Here's a complete guide to buying a Nintendo Switch in Karachi
It doesn't come cheap
Nintendo's latest gaming console. PHOTO: REUTERS
Nintendo has returned from obscurity with a successful new console but how difficult is it for Pakistanis to make the switch? I decided to take a look around in Karachi to see how well Nintendo’s new fastest-selling console is doing in the Port City.
My first stops were at the Delawala Market in Clifton and Khadda Market in DHA Phase 4.
The grey Nintendo Switch at the Delawala games shops is selling for 45,000, which is the same price quoted by some local online sellers. You can also pick up The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for between 6500 and 7000, depending on your bargaining skills, which means the total package will set you back at least 50,000. (This doesn’t include the optional Pro Controller, priced at 12,000.)
The region available in most shops is PAL (Region 2), though thankfully there is no region lockout. I am told that when the console launched, the street price was upwards of 70,000, so I am glad that this has come down considerably.
Nintendo reboots with new Switch game console
Currently, the price of the Switch with a Zelda game together puts it firmly on top of the PS4 that is now selling for as low as 29,899 at online retailer daraz.pk. Consider that the PS4 has been out for four years or so, it also has a pretty decent library by comparison.
The Nintendo Switch at daraz.pk costs more or less the same as the local market. I was hoping the online retailer would price it competitively against the PS4 but I was a bit disappointed. I suppose it is understandable because the Switch is fairly new and its demand compared to other more established consoles is lower. For around 50,000 Nintendo Switch is available in both grey and Neon Red/Neon Blue, and for around 75,000 you can get the console, two games and the Pro controller. Aside from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, available titles include Super Bomberman R, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Just Dance 2017, and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth Plus.
I also visited New Games World in Khadda Market, which I feel is one of the most popular stores in the area. Here, I found the prices to be similar. The rate quoted to me was 52,000 for the Region 2 Switch. Most games cost around 6500 and they can be ordered from the shop directly.
Keep in mind that there is no official launch of the console in Pakistan and these are just imports from Dubai.
Super Mario Run amasses record-breaking 2.85 million downloads on first day
Nasir, a sales person here, said, “We sold around four to five of Nintendo Switch consoles since launch. It’s expensive! If you include the cost of the games and you’re perhaps better off going for the PS4 Pro, especially if you have a 4K TV. Both are very different consoles and it ultimately depends on your choice.” He further said that, “The Switch is a good console if you like Nintendo titles, otherwise the PS4 is better. We also don’t buy from Saddar’s wholesale market and import directly from Dubai.”
This, of course, is why the console is widely available in Region 2 in all the places I visited. One thing to note is that in Karachi, the prices fluctuate over time, depending on exchange rates coupled with demand. What is quoted today may not apply the next week or so.
Less traditional sources are offering better deals though. Take for example Rebellion Games Club, a popular online games retailer, which is selling the Switch for 45000 and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for 6500. While it can feel risky to buy from online stores like Rebellion, they have a good reputation in the local gaming community.
The Nintendo Switch hasn’t had any serious launch issues in terms of hardware malfunction, so that shouldn’t be a worry. That being said, voltage fluctuations are a part of daily life in Pakistan, and it is recommended that gamers take all precautions before plugging in their consoles, especially since it would be difficult to trace a competent repair shop that has experience with the console.
Nintendo's mobile Mario game sets download record but pricing proves sticking point
Overall, considering the price of the Switch, it’s fair to say the popularity in Karachi is relatively lower compared to the PS4 and Xbox One, which is to be expected. For example, even the Wii, which sold sensationally overseas, earned lukewarm sales in Pakistan according to local store owners.
Personally, I was considering buying the Switch myself but the price and small library has made me put my plans on hold until things change.
Of course, if you are determined to buy the Switch, you are going to do so regardless. My recommendation is to check out some local online sellers like Rebellion Games Club to see what deal they have to offer, though traditionalists may want to opt for the ‘brick and mortar’ stores. But, if you have the patience and the connections, there is no better option than asking a friend or relative living overseas to buy it on your behalf, as you could save a significant chunk of money. With the reported shortages though, this may be more difficult than you think.
This article originally appeared on IGN Pakistan.
My first stops were at the Delawala Market in Clifton and Khadda Market in DHA Phase 4.
The grey Nintendo Switch at the Delawala games shops is selling for 45,000, which is the same price quoted by some local online sellers. You can also pick up The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for between 6500 and 7000, depending on your bargaining skills, which means the total package will set you back at least 50,000. (This doesn’t include the optional Pro Controller, priced at 12,000.)
The region available in most shops is PAL (Region 2), though thankfully there is no region lockout. I am told that when the console launched, the street price was upwards of 70,000, so I am glad that this has come down considerably.
Nintendo reboots with new Switch game console
Currently, the price of the Switch with a Zelda game together puts it firmly on top of the PS4 that is now selling for as low as 29,899 at online retailer daraz.pk. Consider that the PS4 has been out for four years or so, it also has a pretty decent library by comparison.
The Nintendo Switch at daraz.pk costs more or less the same as the local market. I was hoping the online retailer would price it competitively against the PS4 but I was a bit disappointed. I suppose it is understandable because the Switch is fairly new and its demand compared to other more established consoles is lower. For around 50,000 Nintendo Switch is available in both grey and Neon Red/Neon Blue, and for around 75,000 you can get the console, two games and the Pro controller. Aside from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, available titles include Super Bomberman R, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Just Dance 2017, and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth Plus.
I also visited New Games World in Khadda Market, which I feel is one of the most popular stores in the area. Here, I found the prices to be similar. The rate quoted to me was 52,000 for the Region 2 Switch. Most games cost around 6500 and they can be ordered from the shop directly.
Keep in mind that there is no official launch of the console in Pakistan and these are just imports from Dubai.
Super Mario Run amasses record-breaking 2.85 million downloads on first day
Nasir, a sales person here, said, “We sold around four to five of Nintendo Switch consoles since launch. It’s expensive! If you include the cost of the games and you’re perhaps better off going for the PS4 Pro, especially if you have a 4K TV. Both are very different consoles and it ultimately depends on your choice.” He further said that, “The Switch is a good console if you like Nintendo titles, otherwise the PS4 is better. We also don’t buy from Saddar’s wholesale market and import directly from Dubai.”
This, of course, is why the console is widely available in Region 2 in all the places I visited. One thing to note is that in Karachi, the prices fluctuate over time, depending on exchange rates coupled with demand. What is quoted today may not apply the next week or so.
Less traditional sources are offering better deals though. Take for example Rebellion Games Club, a popular online games retailer, which is selling the Switch for 45000 and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for 6500. While it can feel risky to buy from online stores like Rebellion, they have a good reputation in the local gaming community.
The Nintendo Switch hasn’t had any serious launch issues in terms of hardware malfunction, so that shouldn’t be a worry. That being said, voltage fluctuations are a part of daily life in Pakistan, and it is recommended that gamers take all precautions before plugging in their consoles, especially since it would be difficult to trace a competent repair shop that has experience with the console.
Nintendo's mobile Mario game sets download record but pricing proves sticking point
Overall, considering the price of the Switch, it’s fair to say the popularity in Karachi is relatively lower compared to the PS4 and Xbox One, which is to be expected. For example, even the Wii, which sold sensationally overseas, earned lukewarm sales in Pakistan according to local store owners.
Personally, I was considering buying the Switch myself but the price and small library has made me put my plans on hold until things change.
Of course, if you are determined to buy the Switch, you are going to do so regardless. My recommendation is to check out some local online sellers like Rebellion Games Club to see what deal they have to offer, though traditionalists may want to opt for the ‘brick and mortar’ stores. But, if you have the patience and the connections, there is no better option than asking a friend or relative living overseas to buy it on your behalf, as you could save a significant chunk of money. With the reported shortages though, this may be more difficult than you think.
This article originally appeared on IGN Pakistan.