Doug Bowser,
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Bowser said, ‘fans will find [Tears of the Kingdom] is an incredibly full, deeply immersive experience,’ and that the price point reflects this. He also confirmed that the higher cost isn’t something fans should necessarily expect on all
Bowser also suggested that changes in standard pricing for first-party games, dependent on the game itself, is a ‘fairly common pricing model’ in Europe and other parts of the world.
It was confirmed in February 2023, after retailers seemingly leaked a price increase, that Tears of the Kingdom would retail for US $69.99 (roughly AU $105). A collector’s edition, including an art book, poster, steel case, and badges, was priced higher at US $129.99 (AU $195.49).
This price point is a US $10 increase on the typical United States pricing of US $59.99 for
Read: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom art book leaks
Interestingly, Australian retailers have listed Tears of the Kingdom for preorder between AU $74 and AU $89.95, with the collector’s edition coming in at AU $189, so it appears the increase hasn’t fully translated on local shores. Compared to the (somewhat standard) cost of preordering Pikmin 4 at AU $69-$79.95, it appears only some of the extra costs have been passed along.
It’s not yet clear if
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set to release on Nintendo Switch on 12 May 2023.