The Rise of Arrogant Nintendo? Why Gamers Are Criticizing the Switch 2

The internet reacted ambivalently to yesterday’s presentation of Nintendo’s new console, which showcased several games and revealed key details about the device. There’s plenty of criticism aimed at the Switch 2 — and gamers’ reactions partially echo the widespread outrage following the disastrous Xbox One conference at E3 2013. So what caused the negativity this time? Let’s break it down point by point.

Let’s start with the positives. Potential Switch 2 buyers were impressed by the console’s new technical specs. The most praised upgrade is the new screen, which supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, VRR (variable refresh rate) to smooth out FPS drops, and HDR10. As Reddit user JPA-3 noted, these features were a pleasant surprise:

A high refresh rate and VRR mean that developers can, in theory, optimize games for 40 FPS — the sweet spot between 30 and 60 — as long as the display supports 120 Hz. User Daftpigeon explained the importance of 40 FPS like this:

If your TV or monitor supports a high refresh rate and you own, say, a PlayStation 5, you’ve probably experienced how smooth 40 FPS feels in games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart or Marvel's Spider-Man 2.

Many gamers also praised the new Joy-Con feature that allows them to function like a mouse. This could greatly improve shooter gameplay and potentially encourage strategy developers to port more titles to Switch 2.

Digital Foundry experts are optimistic about the console’s power. They praised how well Cyberpunk 2077 runs on Switch 2 — with visuals significantly better than those on old PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems. That’s important, since there were widespread rumors suggesting the Switch 2 would be comparable in power to a PS4.

Now for the criticism. Nintendo explained that the new C button activates a video chat system similar to Discord. It allows players to share screen recordings with others, even while playing different games.

This feature is already controversial. First, starting in March 2026, the Switch 2’s game chat will require a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription. In other words, there’s an entire hardware button on the console that you can’t freely use.

Second, the screen sharing system is so buggy and unpolished that users were left wondering why Nintendo focused so much on it during the presentation. Reddit user FlygonHG bluntly stated in their post:

According to official specs, the Switch 2’s 5 220 mAh battery will last between 2 and 6.5 hours in portable mode. Many longtime Nintendo fans were unimpressed — especially those used to the Switch OLED, which offered 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life. ResetEra user evilcar commented as follows:

Nintendo introduced a new type of cartridge for Switch 2 that essentially works as a license key. The full game isn’t stored on the physical media — it’s downloaded online. Xbox One X discs use a similar system.

It’s worth noting that most games on the original Switch could be installed offline directly from the cartridge. That’s incredibly convenient in areas with slow or no internet — like on vacation in the countryside.

With Switch 2, users will have to check the game box for disclaimers identifying whether it contains a regular or “empty” cartridge. This change drew criticism. For example, physical media preservation advocates at Does it play? stated the following:

Streamer and insider Lance McDonald also highlighted the “empty” cartridge issue:

Interestingly, the Cyberpunk 2077 port (with the Phantom Liberty expansion) will be fully installable from cartridge — no internet required. CD Projekt fit the game onto a 64 GB physical card, while the developers of Bravely Default — just 11 GB in size — chose not to do so.

Nintendo announced the Switch 2 Welcome Tour — a digital tutorial designed to showcase the console’s features. It’s meant to be similar to Astro's Playroom on PS5 or Aperture Desk Job for Steam Deck.

The backlash came because Nintendo plans to charge money for it. Essentially, it’s paid advertising for the console’s features. Reddit user Puzzleheaded_Brick_3 summed it up like this:

Gamers were also lukewarm about the remasters of classic Switch games. Updated versions will cost between $10 and $20, depending on whether they include new content.

ResetEra user Phendrana explained what’s wrong with this approach:

To be fair, some remasters will be free — for example, the beloved Super Mario Odyssey.

Ultimately, the biggest wave of outrage is over pricing — for Switch 2 games, the console itself, and its accessories. Massive discussion threads with hundreds of comments have popped up all over Reddit: one, two, three.

Thousands of gamers complain they aren’t willing to pay €90 for a physical copy of Mario Kart World, €470 for the most basic Switch 2 bundle, or over €90 for an extra pair of Joy-Cons.

We won’t dive into whether the pricing is justified — that’s a complex topic that deserves its own article. But the fact remains: many potential buyers are unhappy with what they see as aggressive pricing. Even people not planning to buy the console are concerned that this could mark the beginning of price hikes across the entire industry. If publishers follow Nintendo’s lead, a €90 GTA 6 may no longer seem unrealistic.

In Japan, the Switch 2 will sell for the equivalent of just $330 — much cheaper than in other markets. To stop scalpers and foreign buyers from snapping up the cheaper version, the Japanese Switch 2 will be region-locked.

Nintendo’s attempt to support its local market is understandable. But the internet reacted negatively to the return of region locking — a practice many view as outdated and unnecessary.

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The internet is buzzing with controversy around the Switch 2. But whether this criticism will affect the console’s sales or force Nintendo to reconsider its approach remains uncertain. Microsoft drastically changed course after fan backlash in 2013, but Nintendo has historically been a much more self-assured company — especially now, riding high on the original Switch’s phenomenal success.

So, what do you think about the Switch 2 details? Let us know in the comments — what did you like, and what didn’t sit well with you?