Gamers criticize prices of first-party Switch 2 games and DLC announced at Nintendo Direct

Some gamers believe Nintendo set a dangerous precedent with the $80 Mario Kart World price. Since then, first-party Switch and Switch 2 games have avoided a similar cost increase. However, fans are crying foul at the game prices revealed at the Nintendo Direct.

The price tags of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are drawing some of the most ire from fans. Nintendo is re-releasing the 3D platformers for the Switch, with a free upgrade available for the Nintendo Switch 2. Due out on October 2nd, buyers can purchase individual digital copies for $39.99 or both titles as a bundle for $69.99.

Nintendo has often been accused of recycling the same games for new and existing consoles. Super Mario Galaxy was part of the 2020 Super Mario 3D All-Stars compilation announced during the 35th Anniversary celebration. It was time-limited, and values on second-hand markets rose afterward.

Even if the new Super Mario Galaxy ships in higher quantities, gamers question whether another Switch version with a few added features was necessary. One Redditor noted that buyers can find a working Wii console with an original physical copy for around $80. Switch 2 owners will see more benefits besides backward compatibility, with a 4K upgrade patch.

Nintendo could rely more on pricey DLC

Other critics are resentful of the DLC pricing shared at the Nintendo Direct. The $20 Donkey Kong Bananza expansion will let players explore DK Island. Meanwhile, in the new Emerald Rush mode, gamers search for collectibles and emeralds as quickly as possible to gain character perks. Still, it's been less than two months since the game's release date. Some fans think it should be free content for buyers who recently paid $70 for the base game.

Perhaps even worse, an optional $30 Mega Dimension add-on will accompany the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A on October 16th. Most first-party Switch 2 games max out at $70, but Nintendo seems to be finding other methods to implement higher game pricing.