After the recent Nintendo Direct, the Switch's first-ever game to be priced at $70 will be The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. First being announced in 2019 as a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been teased with various trailers before the release date hits later this spring. Tears of the Kingdom is developed by Nintendo EPD, Nintendo's largest developer division.
The game has been in development since 2017 despite its announcement back in E3 2019, and it's been hyped for its unique features and the depth of its world-building. New Tears of the Kingdom footage was also released In the latest Nintendo Direct which showed snippets of the story, new game mechanics, and more. From sprawling cities to hidden dungeons and lush forests, every corner of the game's world could be filled with secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome.
Tears of the Kingdom's Gameplay Has To Be Solid To Justify The Price
Tears of the Kingdom is the first Switch game to be $70, which has led many gamers to question whether the cost is justified and whether the game will be worth the investment, and if it is, the gameplay better back up the price. Some argue that the price is in line with the level of detail and complexity promised by the game, while others believe that the game needs to deliver on its promises before they are willing to pay such a high price. The Legend of Zelda has been one of Nintendo's most beloved and successful franchises since its inception in 1986. With the series being known for its immersive story, sprawling world, and more, the bar is set high for Tears of the Kingdom.
Many gamers are still skeptical about the $70 price tag despite the trailers and footage seen so far. Some argue that the game has been in development for too long and some are worried that Tears of the Kingdom will suffer the same problems as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in terms of performance. A possible explanation for the price could be inflation and more costs for the studio, which unfortunately hits the consumers as well. Fans of the series are no strangers to the level of detail and care that goes into creating a new installment in the franchise, with each game taking several years to develop. With this in mind, it's not surprising that the developers would set a high price for the game, as Nintendo knows the level of expectations it must meet.
For an increased price tag, the game should provide justification by the promised level of detail and complexity promised by the game, as well as its unique features and world-building. One of the most promising aspects of Tears of the Kingdom is the return of classic Hyrule characters, including Link. Tears of the Kingdom's story is set to be darker and more mature than previous Zelda games, offering players a new level of depth and emotional impact. On top of this, there's clearly major changes to combat on the way, ranging from new enemies to new techniques at Link's disposal. The question is whether this all adds up in a satisfying way.
Higher Prices like Zelda's Are On The Rise
However, it's important to note that the $70 price tag for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is not entirely uncommon for games nowadays. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, for example, was released at a similar price point and went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time. While some gamers are hesitant about the $70 price tag, others are more willing to invest in the game because of Tears of the Kingdom's unique Amiibo bonus features.
Despite the controversy surrounding the price, the game has already been developing for several years and has been teased with various trailers and footage. Tears of the Kingdom promises to revamp combat, but the high price tag puts pressure on the studio to deliver on its promises. Whether the game will live up to the hype and be a worthy investment remains to be seen, but it's clear that the gaming community will be closely watching to see how the game develops.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set to release May 12, 2023 on the Nintendo Switch.
