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As is part and parcel with being a Nintendo fan; every live event that the company announces becomes a major news story. And since it always has many tricks up its sleeve (unlike other companies); fans wait with bated breath for each one.
And with big reveals about Switch 2 promised for months finally on the cards – this one hit differently. It wasn’t just about when it would drop, or how much damage it would do to your bank account. It was about what else they’d been sitting on.
And in true Big N fashion, they didn’t disappoint. They delivered. And triggered a whole new cycle of joy, confusion, and that specific flavour of Nintendo outrage we’ve all made peace with by now.
So – here’s a quick recap (plus a few opinions that might start fights).
The Switch 2 Is (Finally) On Its Way
Great news all around – except for the small (but very loud) group still clutching their pearls over the price. Why?
The price of $450 (INR 39,000 approx.) has driven some rage online. But we have to say, sorry fanboys, you’re wrong. It is as competitively priced as it gets. Considering the impressive specs you get with it ; and the fact that it will directly compete with other handheld systems that came after the original Switch, and are far more expensive.
Nintendo has priced this one well. Considering the value it provides to you. And the fact that it is all set to have a killer game library, makes the deal even sweeter.
Speaking of which, we come to…
Great Game Reveals
There were a lot of exciting game reveals on the day. In both the AAA and indie space; and in literally every genre (and across multiple IP/franchises).
With Metroid Prime 4; Pokemon Legends Z-A; Tomadochi Life: Living the Dream; Marvel Cosmic Invasion, and so many other games. Suffice it to say, there is lots to be excited for. And very little to complain about.
In fact, the showstopper was no doubt Mario Kart: World; which looks nothing short of incredible. And the mere mention of which is sure to get literally anyone with pulse (and good taste) excited all across the globe.
And then Nintendo one-upped it with the release of the latest 3D Donkey Kong. Talk about a WOW moment.
And as if that wasn’t enough: Elden Ring is now playable on The Switch 2. And From Software showed up with a brand-new RPG called The Duskbloods. Talk about a reveal.
Then came the final flex – Nintendo Switch Online is getting the GameCube library. This means yes, you can now play The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker while waiting for your food delivery. Peak comfort gaming.
They were vague about release dates for most of this. Classic move. But at least the stuff’s coming. And that’s enough to keep the hype alive for now.
But if you thought Nintendo was in full “giveth” mode – and wouldn’t switch gears to “taketh away” soon after – you clearly don’t know Nintendo.
Speaking of which…
Mario Kart World Is….$80?
Yes. You heard that correctly.
Big N has made the very bold (read: baffling) decision to price its first-party titles $10 higher than everything else. And for lack of a better word – it’s absurd.
On this one, we’re fully with the fanboys. A game is a game. Why charge more for some, just because you know people will buy them anyway?
We all know the answer. And it sucks.
It’s disappointing – no, it’s infuriating to see Nintendo lean this openly into fanbase milking. And unfortunately, that wasn’t even the worst of it.
Because turns out, they were just getting started.
Another Blow To Physical Media (And To Our Souls, Honestly)
In the eternal battle between greedy corporate overlords and loyal fans who just want to own what they buy – Nintendo has officially chosen a side. They picked….the suits.
They have announced that in some cases, physical game cartridges won’t include the full game anymore. Instead, they’ll act more like access keys – you’ll need to download the actual game data separately.
Yep. You’ll pay full price for a cartridge… and still have to download the game.
It’s almost as if the company is raising an invisible middle finger to fans who like to own the stuff they buy (why, Big N?). It’s downright cruel.
But once again, they doubled down and pissed more people off…
Regional Confusion
Like an old, paranoid grandpa with isolationist tendencies – Nintendo now loves region locking apparently.
Nintendo’s reintroducing region-specific versions of the console. In Japan alone, there are two: one that supports only Japanese, and another that’s multilingual. Naturally, that’s raised questions about how easy it’ll be to import the console or even access certain games internationally.
It’s well known that Nintendo is a conservative Japanese company, but it seems to now be ignoring sound economic sense for some strange reason.
Speaking of regional weirdness – India still doesn’t have official Nintendo support. No launch plans, no dedicated store, nothing. Just like last time, it’ll be up to third-party retailers and the grey market to keep the console alive here. Seems like that’s going to be the case again. To call this an extreme disappointment is undercutting it majorly.
But how that plays out this time is anyone’s guess. With the Trump tariffs wrecking global havoc, price inflation is very much on the table. I guess we’ll just have to see.
Read this excellent article from IGN India to know more here.
So What Are Your Thoughts?
On one hand, the Switch 2 reveal gave us plenty to be hyped about—upgraded hardware, a stacked game lineup, and a couple of genuine jaw-droppers (hi, Mario Kart: World and Metroid Prime 4).
On the other? Nintendo’s still being Nintendo. Tone-deaf pricing, anti-consumer decisions, and a stubborn refusal to evolve with modern gaming expectations.
Being a fan of this company is emotional whiplash. One minute it’s a pure childlike wonder, the next it’s adult-level disappointment. We love them. We yell at them. We preorder anyway.
However, here’s hoping that the coming months bring more magic and creativity, and less of the “wait,what?” moments.
But now we want to know – what hit you the hardest? The game reveals? The price tags? The slow death of physical media?
More importantly: got strong opinions and the writing chops to match?
We’re always looking for fresh voices at MindBrews. If you’ve got something to say (and the nerve to say it), pitch us. Write with us at [email protected]
