“You Want That Content So Bad,” Former PlayStation Boss Says Of Switch 2 Exclusive Titles

A common topic of discussion regarding the Switch 2, ever since its unveiling, revolves primarily around the cost of the system and its associated games; some argue that these costs are excessively high.

In an interview with PlayerDriven, ex-PlayStation leader Shawn Layden pointed out that Nintendo has the freedom to set any price they want for upcoming Switch 2 exclusive games due to their captivating game content. Although some might find a game like Mario Kart World priced at $80 as substantial, Layden suggested that consumers will ultimately purchase it regardless.

If this is the sole venue for playing games like Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda, then you’ll likely pull out your wallet and purchase it. The fact that these exclusive first-party games help soften the impact of price increases, since the desire for this content is so strong,” he explained (via IGN).

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As a gaming enthusiast with a deep-rooted history working on the PlayStation team at Sony until my departure in 2019, I’d like to share an interesting observation: Over time, video game prices have, in essence, been trending downwards.

Adjusted for inflation, a game costing $59.99 in 1999 would be approximately equal to $100 today. Compared to the cost of living back then, it’s less expensive now, but many companies have been hesitant to increase prices. He suggested that publishers could have charged an additional $5 for each new game generation.

Simultaneously, actor and game creator Abubakar Salim discussed with Insider Gaming that it’s crucial to take inclusivity into account when discussing broader economic matters. He pondered aloud about why Nintendo prices their upcoming Switch 2 console and games higher.

In simpler terms, Salim expressed his concern saying, “Given our current challenging situation, let’s not make things more difficult by setting the bar too high. I was disappointed about the price increase because Nintendo is known for its family-friendly games and platforms.

In defense of Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag, Nintendo argues that it offers a significant upgrade from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and they believe this will be evident following the April 17 Nintendo Direct presentation. Some critics, however, suggest that Nintendo decided to sell Mario Kart World for $80 because they have the ability to do so.

The new Switch 2, priced at $450, is approximately $50 higher than the original Switch when adjusted for inflation. Nintendo executives argue that this price increase is warranted due to the enhanced and durable features of the Switch 2. Analysts predict that Nintendo will incur a loss on every unit of the Switch 2 they sell, which is a typical scenario in console hardware production.

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2025-04-11 01:39