Not All Switch Games Will be $70, Nintendo Clarifies

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo’s first $70 game, is set to launch on the company’s popular Switch platform. This is a significant change from the standard $60 price point that has long been the norm for video games. While this may have caused some concern among gamers, Nintendo has stated that the price for each of its products is determined on a case-by-case basis and that the $70 price point is not indicative of a trend for future Switch games.

For instance, the upcoming game Pikmin 4, set to launch after Tears of the Kingdom on July 21, will return to the standard $60 price point. Meanwhile, Metroid Prime Remastered, which was recently shadow-dropped during a Nintendo Direct event, is priced at a more affordable $40.

The adoption of the $70 price point by Nintendo is not unique, as many countries are currently facing record levels of inflation. The current generation of video games has also seen a trend towards higher prices, with Sony’s first-party releases on the PS5 priced at $70 and Microsoft announcing price increases for upcoming titles such as Redfall and Starfield.

While the $70 price point for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may be the exception, rather than the rule, for Nintendo’s Switch platform, the company’s approach to pricing is something to keep an eye on as the Switch 2 or its successor is expected to be announced in the coming years.

Some gamers have expressed concern about the trend towards higher prices, especially when it comes to games that are running on hardware that is six years old. It is often suggested that instead of relying on high prices, companies should experiment more with different pricing models, rather than trying to recoup costs through paid DLC, season passes, and expansions.

In conclusion, the $70 price point for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a significant departure from the standard pricing for video games, but it is not indicative of a trend for future Switch games. Nintendo’s approach to pricing and its impact on the industry will be something to keep an eye on in the coming years.