Bethesda's Oblivion Remaster Pricing Wins Fan Praise

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has intensified debates surrounding Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2 and its game library. Some fans argue that the company behind Mario could take valuable pricing cues from Bethesda's approach.

Developed by Virtuos, a studio specializing in remakes, Oblivion Remastered utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to deliver a comprehensive suite of visual and feature enhancements. While it runs at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second as expected, the improvements extend far beyond that. Core systems like leveling, character creation, combat animations, and in-game menus have all been refined. The package also includes substantial new dialogue, a fully-realized third-person view, and advanced lip-sync technology. These extensive changes have led some in the community to argue that the project feels more like a full remake. Bethesda has since clarified its decision to classify it as a remaster.

Priced at $50, the base game includes all originally released downloadable content, presenting a high-value, impressive package. For many, this makes Nintendo's pricing for Switch 2 titles appear even less justified.

Many are drawing direct comparisons between Oblivion Remastered and Nintendo's offerings: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is priced at $70, while The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 costs a staggering $80. A $10 upgrade path exists for owners of the original Switch versions, and Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can upgrade for free. However, the standalone pricing, especially the jump to $80 for Tears of the Kingdom and several other Switch 2 games, has triggered significant online criticism.

The situation is even more pronounced for Zelda fans. IGN has confirmed that the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass. This means players must pay an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new console if they do not already own it.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild offers improved visuals, enhanced performance, an achievements system, and integration with the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. Owners of the original Switch version do not receive these upgrades automatically; they must purchase the Switch 2 Edition to gain access to these new features.

For new players, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild costs $70, which is $10 more than the game's original launch price. Critically, this version still does not include the DLC Expansion Pack. To have the complete experience, players must spend another $20, bringing the total cost to $90 for the full Breath of the Wild package on the Switch 2.

Paying $90 for the most up-to-date version of a game that originally launched in 2017 on the Wii U can feel like a steep ask. This is especially true when considering that Mario Kart World retails at an unprecedented $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself is priced at $450.

This context makes Oblivion Remastered's $50 price point, which includes all DLC and is considered by some to be a remake-quality release, particularly striking. It's easy to see why these comparisons are casting Nintendo's pricing in a negative light.

Oblivion, a full-blown Unreal Engine 5 remake is $50 and its also on Game Pass Ultimate

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

— JayWood2010 (@JayWood2010) April 22, 2025

"Nintendo will look at them and say ‘those guys could have made $30 extra,' " joked redditor Cultural_Writing2999. "It's hard for them to learn much of anything over the sound of all that money being printed," geldonyetich added.

Nitendo can learn from Bethesda
byu/yunurakami inoblivion

This sentiment reflects a broader opinion that Nintendo is setting these prices because it is confident consumers will pay them. As Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, explained to IGN: “Nintendo is charging this price because they feel they can and that people will pay."

For a deeper dive, we have a complete guide to everything in Oblivion Remastered, featuring an expansive Interactive Map, detailed Walkthroughs for the Main Quest and all Guild Quests, a guide on Building the Perfect Character, a list of Things to Do First, every PC Cheat Code, and much more.

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