Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Fans Aren\'t Happy About the Price

Gamer Backlash Over Donkey Kong Country Returns HD's Price Tag

The upcoming remake of Retro Studios' 2010 Wii title, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, is facing significant criticism due to its $60 price point. This latest port to the Nintendo Switch is generating controversy amongst fans.

Nintendo's recent Direct revealed Forever Entertainment S.A.'s enhanced version, launching January 16, 2025, and available for pre-order on the Nintendo eShop. However, the price has sparked outrage on Reddit.

High Price Questioned

Many Reddit users are questioning the $60 price tag, deeming it excessive for a remake. Comparisons are being drawn to other Nintendo remasters, such as the $40 Metroid Prime remaster, released in 2023.

Counterarguments and Franchise Popularity

Conversely, some argue that Donkey Kong's superior sales history and stronger brand recognition (bolstered by appearances in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Super Nintendo World expansion at Universal Studios Japan – delayed until late 2024) justify the higher price. The Donkey Kong franchise boasts a strong legacy, with successful titles on SNES and N64, and previous Switch remakes (Mario vs. Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze) achieving high sales figures. Donkey Kong, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, remains a hugely popular Nintendo mascot after 43 years.

Despite the negative feedback, expectations remain high for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. The eShop listing indicates a download size of 9 GB, significantly larger than the 2018 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Switch remake (approximately 6.6 GB). The game's success, despite the pricing concerns, appears likely given the franchise's enduring popularity.