As the gaming market grows, it is becoming increasingly common for various big-name gaming brands to release consoles at a rapid pace. With this growth only predicted to increase by substantial numbers as the hobby of video-gaming becomes more popular, the pressure can feel intense to purchase each new system — something that simply is not possible for many consumers in the community: high schoolers. With the release of the Switch 2, students at OHS who have purchased the console have begun to form opinions about the expensive level-up in gaming.
Released on June 5, 2025, at $449.99, the price is a near $150 increase from its predecessor, the Switch. While this decision has led to enhancements to the quality in many areas, like the screen size and graphics, it has also sparked controversy.
“I feel like there should be an increase in price because the quality is a lot higher, but $150 is kind of insane,” said Emily Brown, sophomore.
Not only has the price of the console itself increased, but so has the individual price of the games, which now rests at an average of $80 for a digital copy and even higher for a physical cartridge per title.
“I feel like there’s a consistent bar of quality [with their game] there,” said Max Moore, junior. “[But] it shouldn’t be $80. It’s not $80 good; I can tell you that much.”
Concerning price, the ethics of such an increase in cost have been called into question as rates continue to mount.
“I feel like the price should be lower because that’s just unfair to so many people,” Brown said.
Additionally, many customers have raised concerns about their claim to their console, considering that Nintendo’s new Terms of Service allows them to disable the device remotely should there be a violation, such as piracy.
“I think that is really bad for the price of it, as well as everything else relating to it, because if you buy it for that much money, you should be able to do whatever you want to your console,” said Taylor Nunciato-Cruz, junior.
With that being said, the Switch 2 has still managed to attract many interested gamers who have made the purchase, though some are still discontent with the reason for purchase as well as the aforementioned cost.
“The reason I really wanted to get it was because my old switch just didn’t work anymore because it was so old, and now I’m forced to pay $100 more just to get the new one, which I think is unfair,” Brown said.
Regardless of purchase, the Switch 2 brings up several questions for students about not only the financials of buying the newest console, but of the ethics of the companies behind them.
“That feels incredibly greedy from an already profitable company,” Moore said.
