Last night, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 became available at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart beginning at midnight Eastern time. However, a surge in demand led to website issues and delays across all three retailers. Alongside the console listings, a variety of game and accessory listings emerged, shedding light on pricing and packaging for Switch 2 titles.
Importantly, it has been confirmed that Switch 2 games priced at $80, such as Mario Kart World, will not see an increase to $90 for physical copies. This clarification is significant given the persistent rumors surrounding a potential $90 price point for physical releases, which were widely circulated online. Even recent searches yielded misleading results suggesting that physical versions would cost $90, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
While there are instances in the European Union where physical game prices may surpass their digital equivalents, the U.S. pricing remained consistent. Listings for Mario Kart World and early reports indicated an MSRP of $80, a figure that held steady despite Nintendo’s earlier price adjustments for accessories due to import tariffs from the previous administration.
Order confirmation emails have now been sent out, further affirming that physical releases for the Switch 2 mirror the pricing of digital versions. For instance, the physical edition of the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza is set at $70, aligning with its digital counterpoint.
Third-party game pricing varies widely, ranging from $40 for Square Enix’s Bravely Default remaster to $100 for a special edition of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, which is also available in a standard edition priced at $70.
Introducing Game-Key Card Releases
Following the preorder launch in Japan, it became evident that all physical releases of third-party games sported Nintendo’s Game-Key card label. It appears that many of the physical third-party Switch 2 game releases in the U.S. will feature similar packaging, based on the associated box art.
These Game-Key cards, however, have received criticism from traditionalists who favor physical game media. Unlike conventional cartridges, Game-Key cards do not store the actual game data; instead, they facilitate downloading the game from Nintendo’s online store. Players must keep the Game-Key card inserted to access the game, which poses challenges for those with limited internet connectivity or small system storage.
Nintendo Everything has compiled a list of upcoming Game-Key card releases, showcasing titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and No Sleep for Kaname Date, which do not include a Game-Key card disclaimer, though they appear to be less common among third-party offerings.
Exceptions to this trend include releases that are classified as original Switch games with an accompanying Switch 2 Upgrade Pack. This terminology is used for paid updates that enhance graphics or introduce new content for existing Switch titles. These editions display different fine print, indicating that the package includes both the original game and the upgrade pack, which is also sold separately.
Some of these physical cards may still function on the original Switch, but it remains uncertain if this will apply to all Switch 2 Edition releases.
Understanding Upgrade Pack Pricing
As for the Switch 2 upgrade packs, Nintendo appears to have implemented a two-tiered pricing strategy for those who previously owned the original Switch game.
For titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, where the upgrade focuses mainly on visual improvement, the cost is set at $10. Conversely, for games such as Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, where additional content is included, the price increases to $20.
The full MSRP for Switch 2 Editions reflects the original game’s cost plus the respective upgrade pack price. For example, Kirby and Mario Party are priced at $80 (a $60 base game plus a $20 upgrade), while Breath of the Wild is at $70 and Tears of the Kingdom also at $80 due to similar pricing structures.
For older original Switch games, purchasing a used version along with an upgrade pack can be a cost-effective solution. For instance, both the Zelda titles and Kirby are readily available on platforms like eBay for $50 or less, offering a budget-friendly option for gamers.
