March 27, 2026, 9:49 am | Read time: 2 minutes
For the Switch 2, Nintendo has significantly raised game prices. The physical copy of “Mario Kart World” costs a hefty 89.99 euros, and other first-party titles typically start at 79.99 euros. Now, the company has announced in the U.S. that it will offer games in digital form at a different price.
New Games Cheaper in the Future?
In a press release, Nintendo USA announced that digital and physical versions of new Switch 2 games will no longer have the same price. While this has been the case in Germany for some time (such as with “Donkey Kong Bananza” and “Mario Kart World”), this change is now coming to the most important market for the Switch 2.
But this also has a positive effect for Germany. In May 2026, the new exclusive title “Yoshi and the Mysterious Book” will be released for 69.99 euros for the physical copy. For the digital version, Nintendo is only charging 59.99 euros–a savings of 10 euros. It is thus the first major Nintendo game for the Switch 2 to cost less than 69.99 euros.
In a statement to “IGN,” Nintendo confirmed that the change in pricing structure does not mean that physical copies of the games will become more expensive. Instead, only the suggested retail price for digital versions will decrease. This effectively amounts to a price reduction.
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Reason: Production and Distribution Costs
Nintendo justifies the price differences with the respective cost structures: “This change merely reflects the different costs associated with the production and distribution of each format.”
The company also emphasizes that players will receive the same gaming experience regardless of the format. The pricing is intended to reflect different purchasing options and offer more flexibility.
Impact on Upcoming and Existing Titles
According to Nintendo, the new pricing strategy applies to new games developed specifically for the Switch 2 starting in May 2026. The price of already released titles will not be adjusted retroactively. TECHBOOK has inquired with Nintendo whether the announcement also applies to Germany, but has not yet received a response.
Future releases like “Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave” and “Splatoon Raiders” are likely to fall under the new regulation. Nintendo also points out that retailers can still set their own prices, which may lead to deviations from the recommended prices.