DKC Returns HD: Fans Lament Over Cost

Fans are upset about the price of the upcoming Donkey Kong Country Returns HD remake for Nintendo Switch. This latest port of the 2010 Wii title from Retro Studios is sparking controversy.

Nintendo's recent Direct announced the January 16, 2025 release date for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD from Forever Entertainment S.A. While available for pre-order on the eShop, the $60 price tag is drawing heavy criticism.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: A Pricey Remake?

Reddit discussions are rife with complaints about the game's cost. Many users consider the $60 price point unreasonable, especially when comparing it to other Nintendo remasters. The 2023 Metroid Prime remaster, for example, was priced at $40.

However, counterarguments highlight the historical sales success of Donkey Kong games compared to Metroid titles. Donkey Kong's greater brand recognition, boosted by appearances in the hugely popular Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Super Nintendo World expansion at Universal Studios Japan (delayed from spring 2024 to the latter half of the year), is cited as justification for the higher price.

Donkey Kong, a character created by Shigeru Miyamoto 43 years ago, remains a top Nintendo mascot. Previous Switch remakes of Donkey Kong Country titles, including Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Mario vs. Donkey Kong, were also best-sellers on the platform, echoing the success of earlier Donkey Kong games on SNES and N64.

Despite the negative feedback regarding its price, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is projected to perform well. Its eShop listing shows a file size of 9 GB, significantly larger than the 2018 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze remake (approximately 2.4 GB larger).