The Nintendo Switch has a ton of great games, but they can also be pretty expensive. Case in point: If you want to buy all the games currently available and upcoming, it’ll cost you over $300. Even if you aren’t planning on buying that many games right now, though, there are still some hidden costs associated with owning a Nintendo Switch. In particular, the price of each game is significantly higher than similar titles for other consoles. For example, you could buy a new copy of “Super Mario World” for your NES for as little as $10 from thrift stores or online auctions. Here are some explanations of why Nintendo Switch games cost so much and what it means for gamers going forward.
Why Are Nintendo Switch Games So Expensive?
1. Digital Purchasing Practices and Retailer Discounting
Nintendo Switch games cost more than PS4 or Xbox One games because the publisher is pricing them as such. However, retailers will often discount specific titles below the recommended retail price. This is done to drive sales and compete against other retailers, even though the publisher is still making the full wholesale amount. In general, physical games bought at retail will always be cheaper than digital copies. Retailer discounts and sales on digital games are rare, but physical copies are often discounted by as much as 50%. For example, the standard retail price for “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is $60. However, it’s almost always on sale for less than $40.
2. Nintendo’s Licensing Requirements
Nintendo Switch games cost more because the publisher has very specific licensing requirements for each game. These requirements are meant to protect both Nintendo and the developer. For example, games often aren’t allowed to be distributed digitally until several months after the physical release. This prevents people from buying a used copy and immediately downloading the game on their Nintendo account. Nintendo Switch games cost more because the publisher is making a larger profit. While these licensing practices might seem like a bad thing, they’re actually beneficial for gamers in the long run. They help to keep the Nintendo Switch online gaming experience safe from cheaters, bots, and game hacks. Additionally, Nintendo requires all games to be rated by the ESRB. This means that all Nintendo Switch games must be appropriate for kids as young as 10 years old.
3. Limited Physical Production Runs
Physical copies of Switch games are much more limited in production runs than digital copies. This is in part because the physical version needs to be shipped to both retail stores and consumers. However, it’s also because physical Switch games are significantly more expensive to produce. Nintendo Switch games cost more because of the high production costs associated with physical copies. Nintendo is charging a premium for the physical product, which is also why they cost so much to ship. Due to the production costs and licensing requirements, physical copies are very limited in quantity. This makes them extremely difficult to find and resell at a high price.
4. Tired of Being a Loss Leader for Game Publishers
The last reason that Nintendo Switch games cost more than other titles is simply that publishers are tired of being a loss leader for Nintendo. Nintendo’s policy of keeping a larger share of revenue dates back to the beginning of its partnership with publishers. Many companies were eager to partner with Nintendo in the early days of the Switch, but they didn’t want to offer up the same terms as other consoles. Nintendo Switch games cost more because publishers are tired of being a loss leader for Nintendo. While Nintendo is still making a profit, some publishers are making less per digital download compared to their other platforms. This has led many publishers to increase the cost of their games to keep the same level of profit.
How Much Do New Nintendo Switch Games Cost?
- The Nintendo Switch games you buy at retail stores are different from those that are downloaded digitally. The price for games that are sold in stores will depend on the popularity of the game, as well as what type of game it is.
- You can find new Nintendo Switch games at retailers for around $60, and used games will often be sold for $50 or less. If you’re looking to get a game digitally, then you’ll need to take a look at the pricing information on the Nintendo website. Currently, most digital versions of Switch games cost $60, but some popular titles like Fortnite can cost more than $100 when purchased digitally.
- The prices of new Nintendo Switch games vary depending on their genre, the game’s age, and the game’s publisher (the company that created it). Adventure games typically cost between $40–50, first-person shooters usually cost around $50, and RPGs usually fall between $40–50 as well.
- If you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch game for a younger child, then you won’t have to pay as much. For example, a puzzle game like Super Mario Party is $60, but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is $60. If you’re purchasing a game for a child, though, you can expect to pay less.
The Basics Of Nintendo Switch Game Pricing?
- As with any other gaming system, Nintendo Switch games are available at a range of prices. There are some that are more affordable, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for $60, but others can cost up to $80. If you’re looking for something in the middle, then you should expect to pay around $50.
- The biggest difference between Nintendo Switch game prices and game prices for other consoles is the fact that many of Switch’s games aren’t sold in retail stores. Instead, you’ll have to buy them online. There are a few exceptions, but if you want to save a few dollars when buying a Switch game, you’ll want to do your research. You can find pricing information on the Nintendo website, and you can also visit websites like GameStop or Amazon to view the current pricing.
- Nintendo also offers a subscription service called Nintendo Switch Online, which allows you to play games online with friends and other players, as well as access a cloud library of classic games. You’ll be able to access this service with your Nintendo account, which you’ll need to create if you don’t already have one.
Which Games Are Worth The Price?
- While there are plenty of games available for the Switch, there are some that are worth paying more for. If you’re looking for a game that can be enjoyed by the whole family, then you’ll want to take a look at Super Mario Party. This party game has been praised as one of the best in its genre, so it’s definitely worth a look.
- If you’re interested in an RPG, then check out Xenoblade Chronicles 2 or Fire Emblem: Three Houses. These games have received high praise from critics and gamers alike, making them two of the best games on the Switch right now.
- No matter what genre of game you’re looking for, you should be able to find it for the Switch. Whether you want to play a platformer, shooter, or RPG, the Switch has something for everyone.
- If you’re looking for something that can be enjoyed by the whole family, then take a look at some of our recommendations above. If you’re interested in an RPG or shooter, then read through our reviews and find the one that fits your needs best.
- When it comes to which games are worth the price, that depends on your gaming style. For families, we recommend purchasing Super Mario Party, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or one of the LEGO games.
- If you want something a bit more intense, then games like Doom, Battlefield V, or Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 are good bets. If you’re looking to purchase a game for your child, then we recommend purchasing a puzzle game or a sports game. Puzzle games like Tetris Attack, Dr. Mario, or Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo are all $40, while sports games are usually around $50.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is a great console, but it also has some pretty steep costs. If you want to buy all the games currently available, it’ll cost you over $300. Even if you aren’t planning on buying that many games, there are still some hidden costs associated with owning a Nintendo Switch. In particular, the price of each game is significantly higher than similar titles for other consoles. Nintendo Switch games cost more because the publisher is pricing them as such. They have specific licensing requirements and limited production runs that drive up the cost of physical copies. The last reason that Nintendo Switch games cost more than other titles is simply that publishers are tired of being a loss leader for Nintendo.