The Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse livestream, which showcased some games running on the new console, was flooded with angry comments from viewers. Upon accessing the chat on YouTube, these comments overshadowed everything else, which reflects the audience’s reaction after the price reveal for Nintendo Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World. It’s unclear whether these comments will have any effect, but they didn’t slow down at all during the livestream.

On April 2, Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct focused exclusively on the Switch 2. The presentation started with Mario Kart World‘s reveal and then moved on to the hardware. Following that, several third-party games coming to the Switch 2 were showcased, along with upcoming first-party releases like Donkey Kong Bananza and Kirby Air Riders. At the end of the presentation, Nintendo didn’t mention the price of the Switch 2. The information had to be found on the official website and in press releases sent out after the livestream. However, it came alongside the price of some games, which didn’t sit well with the audience.

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A portion of the audience took advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 Treehouse livestream to vent their frustrations, flooding the YouTube chat with requests for Nintendo to drop the price. While the messages didn’t specify the price of what exactly, it’s speculated that they refer to the cost of the Switch 2 games. Mario Kart World was announced at $80 for the digital version, which is $10 more expensive than the standard industry price. Some Switch 1 games will have upgrades for the Switch 2, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. However, upgrades cost $10, while these games physical Switch 2 versions cost $70 and $80, respectively.

Fans Ask Nintendo To Drop The Prices During Livestream

In some European markets, the physical version of Mario Kart World will be even more expensive than the digital one, costing 90 euros. Additionally, some physical games won’t come fully loaded on the cartridge but will only include a portion of the game. Known as Game-Key cards, these games will require an internet connection to download the remaining files. Once the download is complete, the Game-Key card will still need to be inserted in the Switch 2 to run the game, although a constant internet connection won’t be necessary afterward.

On the other hand, Donkey Kong Bananza still carries a $70 price tag, suggesting that not all of Nintendo’s first-party titles will cost $80. The biggest concern among the audience and industry specialists is that the $80 price tag for Mario Kart World sets a precedent for other companies to follow suit. Analysts still believe that despite the high price, the Switch 2 is on track for strong sales in its first year. Nothing will stop future games from being priced similarly if an $80 launch doesn’t scare off consumers. Many analysts predict that Grand Theft Auto 6 will cost $100, and if Rockstar Games needs market research to determine its price, the Switch 2’s launch will serve exactly that purpose.

Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to Nintendo Switch, scheduled for release in 2025. Confirmed as backwards compatible, it will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. A full reveal is pencilled in for April 2, 2025.

Brand

Nintendo

Operating System

Proprietary

Storage

256GB internal / MicroSD

Resolution

1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)

App Store

Nintendo eShop

Wi-Fi

Yes

Ports

2x USB Type-C / 3.5mm audio

HDR Support

Yes

Original Release Date

June 5, 2025

Original MSRP (USD)

$449.99

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