Switch 2 price increase calls for console-selling games, say ex-Nintendo marketers

Given the higher storage and memory prices, the Switch 2 price increase wasn’t a shock to the industry. Nintendo is now forecasting a drop in console sales for the next fiscal year ending in March 2027. To meet those lower targets, some followers believe the company needs a stronger lineup of games.

Does the Switch 2 have a recent console seller?

Kit & Krysta, former Nintendo PR and marketing leads, are now popular podcasters. In a new YouTube video, they explain why the gaming giant faces challenges enticing Switch owners to upgrade. Once the hardware costs $499.99 in September, it becomes critical to release appealing first-party Switch 2 games.

The company’s 2026 fiscal report highlighted how Pokémon Pokopia helped drive adoption of its latest handheld. Just 5 weeks after its early March debut, it had accumulated 4 million in sales. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is another recent success story, but it was also available on the last-gen system. 60 percent of the social simulator’s player base is on the older console.

The impending Switch 2 price increase will make it more difficult to convince holdouts. Kit Ellis argues that “software sells hardware” and Nintendo should prepare “big games” for later in 2026. Neither podcaster envisions Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Star Fox, or Splatoon Raiders as console sellers.

Nintendo's holiday intentions

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is another anticipated first-party title expected this year. When looking ahead to the holiday season, the picture becomes murkier. Unlike Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo won’t benefit from the November GTA 6 release date. As it becomes tempting to purchase a PS5 or Xbox system, gamers may lack reasons to invest in the handheld.

Kit & Krysta urge Nintendo’s executives to be transparent about its plans. That could start with a general Direct showcase in June. With Star Fox as the latest example, the company has been criticized for recycling games. Even so, the rumored The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake may generate massive interest.

In 2027, a new 3D Mario experience could join Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. Regardless, game industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto also thinks it’s imperative to prioritize exclusive Switch 2 games. Speaking to CNBC about the handheld’s price hike, he said:

It is now absolutely critical for Nintendo to release blockbuster first-party games as fast as possible in order to drive sales.