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Why elden ring costs more on switch 2 than steam

Elden Ring Prices: Why is Switch 2 Charging More? | Gamers Weigh In

By

Naomi Kwon

Aug 21, 2026, 06:51 PM

Edited By

Marco Silva

2 minutes of duration

A split-screen image showing Elden Ring on a Switch 2 with a $120 price tag and on Steam with an $80 tag. The Switch 2 logo is visible alongside the game cover.
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A surge in complaints surrounding the pricing of Elden Ring on the Switch 2 is stirring debate among gamers. Many players are questioning why the price tag stands at CAD 120 compared to CAD 80 on PC platforms. This price difference has sparked confusion and frustration, especially among Canadian players.

Context of the Controversy

Gamers are expressing concern over the high cost of Elden Ring on the Switch 2, especially when compared to other platforms. While the PC version is listed at CAD 80, the Switch version comes bundled with additional content, including the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Some folks feel this is a justifiable price, while others see it as an exploitation of consumers.

Players noted:

"Because they know lots of idiots will buy it at that price."

Main Themes and Discussion Points

Several key points emerge from gamer discussions about this pricing issue:

  1. Bundle Justification: Users highlighted that the Switch version includes the DLC content, which should be factored into the price but does not fully excuse the higher cost.

  2. Regional Pricing Concerns: Many comment on how Canada often faces inflated prices compared to other countries, hinting at a broader issue within regional game pricing.

  3. Nintendo's Pricing Trends: The sentiment grows that Nintendo's pricing strategies are consistently higher than other platforms. A user remarked, "Seems pretty normal for Nintendo. Prices are horrendous there."

Gamers are clearly not pleased with the current pricing model.

User Quotes Reflecting the Sentiment

  • "Isn't everything more expensive on Switch?"

  • "Because it is a Nintendo price."

  • "The tarnished edition includes DLC; steam version does not."

Key Insights on the Pricing Debate

  • ๐Ÿค” CAD 120 for Switch vs. CAD 80 on PC is a significant jump.

  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Pricing includes DLC; however, the age of the game raises eyebrows.

  • ๐ŸŒ Regional pricing impacts access, with many Canadians feeling the pinch.

As the conversation continues, players are left wondering: Is paying full price for a three-year-old game fair when extra content is involved?

Expectations for Pricing Adjustments

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the backlash against Elden Ring's pricing on the Switch 2 might lead to Nintendo reevaluating its pricing strategy in Canada. Gamers might see a price drop or promotional offers within the next few months, especially as players express dissatisfaction on forums and other user boards. Experts estimate that if the pressure mounts, Nintendo may even consider bundling more content or significant discounts to retain its fan base and encourage sales of not only Elden Ring but other titles as well, making it a vital period for the gaming giant to address consumer frustrations effectively.

A Surprising Echo from Music History

Looking back, the debate surrounding video game pricing mirrors the music industry during the rise of digital downloads in the early 2000s. Just as many artists faced backlash for higher digital album prices due to packaging and extra content, the Switch 2โ€™s pricing exposes similar tensions in the gaming world. The reluctance to adjust prices led to platforms like iTunes losing ground to streaming services. In the same vein, if Nintendo doesnโ€™t adapt, it risks alienating loyal customers while newer, more flexible platforms gain the upper hand, a lesson history has shown is crucial in any entertainment market.