The Switch 2 may be the most expensive Nintendo console, but it's actually reasonably priced, really

So Nintendo launched its Switch 2 console this week, and while the revelation of specs (4K! 120 Hz! Variable Refresh Rate!) was everything us geeks hoped for, there was one area the Nintendogs weren't prepared for: The price tag.

At $699.95, the Switch 2 is launching as the most expensive games console the Japanese gaming company has ever released. And by quite a margin, too.

Every home console from Nintendo prior to this one had launched at less than $500 Australian dollars. So for this to jump up by more than $200 compared to previous generations is quite the pill to swallow.

But I'm here to tell you that the pill isn't that big. Especially for what's on offer with the product.

A quick trip down memory lane

While the Switch 2 is the most expensive Nintendo console to have launched, it's far from the most expensive console to ever launch.

Here's a rundown of launch prices for game consoles in Australia. It's not comprehensive (I didn't include things like Sega's consoles), but it gives a pretty good idea of how things have been priced over the past (almost) 40 years.

It surprised me to learn that the Switch 2 is launching at the same RRP in Australia as the first generation of PlayStation. Almost 30 years since Sony delivered its first console, Nintendo has finally delivered a device at the same price.

When you consider that, the Switch 2 doesn't seem so expensive. It has its own 1080p screen, a dock that lets you output at 4K, magnetic controllers and backwards compatibility with hundreds of Switch games.

I loved my PS1. It showed me that games could be more than arcade romps of quick reflexes (though that's still fun). But to see how far the Switch 2 has advanced since that console yet still costing the same price shows that Nintendo's latest console isn't "overpriced"

Perhaps harder to swallow is the increase in the cost of the games. But even there, it's arguably a disservice to Nintendo to get too upset.

While the pricing increase from about $80 to $120 seems a lot, it's on par with titles from Sony and Microsoft. Given the Switch 2 now delivers 4K output at 60 fps with surround sound, it makes sense there has been a price increase.

I still expect to see substantial discounts on third party games through Nintendo's digital store.

And for me, that's what it comes down to. If you aren't prepared to pay full price for something, wait. In our capitalistic society, gadgets and game consoles always go on sale.

If the price is an issue, buy it when it's available at a discounted price.

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