"Exclusive Games on Nintendo Switch 2 Ease Price Shock, Says Former PlayStation Boss"

The former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, Shawn Layden, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the pricing of Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2. Despite the console's price being set at $449.99 and some games, like Mario Kart World, jumping to $79.99, Layden believes that the allure of exclusive Nintendo titles helps to soften the blow of these price increases.

Last week, Nintendo announced the Switch 2's price, which came as a surprise to many who anticipated a lower cost. The $10 increase for some Switch 2 games, including Mario Kart World, has sparked significant debate. However, Nintendo is offering a limited-time bundle that includes Mario Kart World with the Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's price by $30. This bundle's availability remains uncertain due to potential tariffs and a delay in U.S. pre-orders.

Mario Kart World is not the only game seeing a price hike; other titles like Kirby and The Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World, Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition are also priced at $79.99. IGN has provided extensive coverage on the reasons behind these price increases, with insights from analysts.

In a recent interview on the PlayerDriven YouTube channel and podcast, Layden discussed the differing approaches of Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. He noted that while Sony and Microsoft are expanding their games to PCs and other platforms, Nintendo remains committed to exclusivity, which he believes justifies the higher prices.

"But right here you see, ‘wow, that’s kind of a hefty price hike from Switch 1 to Switch 2 and, wow, 80 bucks for a game?’ " Layden remarked. "But if it’s the only place where you can play Mario, then you get your wallet out and you buy into it... and Donkey Kong and Zelda. That first-party exclusivity kind of mitigates the sticker shock, if you will, of these price hikes, because you want that content so bad."

Nintendo Switch 2 pricing in the U.S. includes:

• Nintendo Switch 2 by itself: $449.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World bundled in: $499.99
• Mario Kart World by itself: $79.99
• Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
• Joy-Con 2 Controller pair: $89.99
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
• Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel pair: $19.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99

Layden also addressed the broader context of video game pricing, arguing that, when adjusted for inflation, game prices have actually decreased over time. He suggested that a gradual $5 increase per console generation would have brought current prices to around $90.

"In 2025 dollars, $59.99 in 1999 is equivalent to $100. Your purchasing power compared to your cost of living, it's much smaller now than it was before, but still companies have been reluctant to push that price up," Layden explained. "I was in it at the time — probably every generation they should have baked in a $5 software price hike, and make that the typical, 'well every generation it's another five bucks.' And you would have been up to $90 already by now."

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

IGN recently interviewed Nintendo of America's Vice President of Product and Player Experience, Bill Trinen, at a Switch 2 preview event in New York. Trinen defended the $80 price tag for Mario Kart World, emphasizing the game's extensive content and value.

"I would say it's less about the strategy of pricing Mario Kart World, it's more just whenever we look at a given game, we just look at what is the experience, and what's the content, and what's the value?" Trinen stated. He hinted at an upcoming Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct, promising a rich and expansive gaming experience.

Regarding the $80 price for some Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, Trinen pointed out the value offered and the availability of upgrade paths for existing owners. He also mentioned that certain games are included in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, offering additional value to subscribers.

"Well, again, what I would say is that we just look at each individual game and we look at the content and the value of that game, and then we say, 'what is the right price for the value of this entertainment?' " Trinen explained. He highlighted the different pricing options for upgrades and membership benefits.

When addressing the $450 price of the Switch 2 itself, Trinen acknowledged the increasing costs associated with new technology but emphasized Nintendo's focus on providing value to consumers.

"Obviously the cost of everything goes up over time, and I personally would love if the cost of things didn't go up over time," Trinen said. "But I think any time you're building a new system that's got new features and new tech, there's costs associated with that. So again, we look at what is the experience on Nintendo Switch? What's the experience on Nintendo Switch 2? What are the new features that it offers? And certainly there's the cost of goods and things that factor into that, but we try to find the right appropriate price for a product based on that."

Despite these assurances, some Nintendo fans have expressed concerns about being priced out of the next generation due to the higher costs, especially with potential tariff-related price increases.