Former Blizzard Executive Expresses Disinterest in Switch 2

Mike Ybarra, a former executive from Blizzard and Xbox, didn’t mince words when it came to the Nintendo Switch 2. His succinct take? “Hard pass.” Although Nintendo’s hour-long presentation on April 2 was packed with announcements meant to dazzle fans, not everyone was impressed, and it seems the Switch 2 stirred up quite the controversy, even among industry veterans.

During the Direct, Nintendo left a significant detail out: the pricing. Once the official information did land, many were left grappling with sticker shock. The new console carries a hefty price tag of $450 in the US. Moreover, some of its games are priced at $80 or even more, depending on which edition you opt for. This price point has ruffled feathers among fans who are also frustrated by the lack of upfront communication from Nintendo. Some former Nintendo public relations managers jibed at the company for seemingly glossing over such critical details.

Former Blizzard President and ex-Microsoft Corporate Vice President Mike Ybarra further aired his grievances on Twitter following the Direct. Labeling the Switch 2 as a no-go for him, he expressed his disbelief at the $80 price for games like Mario Kart World and questioned the rationale behind the console’s high cost, especially highlighting its “low frames.” He’s not alone in voicing such concerns; on platforms like Reddit, fans are vocal about their dissatisfaction with Nintendo, particularly overpaying for next-gen upgrades to games they already own.

The skepticism doesn’t end with Ybarra. Ex-PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida also weighed in, calling the Direct “underwhelming.” He expressed both surprise at the hefty pricing and disappointment at the scant new game announcements, though he recognized the console’s strong social features.

The contentious pricing strategy for both the Switch 2 console and its first-party games remains a hot topic. While the $80 price tag for Mario Kart might seem eye-watering, some point out that when adjusted for inflation, older Mario Kart titles were comparably expensive. However, this doesn’t sit well given that many other studios continue to price their games between $60 and $70. The impact that these price points and other debated features will have on the Switch 2’s sales success remains to be seen. However, it’s safe to say that this uproar isn’t the initial response Nintendo was aiming for.