Why is the Nintendo Switch Dock $90?!

Summary

The script discusses the consistently high pricing of Nintendo products, from games and amiibo to hardware like the Switch and its accessories, which often seem unjustified. Specific examples covered are the slight markup on special edition Switch OLEDs, the $60 pricing of HD remasters like Skyward Sword, and especially the $90 Nintendo Switch dock, which enables easily moving your Switch between TVs. The dock's high price tag is questioned since it's functionally just a USB-C hub, leading to speculation that the pricing could be intended to push more full Switch sales.

Takeaways

• 😒 Nintendo console and accessory prices seem unreasonably high
• 😮 The Switch dock by itself costs $90 - 1/3 the price of the console
• 🤔 No good justification for high Switch dock price
• 🎮 Switch dock functionality is basic - just an HDMI/USB-C hub
• 🤑 Higher prices may be to push more full console sales
• 😠 Many Switch accessories like Pro Controller seem overpriced
• 🤩 Switch dock still provides good flexibility to play on multiple TVs
• 😡 Sony's streaming solutions for multi-TV play are frustrating
• 👍 Switch's versatility works well for multi-TV without streaming
• 🙄 $90 Switch dock purchase felt silly but provides utility

Q & A

Why does the author think Nintendo Switch accessories and games are overpriced?

The author believes Nintendo Switch accessories like extra docks ($90), Joy-Cons ($80), and Pro Controllers ($70) are too expensive compared to similar accessories for other consoles. The author also thinks Nintendo games like Skyward Sword HD are overpriced at $60.

What does the author think about the usefulness of the Switch dock?

The author sees value in the Switch dock's ability to easily move the console from one TV to another. However, they think the dock is overpriced at $90 since it doesn't do much besides act as an HDMI and USB-C hub.

How does the Switch dock compare to Sony's PS TV and Portal?

The author sees the Switch dock as superior because it allows easy TV switching without streaming or lag, unlike Sony's remote play solutions which require Wi-Fi and have latency.

What extra feature does the author wish the Switch dock had?

The author suggests it would be cool if the Switch dock had a spring mechanism to lock the console securely in place and prevent accidents when changing game cards.

What does the OLED Switch dock upgrade add?

The OLED Switch dock includes an ethernet port. However, the author doesn't care much about the added ethernet functionality.

Why doesn't the author recommend third-party Switch docks?

The author says third-party docks could potentially damage the Switch, referring to issues with some docks bricking Switches early on. The author recommends sticking with the official dock.

What accessories does the author think add value to the Switch dock bundle?

The author believes the HDMI cable and AC adapter that come with the dock bundle justify more of the $90 price tag than the cheap-feeling dock itself.

Why doesn't the author think the OLED Switch dock ethernet port matters much?

The author doesn't care about the ethernet port because they don't think online multiplayer is important enough on the Switch to warrant a direct wired connection.

Does the author think the Switch dock is worth the $90 price?

No, the author thinks the Switch dock is overpriced at $90. They believe it provides utility but costs much less than $90 for Nintendo to manufacture.

Why might Nintendo price the Switch dock so high?

The author speculates Nintendo may intentionally price the dock high so people buy multiple Switches instead of cheaper docks for TV switching.