The upcoming remake of Retro Studios' 2010 Wii platformer, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, is facing backlash from fans over its price point. This latest port to the Nintendo Switch is set for release on January 16, 2025, courtesy of Polish developer Forever Entertainment S.A. While available for pre-order on the Nintendo eShop, the $60 price tag has sparked considerable debate.
Fan Outrage Over Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Pricing
Reddit discussions are buzzing with criticism, with many users deeming the $60 price "ridiculous." Comparisons are being drawn to other Nintendo remasters, such as the 2023 Metroid Prime remaster, which launched at $40.
However, counterarguments highlight Donkey Kong's historically stronger sales figures compared to Metroid, citing the character's prominent role in the blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Donkey Kong Country-themed area at Universal Studios Japan (originally slated for spring 2024, now delayed to the latter half of the year). These factors suggest a higher brand recognition and anticipated demand.
Donkey Kong's enduring popularity, spanning 43 years since its inception by Shigeru Miyamoto, is undeniable. Previous Switch remakes of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Mario vs. Donkey Kong have achieved significant sales success, mirroring the strong performance of classic Donkey Kong titles on the SNES and N64.
Despite the pricing controversy, expectations remain high for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. The Nintendo eShop listing reveals a download size of 9 GB, significantly larger than the 2018 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Switch port (approximately 2.4 GB larger). This suggests enhanced content and possibly justifies the higher price to some.
