Nintendo Fans Debate Whether There's Mainstream Interest In A Cheaper, TV-Only Switch 2

Console prices are rough. The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event's sticker-shock moment surely eclipsed so much subsequent discussion; in the United States, it retails for $449.99, which makes its $499.99 version that loops in a free digital copy of Mario Kart World almost sound price-conscious. A modern Nintendo system with five-hundred-buck store signage just doesn't feel right, but here we are.

What if there were a way to combat all of this? A separate SKU which, while arguably making a bit of a mockery over the system's name, would potentially find an audience that is willing to fork over, say, $349.99 at the expense of ditching the Switch 2's handheld functionality? To some, that sounds ghastly; to others, who have expressed disinterest in ever plucking the machine from its proverbial holster and taking it on the road with them, it represents a mythical notion that would ease all that sticker shock rather nicely.

Nintendo No-Switch

To be sure, this isn't the first time we've seen such thoughts expressed; but a multipage ResetEra thread which presents the hypothetical scenario is chock-full of separate perspectives. The topic presents a poll which, as of this writing, sports over 500 votes. It's sure to rise a fair bit further in due course. One's response choices include yes, no, and - for good measure - an option for folks who wish Nintendo had never departed from its pre-Switch two-systems-per-generation approach. (The last of which being the Wii U/3DS combo.)

Thus far, the results have skewed heavily toward people who would not be interested in a traditional-console Switch 2, with approximately 65 percent of the vote. It's important to note, of course, that the poll asks whether we are personally interested in it, so I'm sure some are saying that they aren't but leaving the door open for the idea as might befit other potential buyers.

But first, some sentiments from the 157-and-rising who are very much for the idea. "I'd pay for something like this to avoid issues caused by battery degradation over time," LegendofLex says. "Yes," Hresvelg_ enthuses. "The Switch is not very comfy to hold anyway." Hrsevelg_, by the way, has an Edelgard avatar. Edelgard is the best character in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Just FYI.

"Yes, I want that ever since 2017, the portability is useless to me." So speaketh Diogo Arez. "Absolutely. I don't play games on the go so it just stays docked all the time." Thus spoke SP. LewieP would go a step further. "If this was an option, I'd sell my Switch 2 and get this. I hate the hybrid form factor, and tolerate because it's the gateway to Nintendo's games, but it really feels like both usage scenarios (TV play, handheld play) are compromised by hardware decisions made in order to support both."

"I only undock it on holidays." -ConflictResolver, citing a remarkably specific scenario

"I would not pay them money for another one with less functionality," PlanetSmasher states by contrast. "I personally wouldn't buy one," flatearthpandas (collectively?) explains, "because I like having the option to dock and undock and use it both ways, even if I primarily play docked." "Only if it's significantly cheaper than the handheld version," Secret Bambino sets their standard. Which, well, I'd certainly hope would be the case!

You know, I'm here, right now, documenting what these folks all think about the prospect. And I'm realizing... most replies are all-aboard for a "docked only" Nintendo Switch 2, even if the poll tilts in the opposite direction. I reckon those of us who love the idea are going to rush out to let the world know, whereas the majority are just going to shake their heads and move on.

One of the thread's first replies comes from Imran Khan, who works at GamesBeat and formerly served as Senior Editor at Game Informer. The point is, Imran knows his stuff. And, while I dig this idea, he's probably on to something:

"I think people largely expected this to happen with the Switch 1 and it didn't, probably because they're willing to make a cheaper portable version for kids but don't see a large enough market in the other side of the pendulum swing." -Imran Khan

What say you, dear readers? Is there a particular price point at which you'd be more invested in this form factor? Would a bit of a technical boost be enough to win you over instead? Is this something you can't fathom ever being remotely interested in?

Nintendo Switch 2