Borderlands 4 Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 Amid Rising AAA Game Prices

Borderlands 4 has been officially confirmed as a launch title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, marking an exciting milestone for both the franchise and Nintendo's new hardware.

Developed by Gearbox Software, the Borderlands series is critically acclaimed for its distinctive cel-shaded art, over-the-top humor, and engaging cooperative gameplay.

The addition of Borderlands 4 to the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup reflects a growing trend of major AAA titles arriving on Nintendo’s platforms at or near launch, reinforcing the publisher’s commitment to broadening its catalog and fanbase via the eShop and retail channels. However, alongside this announcement, renewed debate has emerged around video game pricing, particularly as Nintendo onboards a higher pricing structure for Switch 2 games.

In recent years, the $70 price point for new AAA releases has become increasingly prevalent, spearheaded by publishers such as Electronic Arts.

Now, reports suggest that an $80 standard price could become more common, especially with the arrival of new-generation hardware like Nintendo Switch 2. Addressing concerns over this prospective $80 price tag for Borderlands 4, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford responded to a query on social media, clarifying, “Pricing decisions are not mine to make.

Still, I remember working minimum wage and saving up for Starflight on Sega Genesis, which was $80 back in 1991.

Dedicated fans always found a way to enjoy the games they loved.” Pitchford’s comments have sparked mixed reactions among the gaming community.

While he points out that high game prices have a historical precedent—such as older cartridge titles priced at $80 or more decades ago—the current consumer landscape is grappling with the normalization of $70 and $80 games without marked improvements in quality, content, or player value.

Many industry watchers note that this widespread price increase marks a significant and coordinated shift, rather than a one-off exception. Comparisons are also being made to recent launches like "Doom: The Dark Ages," which released on May 15, 2025 at $69.99.

Despite its franchise pedigree, the game has seen relatively low player engagement on Steam during its first weeks on the market, prompting speculation that elevated price points could dampen demand even for anticipated blockbusters.

Whether Borderlands 4, with its established fanbase and unique gameplay, will bypass similar hurdles on Nintendo Switch 2 remains to be seen. Ultimately, as developers and publishers align their pricing strategies with next-generation hardware updates, consumer response will likely determine the viability of $80 releases in the long run.

As the Nintendo Direct showcase nears and more titles are revealed for the Switch 2, the industry will be watching closely to see how both sales and fan sentiment evolve.

For now, Borderlands 4 stands as a key test case for the intersection of beloved franchises and new pricing realities in the eShop era. Source: Randy Pitchford X Account

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Borderlands 4 Switch 2 Switch Borderlands Gearbox Randy Pitchford EA Doom: The Dark Ages Starflight