High cost of new Switch 2 causing concerns for student fans

The long-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been announced, stirring excitement among students. However, many are skeptical about the increased price tag, which has sparked a range of reactions.

The Switch 2 is priced at $450, a significant increase from the original Nintendo Switch, which launched at $300. Ashton Zars, an eighth grader, shared his thoughts on why he believes the new price is fair.

“I believe that the Switch 2 is reasonable in price because it is luxury,” Zars said. “If it was necessary for life, such as medicine, I would be upset, but because it is completely OK not to buy it, it is justified. At the end of the day, for an entire console, I think it is a good deal.”

Despite Zars’ perspective, not everyone agrees with the pricing strategy. Raleigh Parker, a freshman, argued that the price increase is excessive.

“I believe that the Switch 2 prices are unreasonable. The markup by $150 is ridiculous,” Parker said. “I believe if Nintendo wants to keep consumers, they would raise the price by about $50 or even $100, but $150 seems a bit too much.”

The increase doesn’t stop at the console. Games for the Switch 2 are also expected to cost more, with some titles priced as high as $80, compared to the $60 standard on the original system. Zars again offered his opinion on the issue.

“Despite it still being luxury, the crazy markup in cost of the games is out of touch and greedy in my opinion—especially because the console is useless without games,” he said. “I think it is kind of a ‘give them the razor, sell them the blade’ strategy.”

Regarding whether the console is worth purchasing at all, Parker remained unconvinced.

“I currently have a Switch 1 and do not plan on getting a Switch 2 anytime soon,” Parker said. “This is because I only like Nintendo because of the games, and none of the announced games really seem to meet the price tag for me.”

Whether students believe the price is justified or not, there is no doubt that excitement is building for the Nintendo Switch 2, which is scheduled to be released June 5.