Nintendo Switch 2 boycott launched by activists over high game prices and Game-Key Cards
Facing the decline of physical media and price increases, more activists are organizing protests. Discussed by Screen Rant, the latest boycott is from Gaming Consumer Rights, which is targeting the Switch 2. Among its many complaints are the high price of some Switch 2 games and Nintendo's support of Game-Key Cards.
The Gaming Consumer Rights website outlines numerous issues it has with Nintendo. One problem is with the rising MSRPs of first-party Switch 2 games. While other publishers have flirted with $80 titles, Nintendo broke new ground with Mario Kart World. Some gamers have since rejected the $70 Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 compilation. These fans criticize Nintendo for another unnecessary full-price re-release.
With controversial Game-Key Cards, the group identifies what it considers misleading marketing. It argues that buyers are tricked into thinking they own a physical copy of a Switch 2 game. However, these releases require an internet connection to install titles, which may limit future access.
Other points raised by Gaming Consumer Rights include expensive accessories and Joy-Con 2 stick drift. It also condemns the marketing practices surrounding the Switch 2 launch. The organization says that Nintendo misled buyers into believing the handheld would be difficult to find in stock.
Skepticism surrounds Gaming Consumer Rights
Critics of the boycott contend that Switch 2 gaming platform is being singled out for industry-wide practices. Pricey remakes and remasters of classic titles are hardly unique to the Japanese gaming giant. Meanwhile, Microsoft and other major publishers have gradually shifted toward exclusively digital gaming. Also, while the original Switch saw a price increase, the Switch 2 has not experienced the same price hikes as the PS5 and Xbox consoles.
The organization has scheduled demonstrations at events like the October 11th New York Comic Con. While naysayers don't anticipate much success, Gaming Consumer Rights sees progress. It claims that Switch 2 console sales have declined due to the problems it highlights. The group also points to campaigns like the Stop Killing Games to show that consumers share their game preservation concerns.
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