Nintendo has announced something interesting about the upcoming Switch 2. The company will release a special version that is region-locked, available only in Japan. This decision aims to tackle problems with resellers who capitalize on a weak yen.
The "Japanese/Domestic Only" model will retail for about 49,980 yen, or roughly $334. It will feature Japanese as the only language and will only link to accounts set up within Japan. An international version, with support for multiple languages, will exist. However, you can only buy it through the My Nintendo Store, and it will cost 69,980 yen, or about $467.
Reselling has become a growing concern in Japan. Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, has expressed commitment to addressing this issue. Dr. Serkan Toto, an expert from the game consultancy Kantan Games, noted that most Japanese consumers likely won’t mind the region lock. He explained that Nintendo sees Japan as its crucial market. The predecessor to the Switch is priced around 33,000 yen, which is about $220, and the company plans to maintain competitive pricing with the new console to attract local buyers.
Surveys suggest that the focus of gaming consoles has shifted over time. Many users, particularly in Japan, prioritize access to titles over multilingual support. This aligns with Dr. Toto’s observation that the vast majority of local players are not concerned with having an English option on their hardware.
In Japan, the gaming market is unique. Japanese players tend to favor consoles that offer a strong local library. According to recent data, about 60% of games sold in Japan are tailored to local tastes. This poses a strategic advantage for Nintendo as it develops devices that cater specifically to those preferences.
While the Switch 2 will face some criticism, it seems like Nintendo is banking on local loyalty above all. They want to make sure that Japanese gamers get a good deal, even if it means a different experience from international models.
For those interested in more details, you can check out Nintendo’s official announcement here.
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