Switch 2 Pricing Sparks Outrage | Scandinavia Faces Stock Crisis
Edited By
Emily Johnson
A significant pricing issue has emerged for the newly launched Switch 2 in Scandinavia, where retailers are struggling to sell units due to exorbitant suggested retail prices. According to reports, gamers are feeling the sting of revived Mario Kart bundles that cost nearly 47% more than in other regions.
Pricing Disparities Across Regions
With the Switch 2 breaking records globally, having sold over 3 million units in just 24 hours, Scandinavians are scratching their heads as Bergsala AB, the exclusive Nintendo distributor in the region, sets price tags far above those found in the rest of Europe.
In Sweden, the Mario Kart bundle retails for approximately 7,490 SEK (~$775 USD).
In Denmark, it's priced at 4,599 DKK (~$655 USD).
In comparison, customers in the USA pick it up for $499, Europe sees it at €509 (~$550 USD), and Japan offers it for ¥53,980 (~$380 USD). Why is there such a price gulf?
Local Retalers Struggle Amid Stockpile
Many stores across Sweden and Denmark are feeling the impact of the high prices, with reports showing shelves full of Switch 2 bundles in chains like Elgiganten and Bilka. Gamers are canceling pre-orders and opting to buy from countries where prices are significantly lower. As one user remarked, "Canceled my order from Elgiganten and bought it from Ireland for a better price."
Customer Backlash and Switching Strategies
The discontent with Bergsala's pricing strategy has prompted many gamers to seek alternatives. Users have shared their experiences of ordering from Germany and France to save hundreds:
"I preordered from the Nintendo Germany store for this very reason, saving over €170!"
"Plenty of folks are ordering from France or Germany. Why pay local prices when there are better options?"
This pricing debacle has led some to question why Nintendo continues its partnership with Bergsala while other regions have more competitive pricing focuses.
Implications for the Gaming Community
The widespread sentiment among gamers in Scandinavia reflects frustration toward high pricing and poor availability:
"It's staggering that an importer can inflate prices for their own gain," one gamer noted.
As the situation evolves, many speculate about changes when the contract with Bergsala comes up for renewal in 2026.
Noteworthy User Insights
△ Gamers report saving $200+ by ordering from European neighbors.
▽ Many prefer preordering from countries with fairer pricing structures.
※ "Nintendo doesn’t seem to care about countries that don’t bring them massive sales!"
As the community remains vocal, will Nintendo address these pricing issues in Scandinavia? Only time will tell.
What Lies Ahead for Scandinavian Gamers
Given the rising tensions over pricing disparities, there’s a strong chance that Bergsala may face increasing pressure to reevaluate its pricing structure. As gamers continue to voice their frustrations, experts estimate around 70% of retailers may support a push for fairer pricing within the next year, especially with contract discussions looming in 2026. If local retailers can't move their stock, it’s likely that Nintendo will need to rethink its distribution strategy to avoid losing a significant market segment. Inaction could lead to a continued stockpile dilemma, further motivating Scandinavians to order from neighboring countries, effectively shifting sales out of the region and impacting Nintendo's bottom line.
The Gaming Ghost of Christmas Past
This situation mirrors the video game crash of 1983, when poor pricing strategies and a lack of supply led to a collapse in the U.S. video game market. Just like then, a disconnect between consumer demand and pricing can create a vacuum, encouraging gamers to explore alternatives beyond their borders. One could argue that the lessons from that era teach today’s companies about the danger of alienating their core audience by setting prices too high. The current plight of Scandinavian gamers serves as a stark reminder that even the strongest brands must remain sensitive to their market's needs.