The upcoming remake of Retro Studios' 2010 Wii platformer, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, is facing backlash from fans over its $60 price point. This latest port to the Nintendo Switch is slated for release on January 16, 2025, by Polish developer Forever Entertainment S.A. While pre-orders are available on the Nintendo eShop, the pricing has sparked considerable online debate.
Reddit discussions highlight the perceived high cost, with several users deeming the $60 price tag excessive for a remake. Comparisons are being drawn to other Nintendo remasters, such as the $40 Metroid Prime remaster, fueling the controversy. Counterarguments suggest Donkey Kong's superior brand recognition and sales history compared to Metroid justify the higher price. This is supported by the character's prominent role in the successful Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Donkey Kong Country-themed area at Universal Studios Japan (delayed to late 2024).
Donkey Kong's enduring popularity, spanning 43 years since its creation by Shigeru Miyamoto, is undeniable. Previous Switch remakes of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Mario vs. Donkey Kong achieved significant sales success, further bolstering the franchise's legacy. The original games also enjoyed immense popularity on the SNES and N64.
Despite the negative feedback regarding its price, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is anticipated to perform strongly, mirroring the success of its predecessors. The Nintendo eShop listing indicates a download size of 9 GB, considerably larger than the 2018 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze remake.
