Nintendo’s recent direct from New York City revealed extensive details of the new Switch 2 prototype. It also left a ton of questions still on the table about things like features and pricing. While the company showcased various aspects of the new console, attendees were left wondering about the device’s battery life, screen specifications, and joystick technology.
The event did not deliver direct answers to many serious issues. One of the most common questions participants had was about the battery life difference between LCD screens and OLED screens. They criticized the lack of anti-drift Hall Effect joysticks too, a feature that many players would have loved to see on the new console.
Today, Nintendo did something wonderful. While there may be some questions surrounding the Switch Online Expansion Pack, subscribers will receive the upgrade to Switch 2 at no additional cost. As for those who aren’t subscribers, the upgrade will be at a price of $10. Adopting this pricing model would definitely be more in the spirit of fostering more entrants into Nintendo’s online service.
Nintendo made a thrilling presentation for all Cyberpunk fans! The Switch 2 will be bundled with a “Complete Edition” package that offers Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion for free. Players interested in the Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass will need to pay an additional $20 for access.
Games for the Switch 2 will be released on physical cartridges. Many of these cartridges will be equipped with DRM keys. This approach is sure to raise hackles from consumers who prize freedom and access in the gaming space.
Nintendo surprised everyone with a really cool new Switch 2 Welcome Tour that they announced for $10. Unlike the prior generation of consoles, this feature won’t come with any pack-in games such as Wii Sports either. The first chance for early adopters to go hands-on with the Switch 2 will be starting on June 5.
Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, appreciates that some consumers might need console’s new pricing model. Above all, he is most personally cognizant of the economic hurdles they might face.
“That’s why we wanted to make the other Switch platforms available.” – Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America
Launching alongside the Switch 2 is Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which will be priced at $80. Additionally, the next wave of major first-party games on the console will default to $80, too.
Nintendo is about to release its next console. Nevertheless, it is now under fire for its proprietary and exorbitant pricing approach as well as underwhelming feature set. The double whammy of high prices for hardware and software definitely makes you question how accessible this will be for everyone though. With this launch, Nintendo seems content to stake its fortunes on its legacy and established fanbase to make these prices palatable.