NINTENDO SWITCH CLASSIC FACING BACKLASH

The upcoming HD remake of Retro Studios' 2010 Wii title, Donkey Kong Country Returns, has sparked controversy among fans due to its hefty price tag. This latest port to Nintendo Switch is set for release on January 16th, 2025, courtesy of Polish developer Forever Entertainment S.A. While pre-orders are open on the Nintendo eShop, the $60 price point has drawn significant backlash.

Reddit discussions highlight the perceived high cost, with some users deeming it unreasonable, especially when compared to other Nintendo remasters. The 2023 Metroid Prime remaster, for instance, launched at $40. However, counterarguments point to Donkey Kong's historically superior sales figures compared to Metroid, bolstering its brand recognition thanks to appearances in the blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Super Nintendo World expansion at Universal Studios Japan (delayed to late 2024).

Donkey Kong's enduring popularity, spanning 43 years since his creation by Shigeru Miyamoto, is undeniable. Previous Switch remakes of Donkey Kong Country titles, including Tropical Freeze and Mario vs. Donkey Kong, have achieved impressive sales, mirroring the success of earlier SNES and N64 entries. The new HD version, weighing in at 9GB (significantly larger than the Tropical Freeze remake), is anticipated to follow suit despite the pricing concerns. Despite the negative feedback surrounding its price, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is still expected to perform well.