Is Gaming Becoming Too Expensive?

Over the past few years, the gaming industry has faced a wave of criticism. Gamers have grown frustrated with unfinished or underwhelming releases, demanding better quality and transparency from developers. Unfortunately, 2025 has brought even more controversy—especially when it comes to the rising cost of games, leaving many to wonder: is gaming becoming a luxury?

One major topic of concern is Grand Theft Auto VI. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installment in the GTA franchise for years, but recent price rumors have sparked anxiety. While Rockstar hasn’t confirmed anything, there are strong hints that the game won’t follow the standard $70 price tag. Instead, it could be closer to $100, with speculation that access to online features might require an additional purchase.

Understandably, some fans feel this is starting to look more like a cash grab than a celebration of a long-anticipated release.

Nintendo is also under fire. Many believe the New Switch 2 Console itself is already overpriced. Now, Nintendo has announced that digital games for the upcoming Switch 2 will cost $80, with physical copies hitting $90. It's still unclear if this pricing applies to all games or just major titles, but the reaction has been intense. During recent Twitch events, fans flooded the chat with comments like “Lower the price,” “This is too expensive,” and hashtags like #DropThePrice.

Adding fuel to the fire is the news of a paid tutorial game—Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. While the U.S. price hasn’t been officially announced, it’s set to cost 990 yen in Japan (about $7 USD). Charging for a guide that shows players how to use the new console has left many scratching their heads.

All of this raises a bigger question: what does this mean for the future of gaming? Will Xbox and PlayStation follow suit and raise their base game prices? Will this trend turn gaming into an expensive hobby that’s harder for new players to access?

Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—gamers are paying attention. Let your voices be heard, stay informed, and keep playing.

Play on, gamers. And fight for what you believe in.