Nintendo is slated to release the once Wii U-exclusive platformer Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on Switch later this week, but it seems that before the game launches they’ve opted to now make it unavailable digitally on the previous platform.
Folks began noticing the game’s disappearance on digital storefronts earlier today when Tropical Freeze suddenly became available only via physical purchase from Nintendo’s website. When checking the eShop via the Wii U itself, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was also nowhere to be found.
The reason for this pulling is likely so that Nintendo can try to maximize sales as much as possible with the Switch re-release of the game. Currently, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze retails for $19.99 and was also this same price digitally prior to being removed. The Switch version of the game, which is coming on Friday, will instead cost the common fee of $59.99. Seems like Nintendo didn’t want any potential buyers to be tempted to return to the Wii U to purchase the game for $40 less.
Still, it’s a bit of an odd move by Nintendo considering they haven’t followed this same practice with other Wii U titles that have come to Switch. Pokken Tournament, Bayonetta 2, and Mario Kart 8 are just a handful of games from the previous Nintendo console that are still readily available digitally on Wii U right now.
Regardless, those who had their minds set on picking up Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on Switch upon its release on May 4, were likely going to do so in the first place. If you’re one of those folks looking to grab it as well, swing on over to Amazon and grab a copy now.
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