Bethesda's Oblivion Remaster Pricing Draws Praise, Contrasts Nintendo

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2 and its titles. Some fans argue that the company behind Mario could take lessons from Bethesda when it comes to setting video game prices.

Developed by remake specialists at Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Remastered boasts an extensive list of visual and feature upgrades. It delivers 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, as expected, but the meaningful changes go deeper. Core systems like leveling, character creation, combat animations, and in-game menus have all been refined. The package also includes new dialogue, a fully realized third-person camera, and advanced lip-sync technology. These comprehensive improvements have led many fans to argue that the project feels more like a full remake. Bethesda has addressed this, explaining its decision to label it a remaster.

The base Oblivion Remastered is priced at $50 and includes all originally released DLC. This represents a high-value, impressive package that, for many, highlights the perceived shortcomings of Nintendo's Switch 2 game pricing.

Many are drawing direct comparisons between Oblivion Remastered and Nintendo's offerings. For instance, 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 commands a steep $80. While there is a $10 upgrade path for existing Switch owners and a free upgrade for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, the standalone pricing has generated significant online backlash. This is especially true given the jump to $80 applies not only to Tears of the Kingdom but to several other Switch 2 titles.

The situation for Zelda fans worsens. IGN has confirmed that the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass. This means players who don't already own it must pay an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new console.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild offers enhanced visuals, improved performance, an achievement system, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. However, owners of the original Switch version do not receive these features automatically; they must purchase the upgrade to access them.

For new buyers, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild costs $70—$10 more than the game's original launch price. Since it excludes the DLC Expansion Pack, the total cost for the complete experience rises to $90 with the additional $20 purchase.

Paying $90 for the definitive version of a game first released in 2017 on the Wii U is a tough pill to swallow for many. This is particularly striking when considering Mario Kart World's retail price of $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself costing $450.

Meanwhile, Oblivion Remastered—a project some deem worthy of being called a remake—includes all DLC for a single $50 price. It's easy to see why these comparisons cast Nintendo's strategy in an unfavorable 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. Another user, geldonyetich, added, "It's hard for them to learn much of anything over the sound of all that money being printed."

Nitendo can learn from Bethesda
byu/yunurakami inoblivion

This sentiment reflects a broader belief that Nintendo's pricing is based on confidence that consumers will pay. 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 diving into the game, we offer a comprehensive guide to everything in Oblivion Remastered. This includes an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, a guide on How to Build the Perfect Character, essential Things to Do First, every PC Cheat Code, and much more.

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