Nintendo is known for bringing innovative and accessible consoles to the market, but with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the company seems to be entering the dangerous realm of alienation. Instead of taking the price discussion seriously, Nintendo is presenting a solution that gives the impression that it doesn't really understand the problems gamers face.
Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, recently spoke about thisthat some people may not be able to afford the Nintendo Switch 2. To counter this problem, the existing Switch platforms are to serve as an "alternative" to continue immersing yourself in the Nintendo universe. However, this "solution" leaves many questions unanswered. If the original Switch continues to be offered at a similar price to when it was released and games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are still being sold at a full 60 dollars, then it's hard to believe that this "alternative" really offers players an affordable option.
The reality of prices: Nintendo and Sony in comparison
The comparison with Sony is not far off, as the Japanese company recently made a similar decision when it announced the PS5 Pro - and at a price of 799 euros. Like Nintendo with the Switch 2, Sony has also managed to set a particularly high price for the latest version of its console without really addressing the concerns of the broad consumer base. Sony has already shown with the PS3 how expensive a console can become without users feeling that the price-performance ratio is right. The PS5 Pro now seems to be a step further in this direction, as it continues to keep the prices of both the hardware itself and the games high.
However, Sony also experienced the consequences of this policy. The PS3 was technologically advanced, but the high price and arrogant attitude towards consumers led to a difficult time for the brand. Although Sony has since learned a lot and was able to recapture the market with the PS4 and PS5, the PS5 Pro is once again proving to be an obstacle to widespread acceptance.
Arrogant pricing policy or simply ignorance?
Both Nintendo and Sony are currently in a similar situation: both companies have consoles with high price points and are facing an economic situation in which many gamers are struggling with tight budgets. However, instead of finding a clear answer to consumers' needs - for example by lowering prices or creating more affordable alternatives - both companies tend to focus on the "premium" aspect of their consoles.
In the end, the question remains as to how long this policy can be sustained. Both Nintendo with the Switch 2 and Sony with the PS5 Pro seem to be hoping that their brand loyalty and fanbases will be enough to justify the high prices. However, the growing gap between the price of the consoles and the financial realities of many gamers could become a challenge for both companies in the long term. It will be interesting to see how they respond to these growing concerns.
English 
German