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▼ Nintendo Is (Kinda) Returning To Region-Locking With A Cheaper Japanese Switch 2
- Category:Other
After the Switch 2 Direct wrapped up, Nintendo put out a press release announcing its pricing in different regions, including Japan. However, it appears that Japanese gamers will have an extra, cheaper option if they're happy to have a Japanese-language-only Switch 2.
"The Japanese-Language System" is priced at 49,980 yen (approximately $333.87 USD at the time of writing), versus 69,980 yen ($467.48 USD) for the Multi-Language equivalent, which will only be available from the Japanese My Nintendo Store. The base system will retail for $449.99 in the US.
Why the different tiers and prices? This option has presumably been made available as a reaction to the weak yen, which makes Switch 2's launch price even harder to swallow on Nintendo's home turf than elsewhere.
The ability to play games from any region on any Switch 2 around the world makes importing a Japanese console very financially attractive for people living outside the country, so language-locking this cheaper version aimed specifically at the Japanese market will dissuade people who don't speak or understand Japanese from importing the cheaper model.
US tariffs have been a hot topic recently, too, so Nintendo is having to get creative with its Switch 2 pricing strategy.
Additionally, the website says that there'll be a lottery system in place in Japan for anybody wanting to buy a Switch 2 at launch, which is fairly standard practice for the country when it comes to hot-ticket gaming hardware.
More details on the lottery system will be announced on 4th April, while Nintendo has an invite system in place in the West for anyone looking to pre-order from the platform holder itself, although there are certain criteria to qualify. Retailer pre-orders have yet to be announced.
"The Japanese-Language System" is priced at 49,980 yen (approximately $333.87 USD at the time of writing), versus 69,980 yen ($467.48 USD) for the Multi-Language equivalent, which will only be available from the Japanese My Nintendo Store. The base system will retail for $449.99 in the US.
Why the different tiers and prices? This option has presumably been made available as a reaction to the weak yen, which makes Switch 2's launch price even harder to swallow on Nintendo's home turf than elsewhere.
The ability to play games from any region on any Switch 2 around the world makes importing a Japanese console very financially attractive for people living outside the country, so language-locking this cheaper version aimed specifically at the Japanese market will dissuade people who don't speak or understand Japanese from importing the cheaper model.
US tariffs have been a hot topic recently, too, so Nintendo is having to get creative with its Switch 2 pricing strategy.
Additionally, the website says that there'll be a lottery system in place in Japan for anybody wanting to buy a Switch 2 at launch, which is fairly standard practice for the country when it comes to hot-ticket gaming hardware.
More details on the lottery system will be announced on 4th April, while Nintendo has an invite system in place in the West for anyone looking to pre-order from the platform holder itself, although there are certain criteria to qualify. Retailer pre-orders have yet to be announced.
- 3/4 21:06
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