Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: Price Concerns Surface

The upcoming remake of Retro Studios' 2010 Wii platformer, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, has sparked controversy among fans due to its hefty price tag. This latest port to Nintendo Switch is set for release on January 16, 2025, by 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 discontent, with many users deeming the price exorbitant for a remake. Comparisons are being made to other Nintendo remasters, such as the $40 Metroid Prime remaster, fueling the debate. However, counterarguments point to the historically stronger sales and brand recognition of the Donkey Kong franchise compared to Metroid. The upcoming Donkey Kong Country-themed area at Universal Studios Japan, originally slated for spring 2024 but now delayed, further underscores the franchise's enduring popularity.

Donkey Kong, a character created by Shigeru Miyamoto 43 years ago, remains a beloved Nintendo mascot. Previous Switch remakes of Donkey Kong titles, including Mario vs. Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, achieved significant sales success, mirroring the popularity of earlier SNES and N64 entries.

Despite the pricing criticism, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, weighing in at 9 GB (2.4 GB larger than the Tropical Freeze remake), is anticipated to perform strongly, continuing the legacy of its successful predecessors.