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the dematerialized is now different from the physical


Prices now similar to Asian and European markets

Until now, among our neighbors across the Channel, Nintendo generally offered its games at the same price, whether they were purchased in a box or in a digital version. This will no longer be the case very soon. From the pre-orders of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, the first title concerned, the digital versions will have a different recommended price from the physical versions.

The latter will logically be more expensive than the digital versions, as shown by the pre-orders of the Yoshi game.

Nintendo specifies that this development simply reflects the different production and distribution costs between the two formats. We remind you that the physical versions require in particular the production of cartridges, packaging, logistics and distribution. Conversely, the digital format relies primarily on online distribution via the Nintendo eShop.

In Europe, differentiation is already in force (also with a difference of €10 between the versions), even if it remains less visible due to distributors who rarely sell games at recommended prices by cutting into their margins (video games are often used as a loss leader).

Even if the American market does not seem as successful as hoped for Nintendo according to information from Bloomberg, it remains one of the most important for the firm. In any case, this decision marks a notable development and revives the debate around the valuation of digital versions compared to physical games, particularly with regard to the preservation of works and the second-hand market.