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Published: January 13, 2017 | Source: Nintendo | Author: Mark Campbell

Will the Nintendo Switch’s price be its downfall?

Will the Nintendo Switch's price be its downfall?

Will the Nintendo Switch’s price be its downfall?

 
 
In today’s console market there are two factors that can be vital to the success of a console, performance and price. We have already seen with the PS4 Pro that console gamers are willing to pay more for additional game performance and enhanced visuals, but with the Switch Nintendo are taking a different approach.  
 
At this time Nintendo has not revealed how powerful the new console will be, or the exact hardware specifications of the platform. We already know that it will be using a Nvidia-made mobile SoC, which will make the console less powerful than the PS4 and Xbox One, though the question remains whether or not the promise of portability will be the console’s saving grace.
 
At the price of $299 in the US and £280 in the UK the Nintendo Switch will certainly be an expensive item, more expensive in fact than the Xbox One S and PS4, which is a big ask for a console that is said to be less powerful. 
 

  

Will the Nintendo Switch's price be its downfall?

 

Right now it looks like Nintendo Switch games will cost between £40 and £60 (typical console game prices), with a wide range of accessories being available for the console at launch, be it additional Joy-con or Switch Pro gamepad-style controllers, additional docks and other accessories. 

It is possible that Nintendo will make their £280 price tag more palatable by bundling a free game with the console, or by removing accessories like the Joy-con Grip or by creating a handheld-only SKU without a Switch Dock. With the price of some of these Nintendo accessories when sold standalone it could be possible for Nintendo to sell a £200 handheld only model after launch. 

What will be key for Nintendos success will be 3rd party support, which has usually been Nintendo’s downfall and their ability to convince gamers that a handheld is worth more than a PS4 or Xbox One home consoles. I personally hope that Nintendo can find success this generation, though right now there is reason to be concerned. 

 

You can join the discussion on Nintendo’s Switch console on the OC3D Forums. Find all of the latest PC hardware and gaming news on the OC3D Homepage. 

 

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