The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has ignited a fiery discussion around Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2 and its games, prompting some fans to suggest that the creators of Mario could take a leaf out of Bethesda's book when it comes to video game pricing.
Developed by the renowned remake experts at Virtuos and powered by Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Remastered boasts a plethora of visual and feature enhancements. As expected, it delivers stunning 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second. However, the real game-changers are the improvements to the leveling systems, character creation, combat animations, and in-game menus. The remaster also introduces a wealth of new dialogue, an enhanced third-person view, and cutting-edge lip sync technology. These updates have been warmly received by fans, many of whom argue that Oblivion Remastered is essentially a full-blown remake. Bethesda, however, has clarified their decision to opt for a remaster rather than a complete remake.
Priced at a reasonable $50, the base game of Oblivion includes all originally released DLC, offering an exceptional value proposition. This makes Nintendo's pricing for the Switch 2 games appear even more exorbitant in comparison.
When juxtaposed with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, priced at $70, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2, which comes with a staggering $80 price tag, the value offered by Oblivion Remastered becomes even more evident. Existing owners of the original Switch versions can upgrade for $10, while Nintendo Switch Online subscribers enjoy a free upgrade. Yet, the standalone pricing of these titles has triggered significant online backlash, particularly with the price hike to $80 not just for Tears of the Kingdom, but for several other Switch 2 games as well.
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, requiring an additional $20 purchase for access to the DLC on the Switch 2 if it's not already owned.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild offers enhanced visuals and performance, new achievements, and integration with the "Zelda Notes" service within 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.
For those new to the game, purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild costs $70, a $10 increase over its initial retail price. However, this version does not include the DLC Expansion Pack, which adds another $20 to the total cost, bringing the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Switch 2 to a hefty $90.
Paying $90 for the latest version of a game that debuted in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to Mario Kart World's unprecedented $80 price and the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 price tag.
In stark contrast, Oblivion Remastered, which some fans believe is worthy of being called a remake, comes with all its DLC included for just $50. It's also available on Game Pass Ultimate, further highlighting the disparity in value. This comparison casts Nintendo's pricing strategy in an unfavorable 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
"Nintendo will look at them and say ‘those guys could have made $30 extra,'" quipped redditor Cultural_Writing2999. "It's hard for them to learn much of anything over the sound of all that money being printed," added geldonyetich.
Nitendo can learn from Bethesda from oblivion
This sentiment underscores the belief that Nintendo's pricing for the Switch 2 is driven by the confidence that consumers will pay the premium. As 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 eager to dive 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.
