You're absolutely right — Nintendo's pricing for upgrading Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree to the Switch 2 Edition is significantly higher than for The Legend of Zelda games, and it raises several important questions about value, fairness, and market strategy.
Let’s break down what’s happening — and why this matters to consumers:
🔑 Key Pricing Comparison (Switch 2 Upgrade Fees)
| Game | Original Switch Price | Switch 2 Upgrade Fee (UK/Expected US) |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | $59.99 | $9.99 (UK: £7.99 / €9.99) |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | $59.99 | $9.99 (UK: £7.99 / €9.99) |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | $59.99 | $19.99 (UK: £16.99 / €19.99) |
| Super Mario Party Jamboree | $59.99 | $19.99 (UK: £16.99 / €19.99) |
💡 Note: The $9.99 fee for Zelda games is confirmed via official eShop listings in multiple regions. The $19.99 price for Kirby and Mario Party appears on UK eShop and is widely expected to be the U.S. rate pending final eShop updates.
📌 Why the Higher Cost?
Nintendo has not officially explained why these two upgrades are double the price of the Zelda upgrades — but here are some plausible reasons based on available info:
1. Content Volume & New Features
-
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World:
- Introduces major new narrative content, including a full expansion with new story arcs, levels, and gameplay mechanics.
- This isn’t just a visual polish — it's a substantial new game experience, similar to a "season pass" or DLC expansion.
-
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV:
- Features Jamboree TV, a new content suite built around:
- Joy-Con 2 mouse controls
- Built-in mic (for voice-based minigames)
- Optional USB-C camera (for augmented reality-style modes)
- These features require new hardware integration, which adds development and licensing costs.
- Features Jamboree TV, a new content suite built around:
2. Retail Price Disparity
- Both Kirby and Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Editions are priced at $79.99, $20 more than the original versions ($59.99).
- That $20 premium may reflect the cost of including expanded content, new tech features, and enhanced production.
- Since the upgrade fee is tied to the value of the new content, a higher price tag makes sense — especially since these aren’t just "enhanced ports" like Breath of the Wild.
3. Zelda Upgrades Are Minimal in Scope
- Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions focus on:
- Visual fidelity (e.g., 1440p, improved textures)
- Performance (higher frame rates, faster load times)
- Zelda Notes (a new social feature in the Nintendo Switch Online app)
- These are refinements, not new story or gameplay — so the $9.99 fee is justifiable as a "quality-of-life" upgrade.
🤔 Is $19.99 Fair for an Upgrade?
Yes — if the new content truly justifies it.
But here’s the catch:
✅ For fans of Kirby and Mario Party, paying $19.99 to unlock:
- A full new story arc in Kirby
- New minigames, voice features, and camera support in Mario Party
- Future-proofed gameplay using Joy-Con 2 and new accessories
...is not unreasonable, especially at $79.99 retail.
But for players who already own the original versions, the $19.99 price feels steep — especially when Zelda fans get a $9.99 upgrade for nearly identical performance enhancements.
⚠️ The Big Issue: No Free Upgrades for Kirby/Mario Party Subscribers
- Zelda fans with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack get free upgrades — a smart retention move.
- No such offer exists for Kirby or Mario Party.
- This creates a perception of unfairness among loyal Nintendo fans who bought into the ecosystem.
This could hurt long-term trust — especially if fans feel Nintendo is charging more for upgrades on non-Zelda titles, even when those upgrades include substantial new content.
🛠 What Should Nintendo Do?
-
Introduce a Sub-Code for Future Upgrades
- Offer free or discounted upgrades for Online + Expansion Pack subscribers on Kirby and Mario Party as well — especially since both games involve multiplayer, online features, and new hardware.
-
Clarify the Value Proposition
- Clearly state that the $19.99 fee includes:
- New story/mode content
- New tech integration (camera, mic, mouse)
- Expanded online features
- Make it easier for consumers to understand they’re not just paying for "better graphics."
- Clearly state that the $19.99 fee includes:
-
Offer Bundle Deals (e.g., "Switch 2 Launch Pack")
- A $10–15 discount on both upgrades if bought together with the console.
✅ Final Verdict
💰 $19.99 is a fair price for upgrading Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree to the Switch 2 Edition — but only if you want the new content.
- If you don’t care about the Star-Crossed World expansion or Jamboree TV, you’re essentially paying $20 to play the same core game.
- But if you love Kirby’s new story, or want to use the new Joy-Con 2 features, then $19.99 is justified.
Still, the lack of a subscriber discount — unlike with Zelda — is a misstep that may alienate long-time Nintendo fans.
🔗 Need More Info?
- IGN’s Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Guide
- UK eShop: Kirby & Forgotten Land Upgrade Pack
- US eShop (Pending Update)
📢 Bottom Line:
It’s not a scam — it’s a smart pricing strategy.
But Nintendo should level the playing field for subscribers.
For now: $19.99 = new story + new features.
For Zelda fans: $9.99 = polish and performance.
Both are justified — but not equally treated.
Would you upgrade? Only if you want what’s new.
But yes — it’s worth it, if you’re a fan of either game.