The one big problem with the Nintendo Switch – arguably big enough to potentially sink the system – is the price. Most people were expecting a $249 price, while hoping for $199. Instead, they get system that costs a staggering $299 upfront. Which is a bit of an issue, all things considered, especially considering that you can pick up a PS4 Slim or Xbox One S bundle for that price.
According to Michael Pachter, the price actually creates issues for the system- he believes the system would have done incredible numbers at $199, and prices it a bit high for what will be a second console for a lot of people. “It’s more expensive than I hoped or expected. Thought it would be amazing at $200 and competitive at $250, but $300 seems a bit steep, especially considering that the other consoles are at that price. I think it will sell well to Nintendo fans, but it will be a second console for a lot of people,” he said to GamingBolt.
We also asked him about the one thing Nintendo did get right with it- the games lineup. Like everyone else, he is impressed with the games lineup, and pins the device’s chances of success on the games. “The first party lineup is impressive, and Zelda at launch with Mario Odyssey shortly thereafter is a great slate. The other games look fun, and it appears to me to be a much stronger launch lineup than we saw for Wii U.”
Between Mario, Zelda, Splatoon, Mario Kart, Fire Emblem Warriors, and Xenoblade 2, the first party games headed to the device just this year alone look great- and yes, they’re enough to make me splurge on the system, in the end. But the price is definitely on the higher side and it may hurt Nintendo’s chances in the long run.