Nintendo Switch Accessories and Prices: They Cost What?

The Nintendo Switch Presentation has finally come to pass, showing the world what the historic consumer electronics company has in store for gamers everywhere come March 3, 2017.

Those wishing to purchase the console can choose between one featuring the Gray Joy-Con controllers or one containing a Neon Blue left Joy-Con and a Neon Red right Joy-Con.

Both console packages will come with the Nintendo Switch console, the Nintendo Switch Dock, a left and right Joy-Con controller, the Joy-Con charging grip, Joy-Con Straps, an HDMI cable and the AC adapter charging cable for the device.

Both the Gray and Neon packages will be sold for $299.99 USD.

As the Switch is being marketed as a system to play with your friends anywhere, at any time, consumers will undoubtedly be looking to purchase additional controllers and accessories. Players who prefer to use the Switch Pro Controllers will also be looking to make an investment beyond the initial console price.

Nintendo has released the prices of at least some of the accessories that we can expect for the Nintendo Switch at launch. Unfortunately, customers will need to be ready to shell out some serious cash in order to get what they desire.

The Joy-Con controllers can be purchased in singles or pairs. A pair of Gray, Neon Red, Neon Blue, or one of each Neon color will set you back $80, including wrist straps for both controllers. If you are only looking to purchase a single Joy-Con, be prepared to pay $50 for the small device. Purchasing the pair will be $20 cheaper than buying two separate left and right Joy-Cons.

Of course, another set of Joy-Con controllers will probably require that the consumer buy another of the Joy-Con charging grips. For this small piece of hardware, players will be looking at spending another $30.

Players who prefer the feel of the Pro controller are perhaps getting the worst end of the stick. One Pro controller will cost a staggering $70.

Other accessories available for purchase will include additional Nintendo Switch Docks at $90, as well as a steering wheel for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe coming in at a very reasonable $15.

Based on everything that has been shared about the Joy-Con controllers and their capabilities, it could be argued that this price, while high, is worth it for the experience. However, this loses sight of the context in which these prices are being seen.

The current gaming landscape is dominated by the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, two unique consoles with higher power capabilities and strong software lineups that will only improve in the first quarter of 2017. Most importantly, both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One can be purchased for prices at or below the $299 mark of the Nintendo Switch.

Having these excessively high prices for additional controllers and other accessories makes the system all the more inaccessible to the consumer, especially when Nintendo is creating something built for family get-togethers and parties with friends. When a family of four is looking at what system to purchase and knows that they will automatically need to invest another $80 on top of the $299 that they have already spent just to play a game together, it is not as easy to swipe that credit card.

Nintendo had a lot of work to do with this console. The Nintendo Switch needed to grab the attention of its old fans, show itself off as the long-awaited system built for the family and convince everyone that it was going to be a leap forward from the Wii U. Those who already have other consoles from this generation had to be shown why the Switch was worth their time.

This accessory price hike does nothing to help the Switch, and ultimately Nintendo, in its battle to win over the hearts of gamers and non-gamers alike.