On its announcement, we told you in detail about the Switch 2, Nintendo's next console. A few weeks later, the machine was still on everyone's lips, but not for the reasons we'd hoped. Fans are having a hard time digesting the new pricing, both for the console, announced at €469, and for the games, which will now cost up to 90EUR. In parallel, Sony has announced a price increase for its PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, €499.99, an increase of 11%. Two closely related announcements, reflecting a worrying trend for consumers.

Nintendo, failed communication

This is a double whammy for Nintendo gamers. First, the games: during the live presentation, nothing was said, but pre-orders revealed a recommended price of 90EUR for certain titles. Nintendo specified that this price would only apply to "major" productions, starting with the new Mario Kart opus. But this justification is not enough to calm the critics.

Three points stand out from this increase:

  • shops will be free in setting their prices, with large French chains often offering lower prices
  • this kind of "exclusive" pricing already existed on the first Switch, with titles like Zelda or Smash Bros Ultimate priced at €70
  • And above all, Nintendo is sending a strong signal to the entire industry: it is now possible to sell games for €90. A decision that could pave the way for other publishers, starting with Take-Two, who are already considering a price beyond €100 for GTA 6, with rumors already suggesting a fixed price of €90.

As for the console itself, the pill is hard to swallow. The Switch 2 is advertised at €469, compared with €329 for the first version when it was released (now available for around €299). Even the tutorial software for discovering the new features is priced at €10, and the new Joy-Cons are offered at €80, the price of a PS5 DualSense controller. Some gamers are hoping for a price drop in the medium term, but here again, nothing is guaranteed.

Sony further raises its prices

On its blog, Japanese manufacturer Sony has announced price increases for its PlayStation 5 in several countries, citing inflation and volatile exchange rates. In France, the PS5 Digital Edition will cost 499.99EUR, while the external disk drive will cost €89.99, a drop of €30. A surprising increase for a console due for release in November 2020.

Two points are worth highlighting in this parallel with the Switch 2. Firstly, Nintendo may have unwittingly given Sony the opportunity to readjust its prices by positioning its console in an unexpected price bracket. Secondly, and probably most significantly, after more than four years, i.e. more than halfway through the usual life cycle of a console, Sony is raising its prices rather than lowering them. A turnaround that may well call into question hopes of a future Switch 2 price drop.