14 years ago, Donkey Kong Country Returns appeared for Wii with spectacular ratings, receiving applause from the public. It was a great game that in 2013 already had a port for 3DS with some extra levels. Now, the “definitive version” for Switch in high definition will combine both games with polished graphics. That should be a good thing, especially for those who missed it at the time… except for the price.
Welcome to the jungle
By now, gamers have become accustomed to old games being remastered in an attempt to make money again. For example, Crash Bandicoot or Spyro did it recently… for a reduced price. After all, these are games that have already made a profit and they are trying to give them a second life. However, Nintendo has decided that Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will cost the same as a new game: $60.
And, of course, knowing their pricing policy, it will still cost the same in ten years. This sets a dangerous precedent, given that Luigi’s Mansion 2 has also appeared at the same price and without a low-cost line or price reductions along the way, beyond occasional digital discounts. Nintendo is aware that their fans will buy everything they release, and maybe it’s time to clearly tell them “Metroid Prime 4? Of course, $60. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD? $30 seems too much.”
