The prices for first-party games are rising. And Nintendo is taking on a new pioneering role here. Anyone who thought that "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" had already reached the pain threshold at 70 euros will now be proven wrong. Because with the Nintendo Switch 2 The Japanese group wants to increase its sales of top titles such as the Mario Kart World" presented today up to 90 euros for the physical version. A new record in the already heated price war in the gaming industry. But the question remains: will Sony and Microsoft follow suit?
The end of 80 euro games?
The old price structure seems to be history for good. For years, 60 euros was the standard for AAA titles before publishers slowly but surely switched to 80 euros. Now Nintendo is the first company to break the next sound barrier. While "Donkey Kong Bananza" is still listed for 70 euros, "Mario Kart World" costs official website 80 euros for the digital version and 90 euros for the physical version. A strategic decision? Or simply a test run for a price increase across the board?
The timing could hardly be more explosive. At the same time, there are already heated discussions about the potential price of "GTA 6". Analysts and insiders speculatethat Rockstar Games could offer the blockbuster for 100 euros for the first time. And why not? With production costs beyond the billion mark and a fan base willing to pay any price, this would be a bold but possible move. Nintendo's pricing policy could serve as a blueprint here.
What does this mean for Sony and Microsoft?
The big question remains whether Sony and Microsoft will follow this trend. So far, both have been content with the 80-euro limit, but if "GTA 6" actually reaches triple digits, this could spark a new dynamic. Publishers are watching the market closely and are just waiting for an opportunity to pick up as well.
However, Microsoft's Game Pass model is likely to be a decisive variable. While Nintendo and Sony primarily rely on full-price purchases to monetize their exclusive titles, Microsoft offers its own blockbusters directly as subscriptions. If the price of individual games continues to rise, this could ultimately play into the Game Pass' hands - a clever move to make its own platform more attractive.
Nintendo is taking a risk
The question remains as to how well this strategy will go down with players. Sure, "Mario Kart World" will still sell like hotcakes. But the community is more price-sensitive than ever. Especially in times of rising living costs, the pain threshold has been reached - or perhaps already exceeded? Nintendo will try an experiment with the Switch 2 price strategy. The coming months will show whether it will be a pioneer or a deterrent example.
English 
German