Will Gaming Only Get More Expensive?

I think I am still dreaming, because I heard Nintendo announce that some Nintendo Switch 2 titles will start at $80…

From Nintendo Official Website

Wait, never mind, that is our reality. Yep, you read that right. We’re talking about base game prices here, not the “Deluxe Edition with a slightly different sword and emote” thing. Also, with GTA VI on the horizon, some folks are already speculating it’ll hit $100 at launch if not more. For context, GTA V launched at $60 and has been milked for a decade, so imagine how much Rockstar thinks they can charge now with the hype behind its sequel.

It makes you wonder: Is this just the beginning? Are we entering a time when games will start competing with Netflix subscriptions, gym memberships, or—worse—utility bills?! I just shuddered thinking about my electricity bill…

From Andregola Official GIPHY

Anyways, let’s take a step back.

Games today are way bigger. Open worlds aren’t just large—they’re alive. Cutscenes are mocapped with Oscar-level actors, environments are hand-crafted with crazy detail, and the tech behind it (looking at you, Unreal Engine 5) doesn’t come cheap. Development cycles are longer, and teams are bigger. Games aren’t just games—they’re multimedia productions now. So in one way, yeah, it kind of makes sense that pricing would reflect that.

From Dungeons & Dragons Official GIPHY

But here’s the thing. Gamers aren’t made of money. Especially with how microtransactions, season passes, and in-game shops are already baked into almost every game. That’s where the frustration comes from. Not the higher prices per se, but the feeling of paying more for less actual match.

And then there's the indie scene. Many players are moving there not just because of affordability, but because they're good. Like, genuinely creative, polished, PHP 500 gems that offer hours of fun and don’t make you feel like you’re unlocking a game piece by piece. Indie devs are stepping up because they know people want value, and not everyone has the cash to bet $89 on a game they might enjoy.

From SpongeBob SquarePants Official GIPHY

So… will gaming only get more expensive?

Probably. But it doesn’t mean it’s all bad. Subscription models like Game Pass soften the blow. Sales and bundles still exist. And with so many alternatives—from free-to-play to passion-driven indie games—you don’t have to spend triple digits to enjoy something amazing.

Just be smarter with what you buy. The same thing goes with smart tech. If you don’t know where to buy them, you can check out the latest and greatest at the Next Upgrade Shop!