Concerns have been raised about rising video game prices, with the average cost increasing from $59.99 to $69.99, and some titles, such as Mario Kart World, reaching up to $90.

Layden emphasized Nintendo's reliance on first-party exclusives like Mario and Zelda to drive hardware sales, suggesting that this exclusivity helps mitigate consumer concerns about price increases.

The Switch 2 is officially named to indicate it is the latest model in the Nintendo Switch line, marking a departure from the company's tradition of innovative hardware designs.

This new console features enhancements such as a larger screen, a more powerful processor, and support for 4K at 120 fps, which some critics argue aligns more with competitors' trends than Nintendo's creative legacy.

Layden, a former PlayStation CEO, criticized Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2, arguing that price hikes should have been implemented gradually over console generations to reflect rising development costs.

Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $450, although there are concerns that tariffs may drive the price higher.

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida expressed disappointment with the Switch 2, suggesting it risks damaging Nintendo's brand identity by focusing more on hardware improvements than innovative gameplay experiences.

Yoshida noted that while the availability of popular titles like Elden Ring on the Switch 2 may excite some, core gamers who own multiple systems may find these offerings less compelling.

He expressed that Nintendo's focus on creating a more powerful console represents a shift from the creativity typically associated with the brand, which may not resonate well with long-time fans.

The ongoing debate surrounding the Switch 2 reflects broader tensions between gaming companies' profit motives and consumer affordability concerns, as the market becomes increasingly competitive.

Despite some positive aspects, such as the introduction of mouse controls in games like Drag X Drive, Yoshida remains disappointed with the overall direction of the Switch 2's unveiling.

Yoshida pointed out that while the Switch 2's price in Japan is similar to the original Switch, international prices may reflect a significant markup, raising affordability issues for consumers.