The gaming community is buzzing after reports surfaced that a major French retailer may permanently cut the price of Nintendo Switch 2 bundles. If the leak proves accurate, it could mark an unexpected shift in Nintendo’s pricing strategy—one that has gamers both hopeful and skeptical.
According to the leak, retailer E.Leclerc is preparing to lower the price of popular bundles, including the Mario Kart World and Pokémon Legends Z-A editions, to €469 starting October 14. That’s roughly a €30 drop from the previously listed price. What makes the news more intriguing is the suggestion that this isn’t a temporary discount but a permanent change.
If true, the decision raises plenty of questions. Some see it as a potential response to slowing demand, while others believe it reflects broader retail pressures in Europe. Large retailers often use big-ticket items as so-called “loss leaders,” selling them at slimmer margins or even at a loss—to draw customers into stores. Whether that’s the case here or part of a coordinated strategy remains unclear.
The uncertainty is what makes this leak so compelling. Is the price cut exclusive to France, or will it ripple across other European markets? Could it eventually extend to North America or Japan, where Nintendo traditionally maintains stricter price controls? And perhaps most importantly, is this truly permanent or just a rebranded promotional move?
For gamers, the reactions are mixed. Some early adopters who paid full price for the Switch 2 may feel frustrated by the news, while others who have been waiting on the sidelines see this as their chance to finally jump in. The timing also matters: in Europe, where hardware prices tend to fluctuate more than in other regions, a permanent drop could encourage hesitant buyers to take the plunge.
Beyond the consumer response, the leak casts a spotlight on Nintendo itself. The Switch 2 launched at a higher price point than many fans expected, especially when compared with the affordability of the original Switch. A willingness to allow permanent markdowns if that’s what this is—could signal that Nintendo is adjusting its approach to align better with consumer expectations and economic realities.
There are other possibilities too. Retailers may be managing excess stock, trying to move units faster before the holiday season, or preempting upcoming competition in the gaming market. With supply chains stabilizing and multiple blockbuster titles releasing this year, retailers might simply be pushing for stronger sales momentum.
For now, nothing has been confirmed by Nintendo, and outside of France the pricing remains unchanged. Still, even as a rumor, the leak has ignited speculation across social media and gaming forums. Players are debating whether they should wait to buy, wondering if this is the first of many drops, and speculating about what it means for Nintendo’s long-term strategy.
If the cut does spread globally, the consequences could be significant. Lower prices could boost sales volume, reshape the secondhand market, and influence how gamers view the value of Nintendo hardware going forward. It might also create new expectations once fans see that prices can come down, they may be less willing to pay full launch prices in the future.
Until there’s an official word, all eyes will be on October 14. If E.Leclerc follows through, it could be the first domino in a broader shift. Whether it’s a retail tactic or a sign of Nintendo’s changing philosophy, the buzz alone has already shaken up the gaming conversation.
