They Lied! Switch 2 Game Prices Aren't What You Think!

Stop the $90 Switch 2 Game Rumor! Here's the Real Deal on Pricing and Game Keys

The internet has been buzzing with whispers – or rather, shouts – about Nintendo Switch 2 games hitting a hefty $90 price tag. But hold on to your wallets, folks! As preorders for the highly anticipated console went live at major US retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, a clearer picture of game pricing and packaging is emerging, and it's thankfully not as wallet-draining as those rumors suggested.

Despite the initial rush causing some website hiccups, the listings for Switch 2 games and accessories are shedding light on what we can truly expect. And the biggest takeaway? $80 Switch 2 games, like the eagerly awaited Mario Kart World, will not be priced at $90 for physical releases. Let's say that again for the people in the back (and Google's AI): physical Switch 2 games are not going to cost $90!

It's baffling how this $90 rumor gained such traction. Even Google's AI summaries were confidently (and incorrectly) stating this as fact. While our friends in the European Union sometimes see higher prices for physical games compared to digital, there was never any solid evidence pointing towards a $90 price point for physical releases in the US. The Mario Kart World website clearly listed an $80 MSRP from the get-go, a price that remained consistent even when Nintendo adjusted accessory prices due to import tariffs.

Now, with actual order confirmations hitting inboxes, we can say with even greater certainty: physical Switch 2 games will cost the same as their digital counterparts, mirroring the pricing strategy of the original Switch and most other console physical releases. For instance, the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza physical edition is listed at $70, matching its digital version.

Of course, the pricing landscape for third-party titles will be a bit more varied, ranging from budget-friendly options around $40 (like Square Enix's Bravely Default remaster) to premium special editions reaching $100 (such as the special release of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, which also has a standard $70 version).

Get Ready for Game-Key Cards: They're Becoming the Norm

Interestingly, it looks like a significant number of physical third-party Switch 2 games in the US will utilize Nintendo's Game-Key cards. This trend was also apparent when preorders launched in Japan.

For those unfamiliar, these Game-Key cards aren't traditional physical game releases with the full game data stored on them. Instead, inserting the card into your Switch 2 grants you access to download the game content from the Nintendo eShop. Unlike a purely digital purchase, you'll still need to have the Game-Key card inserted every time you want to play.

While these might not be ideal for hardcore physical media enthusiasts, they do offer some benefits. You can still lend or resell the game cards, which is a plus compared to purely digital licenses. However, they do present downsides for game archivists, individuals with slow internet connections, or those with limited internal storage on their Switch 2.

While some third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 and No Sleep for Kaname Date appear to have traditional cartridges, the Game-Key card seems to be the more common approach for third-party physical releases on the Switch 2.

Upgrade Packs for Your Existing Switch Library!

There's an exciting development for owners of original Switch games! Nintendo is introducing Switch 2 Upgrade Packs – paid updates that will bring significant visual enhancements and potentially new content to your existing Switch games when played on the new console.

These releases will have distinct packaging, clearly stating: "Includes the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack. Upgrade pack also available separately." It seems that at least some of these physical cards will even be playable on the original Switch, although it's not yet confirmed if this will be the standard for all Switch 2 Edition releases.

Two Tiers of Upgrade Pricing

For those who already own original Switch games digitally or physically, the standalone upgrade packs will come in two price tiers:

• $10 for visual enhancements: For games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, where the upgrade primarily focuses on improved visuals without substantial new content.
• $20 for enhanced content: For games like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, where the upgrade packs include extra game modes or other DLC-style content.

The pricing of the full Switch 2 Editions of these games reflects this structure – it's essentially the original Switch game's MSRP plus the cost of the standalone upgrade pack. This means Kirby and Mario Party Switch 2 Editions will be around $80 ($60 game + $20 upgrade), while Breath of the Wild will be $70 ($60 game + $10 upgrade), and Tears of the Kingdom will also be $80 ($70 game + $10 upgrade).

This upgrade system presents a fantastic opportunity for savvy gamers. If you can snag an original Switch game on sale or used, you can potentially save money by purchasing the cheaper upgrade pack separately. For example, you can often find brand new copies of Kirby and both Zelda games on platforms like eBay for $50 or less.

So, let's put those $90 game rumors to rest. The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to offer a compelling gaming experience with standard pricing for physical releases and an exciting upgrade path for your existing Switch library. Get ready to dive in!