Editor’s note: This interview was conducted on April 3, 2025, prior to Nintendo’s announcement about delaying Switch 2 pre-orders in the United States due to potential tariffs affecting pricing. Portions of this conversation have been edited for clarity.

Nintendo has finally lifted the veil on its highly anticipated next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2. This unveiling has sparked excitement among fans eager to learn about the console's capabilities, innovative gameplay mechanics, and an array of new titles. However, the discussion surrounding the Switch 2 has been somewhat overshadowed by a backlash regarding Nintendo's pricing strategy, which has raised eyebrows among gamers and industry analysts alike.

In a sit-down interview with Bill Trinen, Vice President of Product and Player Experience at Nintendo of America, we delved into several major first-party titles, including the much-anticipated Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Trinen also shared insights on the rationale behind pricing the Switch 2 at $450, with the new Mario Kart at $80. Additionally, we discussed the decision to release the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour as a paid digital product instead of including it as a pack-in game. Trinen also expressed his enthusiasm for the enhanced mouse controls in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and the return of Masahiro Sakurai to the Kirby franchise. And, of course, we had to ask him the all-important question: Do Switch 2 cartridges taste the same as their predecessors? Read on for the full conversation.

IGN: Congratulations on finally unveiling the Nintendo Switch 2! What does it feel like to finally share all the details?

Bill Trinen: It’s incredibly exciting! Our primary goal has always been to ensure that fans recognize and appreciate that the Nintendo Switch 2 is the true successor to the original Switch. We've enhanced everything that players loved about the original console, introducing a plethora of new features, capabilities, and a diverse lineup of games that leverage these advancements. One of the standout features we’re proud of is GameChat, which enhances social gaming by allowing players to connect more closely than ever, creating a more communal gaming experience.

IGN: GameChat was a significant part of your presentation. Why was now the right time to introduce a voice chat feature, something many players have long desired?

Trinen: Our core focus has always revolved around our strength as a company: putting smiles on people's faces and fostering connections among friends and family. While other gaming systems have implemented voice chat, we aimed to replicate that joyful couch co-op experience in an online setting. GameChat allows players to engage in real-time conversations while gaming, complete with the visual aspect of seeing each other’s reactions, thus creating a virtual space that mirrors the experience of playing together in the same room.

IGN: That’s fantastic! Now, let’s talk about Donkey Kong Bananza. What excited you most during its development?

Trinen: I like to say that this is the most groundbreaking game in video game history! The most thrilling aspect is having Donkey Kong back in a significant way. He embodies a blend of strength, wildness, and silliness that’s quintessential to Nintendo. In Bananza, players can utilize DK’s powerful punches to interact with the environment creatively, which leads to a compelling cycle of destruction and discovery that’s woven throughout the gameplay.

IGN: The discovery element through destructible environments sounds intriguing! I felt echoes of Super Mario Odyssey in the gameplay. Can you share who developed this title?

Trinen: That’s a great observation! While I can’t reveal too many specifics just yet, I urge you to stay tuned for more information about the developers involved as we move forward.

IGN: Understood. Now, let’s dive into Mario Kart World. The cow character has become a fan favorite, generating memes and excitement. Did you anticipate such a reaction?

Trinen: Honestly, we may not have expected the cow to become such a phenomenon, but the moment we introduced it, everyone wanted to play as it! The interconnected world of tracks in Mario Kart World is a game-changer, allowing players to race across different environments seamlessly. It’s thrilling to see how everything ties together, creating a massive continent of racing for fans to enjoy.

IGN: It truly feels like a nostalgic theme park of Mario Kart history! However, many fans are concerned about the pricing, particularly the $80 tag for Mario Kart World. What was the rationale behind this pricing?

Trinen: The pricing is less about a strategy and more about value. We evaluate the experience and content of every title individually. Mario Kart World offers a vast and rich gaming experience that justifies its price point. While our upcoming Nintendo Direct will reveal more details about the game, I assure you that players will discover a treasure trove of content within.

IGN: And what about the pricing for the console itself? The $450 price tag has been a hot topic. Can you shed light on this decision?

Trinen: While I can’t go into specific details, it's important to recognize that the costs of developing new technologies and features add up. We aim to find a balance between the experience we offer and the associated costs, ensuring that we provide a product that stands out in the current market.

IGN: I’ve played the Welcome Tour and felt it would make an excellent pack-in game as it showcases the console’s capabilities. Why wasn’t it included as such?

Trinen: The Welcome Tour is a robust piece of software designed primarily for those interested in the console’s specs and features. Pricing it separately reflects the care and attention our team has put into creating a valuable experience, making $9.99 a fair and justified price.

IGN: Let’s discuss the Joy-Con 2. The mouse functionality was impressive in Metroid Prime 4. What role do you foresee this feature playing in the console's future?

Trinen: I’m genuinely excited about the potential of mouse controls! I believe they will reshape the gaming experience, allowing for more flexibility and creativity, particularly in exploration-based titles like Metroid Prime. Additionally, I hope that third-party developers will embrace this feature to enhance their games and attract a broader audience to the console.

IGN: Before we conclude, we must know: Do Switch 2 cartridges taste the same as the original ones?

Trinen: [Laughs] I haven’t personally tasted them yet! I keep hoping for a unique flavor like pistachio, but that might be too appealing to kids!

IGN: Lastly, the announcement of Kirby Air Riders was a delightful surprise. Can you share more about it?

Trinen: While I can’t divulge too much yet, I’m thrilled about Sakurai-san's return to lead this project. Kirby Air Ride was ahead of its time and remains beloved by many. I believe this new installment will resonate with both long-time fans and new players alike.

IGN: Thank you so much, Bill. We’re eagerly anticipating the Switch 2 and all that’s to come!

Trinen: Thank you!

Logan Plant, the host of Nintendo Voice Chat and IGN's Database Manager & Playlist Editor, shares his excitement for Nintendo's upcoming releases and classic franchises.