Nintendo increases price tag for enhanced Switch 2 games to $80

Gamers wonder if higher resolution Zelda is worth an extra twenty bucks.
(Image via Nintendo)
TL;DR
  • Nintendo will charge $80 for graphically enhanced versions of popular Switch games like Zelda and Kirby on the upcoming Switch 2.
  • Existing owners can upgrade for less with visual enhancements costing around $10 and content additions around $20.
  • Fans are questioning if it's worth it compared to other publishers that offer free or cheaper next-gen upgrades.

Nintendo has revealed that enhanced versions of popular Switch games will cost $80 when they arrive on the upcoming Switch 2 console. The higher price applies to upgraded versions of fan-favorite titles, including The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong and Kirby franchises.

These enhanced editions aren’t simple ports. Nintendo promises graphical improvements with higher resolutions and more stable frame rates that take advantage of the Switch 2’s improved hardware. Some titles will also get extra content, though specifics vary by game.

For players who already own these games on the original Switch, Nintendo will offer free upgrade options for select titles, and at reduced prices for others. According to information from Nintendo’s website, visual upgrades will cost about $10, while games getting both visual boosts and new content will have upgrade paths priced around $20.

The $80 price point is a $20 jump from the standard $60 that Nintendo has traditionally charged for first-party Switch games. This move follows a broader industry trend of rising game prices, with many publishers now charging $70 for current-generation titles on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles.

Fan reactions have been mixed. Many question whether graphical enhancements justify the premium, especially when other publishers often provide next-gen upgrades for free or at minimal cost. Comments across gaming forums express frustration about paying such high prices for games they may have already bought.

Nintendo has historically maintained higher pricing for its first-party titles, rarely offering big discounts even years after release. The company’s strategy relies on the strength of its exclusive franchises and the perceived value of its gaming experiences.

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