The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has sparked a significant debate about Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2 and its games, with some fans suggesting that Nintendo could take a cue from Bethesda on how to price video games effectively. Developed by the remake experts at Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Remastered offers a plethora of visual and feature enhancements. It boasts 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, but the upgrades go beyond the surface. Improvements span the leveling systems, character creation, combat animations, and in-game menus. Additionally, there's new dialogue, an enhanced third-person view, and advanced lip sync technology. These changes have been well-received by fans, some of whom argue that Oblivion Remastered should be considered a remake rather than a remaster. Bethesda, however, has provided insights into their decision to opt for a remaster rather than a full remake.
Priced at $50, the base game of Oblivion includes all previously released DLC, offering an impressive value proposition. This pricing has led many to scrutinize Nintendo's Switch 2 game pricing even more critically.
When comparing Oblivion Remastered to titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which is priced at $70, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2, which costs $80, the differences become stark. There's a $10 upgrade path for existing owners of the original Switch versions, and Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can upgrade for free. Yet, the standalone pricing has triggered a wave of criticism, particularly with the $80 price tag not only for Tears of the Kingdom but for several other Switch 2 games.The situation worsens for Zelda fans. IGN has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass. This means an additional $20 is required to access the DLC on the Switch 2 if you don't already own it.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild comes with enhanced visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. However, these features are not automatically available to existing Switch owners of Breath of the Wild; an upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition is necessary to access them.
If you're new to the game, you can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild for $70, which is $10 more than its initial retail price. However, this version does not include the DLC Expansion Pack, adding another $20 to the total, making the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Switch 2 cost $90.The notion of paying $90 for the latest version of a game released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially when compared to the unprecedented $80 price for Mario Kart World and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, priced at $450.
In contrast, Oblivion Remastered, which some fans believe deserves the title of a remake, comes with all its DLC included for just $50. It's also available on Game Pass Ultimate, further highlighting the value difference. These comparisons are casting Nintendo's pricing strategy in a negative light.
Oblivion, a full-blown Unreal Engine 5 remake is $50 and its also on Game Pass Ultimate
— JayWood2010 (@JayWood2010) April 22, 2025
Zelda Breath of the Wild Switch 2 edition is $70 with a few enhancements...
I dont know how anybody can defend Nintendo for its Switch 2 game prices pic.twitter.com/7d6VGSlBgc
Redditors have weighed in on the discussion, with Cultural_Writing2999 humorously suggesting, "Nintendo will look at them and say ‘those guys could have made $30 extra,'" and geldonyetich adding, "It's hard for them to learn much of anything over the sound of all that money being printed."
Nitendo can learn from Bethesda from oblivion
This sentiment underscores the belief that Nintendo is setting its prices based on what they believe the market will bear. Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, told IGN, "Nintendo is charging this price because they feel they can and that people will pay."
For those interested in diving deeper into Oblivion Remastered, we offer a comprehensive guide that includes an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, every PC Cheat Code, and much more.
