What a year for Nintendo to finally unveil the Switch 2! While the hardware looks like the dream upgrade many Switch fans have been waiting for — a more powerful iteration of the beloved console — the global economic uncertainty has cast a shadow over its launch. This situation becomes even more complex when considering the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. With a $450 USD price tag 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 in the US and internationally.
To gauge the global reaction to the Switch 2, I reached out to editors from IGN's international branches, covering perspectives from Europe, South America, and Asia. The consensus? Mixed feelings. While the hardware enhancements — such as a 120hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output — are celebrated, the absence of an OLED screen is seen as a significant oversight.
How the Rest of the World Feels About the Switch 2
IGN Italy's editor-in-chief, Alessandro Digioia, reports a predominantly negative reception among their readers. "The main grievances revolve around the pricing, the omission of an OLED screen, the lack of a trophy/achievement system, and a lackluster launch lineup," he says. "While some third-party titles were well-received, many expected more from Nintendo’s own games."
Similarly, Pedro Pestana from IGN Portugal echoes these sentiments, adding a personal note: "The Switch 2 feels like a beefed-up version of the original without the same excitement. It all boils down to the games, and while Mario Kart World looks impressive, it needs more to stand out."
However, not all feedback is negative. Nick Nijiland from IGN Benelux notes a more positive response despite the price. "The console sold out within hours of pre-orders opening, and our Discord server saw an influx of new members eager to stay updated," he shares.
In Turkey, IGN's Ersin Kilic highlights the positive reception to the hardware improvements. "The screen, despite being LCD, is much better, which was well-received," he says. Yet, he points out a major criticism: "The absence of Hall Effect in the Joy-Con 2 was a letdown for those hoping to avoid Joy-Con drift."
IGN China's Kamui Ye provides a balanced view, noting initial disappointment due to a weak launch lineup and confusing regional pricing. "However, core fans remain optimistic about Nintendo's future plans, valuing backward compatibility and hardware refinements like magnetic Joy-Cons," Ye explains.
Hardware Price and Tariff Fears
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Switch 2 is set to launch at $450 USD in the United States, with pre-orders delayed due to ongoing tariff issues stemming from President Trump's policies. This has led Nintendo to reconsider its rollout strategy ahead of the June 5 release date.
In Europe, where tariffs are less of a concern, IGN Germany's Antonia Dressler notes that while the pricing is a major issue, pre-orders are still coming in. "Many compare the Switch 2's price unfavorably to the PS5, which is seen as a better value," she explains.
The Switch 2's pricing positions it directly against the PS5 and Xbox Series X, complicating the decision for global consumers. "Nintendo's official website is taking pre-orders at R12,499, which puts it in the same price range as its competitors," says IGN Africa's Zaid Kriel. "This, combined with increased game prices, could pose a problem."
In Brazil, IGN's Matheus de Lucca highlights the impact of the US tariff war on the local market. "The weak Real against the dollar means any price increase in the US will significantly affect Latin America, potentially limiting the Switch 2's accessibility," he says.
Japan presents a unique scenario with a region-locked version of the console at a lower price point. "Nintendo had to keep the price under 50,000 yen due to the weak yen, but they've implemented a region lock to prevent imports," explains IGN Japan's executive producer, Daniel Robson. "Despite the high price, it's still more affordable than the PS5, and Japan remains a stronghold for Nintendo."
Software Price Remains the Biggest Pain Point
Despite hardware and tariff concerns, the most significant issue for many is the price of software. The $80 USD price for Mario Kart World has sparked widespread concern, especially as Nintendo joins the trend of increasing game prices. "The new pricing structure is seen as unjustifiable, particularly with the recent price hikes for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S games," says IGN Italy's Digioia.
IGN Germany's Dressler adds, "The €90 price for Mario Kart World is unprecedented here, and even the €9.99 for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour has caused backlash. Nintendo seems overly greedy."
In China, where there are no official plans for a Switch 2 release, gamers may turn to the gray market. "Game prices in Hong Kong and Japan are lower, which is seen as more acceptable," says IGN China's Ye. "Despite the console's price increase, it's still considered more cost-effective than alternatives like the Steam Deck."
The Switch 2 is poised for success as a recognizable upgrade to a beloved console. However, the looming threat of $80 games during economic uncertainty has dampened enthusiasm for many potential buyers. With many unknowns, especially in the US due to tariffs, and the potential for international politics to affect stock availability, the Switch 2's launch remains a complex narrative. Yet, the global excitement around the console is undeniable, albeit tempered with significant caveats.
