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Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Generate Excitement and Speculation
Preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were launched at major retailers such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart at midnight Eastern time, sparking a flurry of activity on their websites that led to numerous delays. Alongside the console itself, various listings for games and accessories have emerged, shedding light on packaging and pricing details that were previously uncertain.
One of the most significant revelations is that games for the Switch 2, such as Mario Kart World, will be priced at $80—contradicting widespread rumors suggesting that physical copies would cost as much as $90. This misconception was notably pervasive, as evidenced by the abundance of discussions and content circulating online, erroneously asserting the higher price point. A simple search for “Switch 2 $90” earlier today yielded numerous misleading results, including videos and news articles presenting this information as fact.
Despite instances in the European market where physical versions of games can sometimes be pricier than their digital versions, there was no solid indication that US prices would follow suit. The official listing for Mario Kart World has consistently shown an $80 MSRP since its announcement, and this price remained stable even when Nintendo adjusted accessory prices due to tariffs during the Trump administration.
The confirmation emails that customers are now receiving further validate that physical game releases for the Switch 2 will align with digital prices—a consistency observed with the original Switch and other gaming consoles. For instance, the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza will also retail for $70 in its physical form, mirroring the price of its digital counterpart.
In terms of third-party titles, there’s a notable variation in pricing, ranging from $40 for a remaster of Bravely Default by Square Enix to premium editions like Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, which will sell for $100, with standard versions available for $70.
Emergence of Game-Key Cards for Third-Party Titles
In conjunction with the preorder launch, a significant development is the implementation of Nintendo’s Game-Key card system for many third-party game releases. This was evident in Japan when preorders opened and the packaging featured disclaimers about the Game-Key cards. The trend appears to be carrying over to the US market as well, where numerous listings for physical third-party Switch 2 titles also displayed this format.
The introduction of Game-Key cards has raised eyebrows among purists who favor physical media. Unlike traditional game cartridges, these cards do not contain any actual game data. Instead, they allow players to download the game content directly from Nintendo’s online store. However, an important distinction remains: the Game-Key card must remain in the console during gameplay, a requirement that somewhat blurs the line between physical and digital formats.
As the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches, the excitement surrounding its features, pricing, and game formats continues to grow, offering both anticipation and discussion among gaming enthusiasts.
Source
arstechnica.com