The Nintendo Direct showcase sparked heated debates among gaming fans. While the announcement of the new console and exclusives like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders generated excitement, the sudden surge in game prices left a bitter aftertaste.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5 priced at $450, significantly higher than the original Switch’s starting price of $300. However, the main frustration isn’t the console itself—it’s the cost of games. For example, Mario Kart World will be priced at $80 for the digital version and $90 for the physical copy. What’s more, instead of traditional cartridges, Nintendo may introduce Game-Key Cards—cardboard codes for game activation without a physical medium.

This move has raised concerns among players that it could trigger an industry-wide price hike. Many are already speculating that GTA 6 might launch at $100, as publishers now have a precedent. 

For years, the standard price for AAA titles was $60. With the release of the Xbox Series and PlayStation 5, the bar rose to $70, and players reluctantly accepted it. Now, Nintendo is the first to take an even bolder step, setting prices at $80–90 per game.  

Given that Nintendo rarely discounts its games and its franchises remain wildly popular, sales will likely stay strong. This sets a dangerous precedent for the industry—other publishers may follow suit.

Analysts had previously suggested that Grand Theft Auto VI could exceed $70 due to its massive budget and profit potential. Now, Nintendo, albeit indirectly, has signaled that $100 per game isn’t fantasy—it’s a plausible reality.  

Even without additional markups, GTA 6 is guaranteed to be a hit, but Rockstar Games might seize the opportunity to experiment with pricing. No official details have been revealed yet, but pre-orders could open in the coming months, clarifying the situation.

If Nintendo succeeds in maintaining high sales without major backlash, it could encourage Rockstar and other industry giants to push prices even higher. However, if players start boycotting expensive releases en masse, the industry may have to rethink its strategy.

Main image: reddit.com

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