Nintendo Really Thinks We’d Go For a Glorified PS4 Pro Just Because It Has Mario Kart

For months, the gaming world has been buzzing with excitement, anticipating the release of Nintendo’s successor to the Switch. Finally, the company released a teaser, confirming its name and the aesthetics of the device. Yet, finer details like price and release date are still shrouded in mystery.

However, the rumor mill is still spinning, and the most recent one suggests the Switch 2 could be priced far higher than many expected. This has raised many eyebrows in the gaming community, especially since, despite its impressive features and a new Mario Kart, the price tag might be a hard sell.

So far, Nintendo has kept most details about the Switch 2 under wraps. The company has only revealed the console’s name and showcased the hardware with a brief teaser, but that’s about it. This left fans with more questions than answers, as the teaser only showcased what leaks had already shown.

While there is excitement for the device, fans are still waiting for a more detailed breakdown of the device, along with the price tag. Fortunately, the company has promised to reveal more details on April 2nd, but we have to wait and see whether it will share full details or stall once again.

So if the person who told me June release is all but confirmed to be correct, then that could mean the pricing they gave me of $449/$499USD might also be correct. Think the $50 extra is a Mario Kart Bundle

— Marvel vs CapNick  (@Shpeshal_Nick) January 16, 2025

Just like the device’s software, the price has been shrouded in mystery, despite the sea of leaks. But it looks like a new leak, from a well-known source, is suggesting that the Switch 2 could retail for somewhere between $449 and $499. This has left fans scratching their heads.

To top it off, the leak further added that the price tag might be inflated due to a Mario Kart bundle. Let’s be clear: It is a fun, engaging racing game and the new version shown in the teaser looks great, but it doesn’t justify this hefty price jump.

What makes this price baffling is, that it would put the upcoming console in the same price range as current-generation consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Even if we believe the leaked specifications are true, the handheld is nowhere near the performance level of those consoles.

Let’s get the fish out of the water first: the Switch 2’s rumored specs do sound intriguing. With the larger screen, better ergonomics, and what looks like updated Joy-Cons, it’s shaping up to be an exciting hybrid device.

But is that enough to justify charging nearly $500 for a device that, at least on paper, doesn’t seem like a true leap forward in console gaming? Based on the leaked specs, the device might only reach PS4 Pro-level performance.

This is impressive for a handheld, but to reach that level of performance, gamers need to use docked mode, which just transforms the Switch 2 into a home console. This just sacrifices its most valuable feature: portability, making it a far worse deal than PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Plus, with potential tariffs (especially from the Trump administration) on foreign-manufactured electronics, the price could rise even higher, making it feel even less justified.

In short, it seems like Nintendo is asking players to pay a premium for a “glorified PS4 Pro” experience. Why? Because it has a new Mario Kart? Doesn’t seem worth it. But again, this is all based on rumors and leaks, so it’s wise to take this information with a grain of salt.

In the end, only time will tell if the company can justify this potential price tag or if the new hybrid console will end up feeling more like a pricey mid-generation refresh than the true next-gen upgrade we were hoping for.