Summary
- Nintendo Switch 2’s high price and game cost draws unfavorable comparisons to Xbox One early on in its release.
- Fans noted similarities in features between Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox One including game sharing.
- Concerns about economy and tariffs inflate Nintendo Switch 2 prices, impacting fans’ comfort with upgrading.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is being compared to the Xbox One, and the comparison isn’t a favorable one. A comment made by Doug Bowser, the president of Nintendo of America, reminds Nintendo Switch 2 hopefuls of a comment made long ago regarding the Xbox family of consoles, and gamers aren’t thrilled.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct did get a lot of gamers excited, but unfortunately, it’s not all good news. Gamers haven’t been happy about the Nintendo Switch 2 price, nor the potential price of its games, with Mario Kart World costing $80 for digital to $90 for a physical copy. Most of the Nintendo Switch 2’s features were leaked in advance of the console’s official reveal, making that information less of a big exciting surprise and more of a confirmation of existing knowledge. Unfortunately, between the Nintendo Switch 2’s price and features, it’s now drawing comparisons to the Xbox One early on in its life.

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Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser talked to CBC about the reaction gamers have been having to the cost of the Nintendo Switch 2. Bowser noted that Nintendo is aware that the price point may be out of reach for some gamers. For those fans, he noted, “We recognize there are some people that may not be able to afford [the Switch 2’s] price point. That’s why we wanted to make the other Switch platforms available, so [people] still have an opportunity to come into our gaming universe… in whatever rung of the platform they come in.” While the statement was likely intended to reassure fans that the Nintendo Switch would continue to see support and games for some time, it instead reminded many of comments from Microsoft exec Don Mattrick when the Xbox One was approaching its release, saying “Fortunately, we have a product for people who aren’t able to get some form of connectivity. It’s called Xbox 360.”
Nintendo Fans Compare Xbox One and Nintendo Switch 2
Outside of gamers feeling there are similarities between the two statements, fans have also pointed to some of the features on the Switch 2 as being similar to the Xbox One. While the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t an online-only console, which was largely what riled up Xbox fans back in the day, the new Nintendo Switch 2 camera, game sharing, and game-key cards not containing the actual games have also drawn comparisons between the two systems.
Comparing the Nintendo Switch 2 to the Xbox One regarding game sharing isn’t entirely fair, as the 2004 Nintendo DS gave players a similar ability to play multiplayer titles with a friend even if they didn’t have a copy of the game. However, it’s clear that there is apprehension regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, and with concerns regarding the economy and Trump-era tariffs potentially inflating prices further, the notion of dropping so much on a new game system may not be something that many fans are comfortable with. Unfortunately, those same tariffs could raise the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 further. While Bowser’s statement wasn’t taken well by some fans, others may find reassurance in knowing that they can continue to enjoy Nintendo Switch titles without upgrading at this time.
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