Earlier this week, we finally received the long-awaited announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2. The excitement? Sure, it’s there. The games look decent. But let’s not sugarcoat it: the pricing is absolutely outrageous. In Sweden, the base version of the Switch 2 is priced at €679, and if you want Mario Kart World bundled in, you’re looking at €749. That’s an absurd amount for what is supposed to be a mainstream, family-friendly gaming console.

To put things into perspective: even the ROG Ally, a true powerhouse of a handheld, comes in at a better price point. And it actually offers modern hardware. (You can check out my full ROG Ally review here: [link])

Let’s Talk Specs

Here’s a quick rundown of the Switch 2’s key hardware:

  • Display: 7.9″ LCD (1920×1080, HDR10, 120Hz VRR support)
  • CPU/GPU: Custom Nvidia chip
  • Storage: 256GB UFS (expandable via microSD Express)
  • Battery life: 2 – 6.5 hours
  • TV Output: Up to 4K at 60fps (HDR10 supported)
  • Other features: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, stereo speakers, HDMI output, USB-C

Now, this might sound decent on paper — until you remember that this level of performance is on par with a PS4 or PS4 Pro. And that was over a decade ago. Meanwhile, Xbox is expected to release a new console in 2026, and PlayStation 6 is rumored for 2027. Nintendo is essentially launching a device that’s a full generation behind, yet they’re charging a premium as if it’s cutting-edge.

Official promotional image of the Nintendo Switch 2 console and Joy-Con controllers on a red background
Nintendo unveils the Switch 2 with upgraded visuals — but many fans remain unimpressed with the price-to-performance ratio.

The Battery Problem

The Switch OLED already had battery estimates between 3 to 9 hours, depending on usage. The Switch 2 drops that down to 2 – 6.5 hours. So not only are we paying more, but we’re also getting less in terms of playtime.

Nintendo’s Problem with Game Pricing

One of the biggest issues with the original Switch — aside from occasional hardware quirks — was the pricing of games. Titles rarely go on sale, and even games that are five or six years old still cost nearly full price.

Now imagine paying €70 per game on top of already steep console costs. That’s just not sustainable. Yes, Nintendo Online exists and offers a library of retro games, which is cool — especially with the recent announcement that GameCube titles will be added. That’s a nice touch for nostalgia.

But let’s be real: you won’t be getting access to any new or major titles through this service. There’s no Game Pass-style model, no real competition in the eShop, and no alternative storefronts like you’d find on PC. If you want to play Nintendo’s biggest games, you’re stuck paying full price — every single time.

I’ve Loved Nintendo — But This Isn’t It

Let me be clear: I love Nintendo. I’ve owned every major console since the Super Nintendo (except the N64 — long story), and I’ve poured countless hours into iconic games. Titles like Breath of the Wild, Pokémon Shield, Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 truly defined the Switch era for me.

But despite all that love, I eventually reached a breaking point — and I ended up selling my Switch.

Why? Because I stopped buying new games.

I really wanted to pick up Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, but they were still full price. After being disappointed with Pokémon Shining Pearl and skipping Legends: Arceus due to the same pricing issue, it just didn’t feel worth it anymore. Paying €59 per game, with no meaningful sales, became exhausting.

In the end, the console just sat there. I wasn’t playing anything new because I didn’t want to pay full price for games that had been out for months — or even years. Eventually, I sold it.

I have huge love for Nintendo’s franchises, but the pricing model is out of control. And with rumors of price hikes, it’s likely that new titles will soon cost €90–100. That’s insane. Especially when you’re dealing with a platform that doesn’t offer any competitive pricing, digital sales, or subscription-based alternatives like Game Pass.

Nintendo is banking on nostalgia and exclusivity, but they’re ignoring the fact that modern gamers expect value, accessibility, and evolution.

Just think about it:

  • ROG Ally: €600, way better hardware, Xbox Game Pass ready.
  • Steam Deck: Another solid option.
  • Switch 2: €749 with Mario Kart… for a PS4-level experience.

Unless Nintendo starts offering better value — or even better, releases games on PC — it’s hard to recommend the Switch 2 right now. Honestly, if you’re looking to enjoy Nintendo exclusives, just buy a Switch OLED. It’s cheaper, runs games smoothly, and still has a strong library.