Why Are Switch Physical Games More Expensive?

Unfortunately for Switch owners, Switch physical games can be quite expensive, even more so when compared to other platforms. Not only are multi-platform games more expensive on Switch, but Switch exclusives also maintain high prices, while games exclusive to other platforms tend to get cheaper with time.

But why are Switch physical games so much more expensive in so many instances? Sure, there are many causes for the price hikes, but, all in all, some blame can be placed on Nintendo themselves.

With that said, there’s more than one reason why Switch physical games are so expensive. Here’s a few of them.

 

Cartridge Costs

Nintendo reportedly has a policy that physical Switch games should have the same prices as their digital counterparts, helping make Switch owners keep on buying cartridges.

The thing is, producing a digital game isn’t as costly as manufacturing a physical cartridge, which costs more to produce depending on how big the game is. Besides, anything physical needs space, transportation and care – those cost money. If you make physical copies more expensive than digital ones, no one would want the cartridges. The solution is to make both prices equal, resulting in higher prices.

Because of that, Switch games are inherently more expensive than games on other platforms.

 

The Sales Are High

Even though Switch game prices are a lot higher compared to prices from other platforms, Switch games on sale also typically have deeper discounts.

While platforms such as PlayStation and Xbox need to reduce the prices on their games in order to maintain sales, Switch classics rarely have price reductions and their sales tend to stay at a high throughout the lifetime of a console.

Gamers who own the Switch have already coined the term “Switch tax”, referring to the typical high prices of some Switch games. Switch fans often complain about some of the prices of games (such as Skyward Sword HD), though a lot of them keep on buying the games regardless.

That spending helps Nintendo keep its coffers full. There’s no need to reduce prices if sales are – and will continue to be – good.

 

Nintendo Is Nostalgic

Sometimes, names in gaming carry as much value as the content itself does. That’s the case with Nintendo: the Nintendo name has power and is a unique, nostalgic symbol of gaming, which is a reason why Switch physical games are more expensive.

For most of us, even if we don’t play anything Nintendo-related for a long time, we’ll still recognize Link’s green clothes and Mario’s red cap from afar.

Nintendo has the most nostalgic and unique games – and they know that. Switch games can be expensive, but those prices are the only way you’re getting them. You can’t play a Super Mario exclusive with a PlayStation, or try out Legend of Zelda on the Xbox.

So, if Switch owners have no other choice, there’s no reason to lower prices. That’s capitalism for you.

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