The Mario Kart World price of $80 could be the "new normal," but sales won't be impacted at first: "The true test will come in year 2"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Nintendo is charging $80 for Mario Kart World - easily the Switch 2's biggest launch game and the publisher's most expensive game ever - and some analysts reckon it might set a new standard for video game prices.
Yesterday's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct gave us some gorgeous looks at really exciting games, but all that hype was slightly dampened when the internet learned about how damn expensive some games (and Switch 1 upgrades) were going to be come June 5. Mario Kart World specifically is $80/€80/£67 if you want a digital copy and even more for a physical cart in most territories. In the EU, for example, snagging a boxed Mario Kart World will put a whopping €90 dent in your wallet.
Needless to say, Nintendo's gone well above the now-industry standard of charging $70 for standard editions of AAA games, but it might even be setting an all-new standard altogether.
Circana's video game business analyst Mat Piscatella reacted to the inflated prices on social media, writing that we might be seeing a "new normal of pricing... but instead of a slow increase over time like we've seen in grocery over the past few years, we're going to start seeing things happen all at once." That certainly implies we could see non-Nintendo AAA games retailing for $80 by the end of the year, and my bank account is especially scared about what Take-Two might do with GTA 6.
Speaking to IGN, Piscatella reckons the company is unlikely to course correct on its new and inflated price tags for a while, partly because Nintendo "super enthusiasts" will drop the cash no matter what.
"Based on what we're seeing across the market, sales to higher-income or more affluent households likely won't be impacted by this pricing," Piscatella said. "And, of course, we have the price-insensitive super enthusiasts that will do and pay whatever it takes to acquire the Switch 2 at launch. Therefore, because of the limited quantities that will be available during the launch year, I do not anticipate this pricing to hinder year one sales volumes."
Essentially, Nintendo's going to have no trouble in making the Switch 2 sell out for months after its release. Scalpers, super fans, and anyone who can't resist the pull of racing as Moo Moo Meadows' Cow will keep it that way. "The true test will come in year two, as supply is likely to become more readily available, and the addressable market will be forced to widen. So, we'll have to see what happens over the next 9-12 months."
A sudden price drop isn't absolutely unprecedented for the Big N. In 2011, Nintendo slashed 40% off of the 3DS price just four months after the handheld's lukewarm launch. Though, that's somewhat unlikely to happen again since the console is coming out swinging with a far more exciting lineup of upcoming Switch 2 games and Nintendo, overall, is in a much more dominant position than it was in the Wii U era.
Here are the retailers to keep an eye on for when Switch 2 pre-orders open.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
FAA requires SpaceX to investigate Starship Flight 9 mishap
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. SpaceX needs to figure out what happened on the ninth test flight of its Starship megarocket, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decreed. Flight 9, which lifted off from SpaceX's Starbase site in South Texas on Tuesday (May 27), ended in the destruction of both of Starship's stages — its Super Heavy booster and Ship upper stage (which is also sometimes known, somewhat confusingly, as Starship). But the FAA, which grants launch licenses for U.S. operators, is only concerned about one of those explosive events. "The mishap investigation is focused only on the loss of the Starship vehicle, which did not complete its launch or reentry as planned," FAA officials wrote in an update today (May 30). "The FAA determined that the loss of the Super Heavy booster is covered by one of the approved test induced damage exceptions requested by SpaceX for certain flight events and system components," the agency explained. "The FAA evaluated each exception prior to launch approval and verified they met public safety requirements." SpaceX broke new ground on Flight 9, reusing a Super Heavy for the first time ever. This particular booster first flew on Flight 7 in January, acing its engine burn and then returning to Starbase for a successful and dramatic catch by the launch tower's "chopstick" arms. The company did not attempt another catch on Flight 9. It conducted a variety of experiments with the booster, including bringing it down to Earth on a higher "angle of attack" to increase atmospheric drag. So, for safety's sake, SpaceX steered Super Heavy toward a "hard splashdown" in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. This didn't quite work out, however. "Contact with the booster was lost shortly after the start of landing burn when it experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly approximately 6 minutes after launch, bringing an end to the first reflight of a Super Heavy booster," SpaceX wrote in a Flight 9 recap. Ship had an even harder time on Flight 9. The upper stage was supposed to make a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Western Australia about 65 minutes after launch, but it suffered an "attitude control error" that prevented the vehicle from getting into the proper orientation for reentry. "Starship then went through an automated safing process to vent the remaining pressure to place the vehicle in the safest condition for reentry," SpaceX wrote in the recap. "Contact with Starship was lost approximately 46 minutes into the flight, with all debris expected to fall within the planned hazard area in the Indian Ocean." Related stories: — SpaceX reached space with Starship Flight 9 launch, then lost control of its giant spaceship (video) — Starship and Super Heavy explained — SpaceX loses Starship rocket stage again, but catches giant Super Heavy booster during Flight 8 launch (video) This was still a considerable improvement over Ship's performance on its previous two liftoffs. On both Flight 7 and Flight 8 (which launched in March), Ship was lost less than 10 minutes after liftoff, raining debris down over the Atlantic. There have been no reports of injuries or damage to public property as a result of the Flight 9 mishap, according to the FAA. There were also minimal effects on flights in U.S. airspace — an improvement over the previous two Starship launches. "The FAA activated a Debris Response Area, out of an abundance of caution, when the Super Heavy booster experienced its anomaly over the Gulf of America during its flyback toward Texas," FAA officials wrote. "The FAA subsequently determined the debris did not fall outside of the hazard area," they added. "During the event, there were zero departure delays, one flight was diverted, and one airborne flight was held for 24 minutes."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
How to transfer data from Nintendo Switch to Switch 2
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. If you've upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2, you'll probably want to bring over your game saves, user profiles, and digital purchases from your original Switch. Thankfully, Nintendo has made it really straightforward to transfer data between consoles, but there are a few steps you'll need to follow carefully during initial set up, to avoid losing your progress. Nintendo provides a built-in transfer tool that takes the hassle out of starting over. With just a few steps, you can move your entire digital library — from save files to purchased games — directly to your new Switch 2. Your profiles come along too, so you can jump back into your favorite titles without missing a beat. Here's everything you need to know to successfully move your data from Switch to Switch 2. Mumba Blade Series Case: Now that you've got your hands on a Switch 2, keep your hands on it with the ergonomic grip provided by a Blade case from Mumba. The one-piece design is solidly built, protecting your Switch from drops and providing a precise fit for your Joy-Cons. This case is compatible with every kind of Switch, so you can protect your whole line, from the OG to the OLED to the latest and Deal (Image: © Tom's Guide) Once you've followed the previous steps in the Switch 2 set-up process, you'll be asked if you wish to transfer data from your original switch. To do this, select "Start System Transfer" to get things started. It's important to note that if you have a microSD memory card, you can insert it to store data for downloadable software, screenshots, etc. Only microSD Express cards featuring logos labeled "Express" or "EX" are supported. Other SD cards won't work. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Next, you'll have to sign into your Nintendo Account. Using your phone or tablet, scan the QR code that pops up on the screen to sign in. After that, enter the code you see on your mobile device on the Switch 2's display. If successful, your profile (avatar) will appear on the screen. Click OK to confirm your sign-in. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Next, move the Switch 2 and Switch 1 close together to transfer data. You'll have to connect each system's respective AC adapters to start downloading data. Using a different USB-C power delivery method won't work. You have to use the AC adapters that came with both Nintendo consoles. (Image: © Tom's Guide) On your old Switch, click on the gear icon on the main menu. After that, scroll down to System. On the following menu, scroll down to "System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2" and click on it. This will start the transferring process. This process will vary depending on the amount of data you're transferring, so keep that in mind. (Image: © Tom's Guide) If you've followed all the steps above correctly, you should be all set! Click on OK to finish. After this, you'll see various pages explaining all of the Switch 2's different play modes. You can select your preferred play mode, such as handheld or docked mode. Note that it may take some time for all your games to download and install, so make sure your Switch 2 remains connected to the internet. Now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is rolling out to gamers, we're putting together more guides to help you make the most of Nintendo's latest console. Stay tuned for more tips coming soon!
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
How to connect Nintendo Switch 2 to your TV or monitor
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Nintendo Switch 2 might be designed for portable gaming, but its real magic happens when you connect it to your TV or monitor for the full big-screen experience. Maybe you're settling in for a marathon Mario Kart World gaming session, or simply want to show off your skills. Docking your Switch 2 transforms it from a handheld device into a proper home console. The setup process is refreshingly simple, requiring just a few cable connections and the included dock. Nintendo has streamlined the entire experience to get you gaming on the big screen as quickly as possible. Follow these simple steps and you'll have your Switch 2 connected and displaying games on the big screen in just a few minutes. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Take off the back panel of the Switch 2 dock by pulling it back from the top. This reveals all the connection ports you'll need for setup. Keep the panel somewhere safe while you're connecting cables, as you'll need to put it back on later. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the middle port on the dock (it's clearly marked and sits between the other two ports). Then connect the other end to any available HDMI input on your TV or monitor. Make sure both connections are secure and remember which HDMI input you're using so you can select it later. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Plug the Nintendo Switch 2 power adapter into the dock's power port, then connect the other end to a wall outlet. For best results, use only the official Nintendo power adapter that came with your Switch 2. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Position the dock on a stable, flat surface near your TV where it won't get knocked over. It's also a good idea to ensure there's adequate ventilation around the dock as it will generate heat during your gaming sessions. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Gently slide your Nintendo Switch 2 into the dock with the screen facing the same direction as the dock's front opening. Turn on your TV or monitor and use your remote to select the HDMI input you connected earlier. Your Switch 2 will automatically detect the connection and switch to docked mode for big-screen gaming. Now sit back and enjoy your games with improved resolution and performance on the big screen! Now you've learned how to connect your Nintendo Switch 2 to your TV monitor, why not take a look at our other useful Switch 2 guides? If you're unboxing, check out how to set up a Nintendo Switch 2. If you have a first generation console and are looking to transfer over your data, we can help you with that too.
