendo's long-term strategy, with hopes for a stronger software lineup and confidence in the company's legacy of iterative support.”
Hardware Price and Tariff Fears
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Switch 2 is set to launch at a $450 USD price point in the United States, though pre-orders have been delayed due to ongoing tariff issues stemming from President Trump's policies. This has prompted Nintendo to rethink its rollout strategy ahead of the June 5 release date.
In regions unaffected by these tariffs, such as Europe, pre-orders are already underway. Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany remarks, “Tariffs aren't a concern here, but the price of the console is. Many compare it unfavorably to the PS5, yet pre-orders are still coming in.”
The Switch 2's pricing positions it directly against the PS5 and Xbox Series X in many markets, complicating consumer choices. Zaid Kriel of IGN Africa notes, “At R12,499, it's now in the same price bracket as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, no longer the budget-friendly option, especially with the increased game prices from Nintendo.”
Erwan Lafleuriel, editor-in-chief at IGN France, observes, “The pricing debate has overshadowed the Switch 2's reveal. The leaks had already spoiled most of the announcements, and the lack of a standout feature or game has left something to be desired.”
In regions like Brazil, the tariff war exacerbates the situation. Matheus de Lucca from IGN Brazil explains, “The weak Real and potential U.S. price increases could make the Switch 2 unaffordable for many in Latin America.”
In Japan, Nintendo is taking a unique approach with a region-locked version at a lower price to protect its domestic market. Daniel Robson, executive producer at IGN Japan, comments, “Nintendo set the price at 50,000 yen, mindful of the weak yen. The region lock ensures that this cheaper version only supports Japanese games and accounts, a direct response to global trade dynamics.”
Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point
Despite hardware costs and tariff concerns, the most significant issue surrounding the Switch 2's announcement is the price of its software. The $80 USD price for Mario Kart World has sparked fears of a trend towards even more expensive games.
Alessandro Digioia from IGN Italy states, “Game pricing is the top concern for our readers and the broader Italian gaming community. Nintendo's new pricing strategy, with some first-party titles at €90, feels unjustifiable, especially following recent price hikes by other console manufacturers. The €9.99 price for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour and paid upgrades for existing games have further fueled discontent.”
Antonia Dressler from IGN Germany adds, “The €90 price for Mario Kart World is unprecedented here; even major titles like Assassin’s Creed don't reach that price point. Charging for a tutorial game like the Switch 2 Welcome Tour only adds to the perception of greed.”
In mainland China, where there are no official plans for a Switch 2 release, consumers may turn to the gray market. Kamui Ye from IGN China notes, “Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are relatively lower than in Western markets, and most players find the official pricing acceptable. The console's price increase is seen as more cost-effective than alternatives like the Steam Deck, thanks to backward compatibility.”
While the Switch 2 is poised for success as an upgraded version of a beloved console, the high cost of games during economic uncertainty has left many prospective buyers wary. With ongoing tariff issues in the U.S. and uncertainties about global stock availability, the launch remains fraught with challenges. However, conversations with IGN's global staff confirm that the Switch 2 has generated significant excitement worldwide, albeit with notable reservations.
