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- Nintendo has upset the gaming community by abruptly raising its console and game prices.
- This goes against Nintendo’s value, which was accessibility. While loyal fans are buying it, it won’t be too long until they stop caring about it.
- They could very well benefit along with the community by introducing game bundles, subscription services, and an online ecosystem.
Nintendo has always been the company everyone cheered for, and has become one of the recipients of major hate and criticism. With their Switch 2, they’ve gone way ahead, leaving the gaming community frustrated and disappointed.
What Really Went Wrong?
What was once a company everyone cheered for has become one of the recipients of major hate and criticism. This is because Nintendo raised the prices of its console and its exclusive games.
Console and Game Price Hikes Spark Backlash
To put it into perspective, now the Switch 2’s cost starts from $450, which is $150 more expensive than the Switch 1. Moreover, their games will go as much as $80, which is a pill that is hard to swallow for the community.
Nintendo’s Justification Isn’t Convincing
But why did Nintendo decide to raise its prices? Well, for starters, Nintendo says, “Obviously, the cost of everything goes up over time…” This response isn’t assuring for the people who are startled by their decision.
Even if we consider that Trump Tariffs and all the technical details that make the Switch 2’s price tag justifiable, it still won’t be convincing enough because the games aren’t that top-notch, if we’re being honest.
Exclusivity Does Not Justify $80
If there should be any game that costs as much as $80, it should be GTA 6. Even for GTA 6, most fans aren’t willing to pay more than $70. At least we’re getting graphics, narrative, and mechanics with tons of features that are worth the price.
But to play a Nintendo classic, no matter how improved it gets, still doesn’t justify the price tag. However, an ex-Sony executive disagrees and says Nintendo has the right to charge $80 if they are exclusives.
Stuck In Nostalgia?
Exclusivity can be a selling point, but only if Nintendo decides to innovate. If they rely heavily on nostalgia and iconic characters, their value will be diminished in the eyes of the community.
Nintendo Is Abandoning Its Identity
Although the Switch 2 has been sold out immediately, it’ll give people a chance to try it out and realise that the company isn’t what it started out to be. A company that gave people an affordable console with their exclusives.
Apart from the exclusives, Nintendo has made its console with upgraded hardware and is getting over 45 third-party games, many of which will be AAA titles. This is something that isn’t the core of Nintendo.
Even PlayStation’s former boss, Shuhei Yoshida, wasn’t too pleased with the Switch 2. He thinks that Nintendo is losing its identity, which is true because now it feels like you’re paying for the brand rather than for the actual value.
Loyalty Won’t Last Forever
If Nintendo is going to take the route of competing with the big leagues like PlayStation and Xbox on raw specs alone, it will risk losing the charm that attracted a large audience in the first place.
Despite the hate, the Switch 2 selling out immediately as pre-orders went live indicates that gamers are willing to pay for this hobby. This also shows the loyalty of the true fans who had stuck with them despite the hate.
However, this loyalty doesn’t mean blind acceptance. There’s always a point where even the most loyal fans start questioning their beloved console companies. This means Nintendo has to be extremely careful.
How Can Nintendo Make A Comeback
Currently, Nintendo stands at a crossroads. Nintendo could see a massive decline if it neglects the community entirely. They have to rethink their pricing strategy and prioritise innovation to make a substantial comeback.
Bundle Games
Instead of removing the high game prices, they could introduce bundled offers for discounts to reassure their fans and win back their trust. If not that, then at least launch bundles with accessories and game vouchers.
Expand Their Online & Social Ecosystem
If they’re willing to compete with other consoles, they should do it by expanding their online ecosystem, which is better than Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus. They should introduce cloud saves, cross-play, and proper voice chat.
Subscription Service Model
Since Xbox Game Pass has been monumental for gaming, Nintendo should strive to outperform it by launching a similar service for indie and retro titles. They should also give good games away as surprise drops.
Giving early access to their games, launching exclusive demos, and rotating the classic games from the Wii and GameCube era can all work in their favour. The subscription model will make them more money if they only realise it.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com
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