Nintendo's New Pricing Policy Is Already Paying Off for Gamers
Nintendo made waves recently when it announced a new pricing structure for digital versions of first-party Switch 2 exclusives — dropping digital prices by $10 compared to physical editions. But here's the twist: major retailers like Amazon and Walmart aren't playing by the same rules when it comes to physical cartridges.
Right now, both Amazon and Walmart are listing Splatoon Raiders physical edition preorders at $49.94 — just a few cents shy of the digital version's $49.99 price tag, and a significant discount off the official $59.99 physical MSRP. That's nearly 20 percent off for anyone who prefers owning a cartridge over a digital license.
What Is Splatoon Raiders, Anyway?
If you're wondering whether this is Splatoon 4 — it's not. Splatoon Raiders is a spinoff of the beloved paint-splatting franchise, keeping the series' signature third-person ink-warfare gameplay but dropping players into brand-new locales rather than continuing directly from Splatoon 3's story. Think of it as a fresh entry point for newcomers and a side adventure for longtime fans.
The game launches on July 23rd, and preorders are live now at both retailers.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Is Also Discounted
Splatoon Raiders isn't the only Switch 2 title getting the deal treatment. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a stunning side-scrolling adventure wrapped in a storybook art style, launches on May 21st and is seeing similar discounts:
- Walmart: $59.88 (down from $69.99)
- Amazon: $59.88 (down from $69.99)
That price is basically in line with the digital version, making physical copies an appealing option for collectors or anyone who likes to trade games when they're done.
Why This Matters Right Now
With prices on tech and gaming hardware creeping up across the board — partly due to tariff pressures and supply chain shifts — seeing notable discounts on brand-new first-party Nintendo titles is genuinely welcome news for gamers. Nintendo first-party games historically hold their value for years and rarely go on sale, making these preorder prices even more notable.
If you're hunting for more gaming savings, Amazon's weeklong Gaming Week sale is currently running with discounts across a wide range of titles and accessories.
Should You Grab a Physical or Digital Copy?
With physical and digital prices now nearly identical on these two titles, the choice mostly comes down to preference. Physical gives you a tradeable, lendable cartridge. Digital means instant access without swapping cards. Either way, locking in at these preorder prices is a smart move if the Switch 2 is already on your radar.
Source: The Verge
