It turns out that not all game pricing models are created equal, even when dealing with legendary meme-centric Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn. Following a listing on Amazon from publisher Wired Productions, we now know that the game will be 33% more expensive for the Nintendo Switch version.
In those Amazon listings mentioned above, we notice that Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn is $29.99 for both PS4 and Xbox One. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch version of the game comes in at Hamilton more expensive: $39.99.
Wired Production hasn’t mentioned what exactly created this added $10 expense. Perhaps it is due to extra manufacturing costs or licensing fees attributed to Nintendo Switch, or maybe instead a way to cash in on the recent popularity of the Nintendo Switch and its purchase-motivated fanbase. Or it may be that developer Saber Interactive sees that a game with handheld and home-console functionality is worth a bit more in pocket change.
More importantly than the specific motivation, it’s also unclear if this mark up will also be included with the digital version of the games.
This is far from the first time we have seen premium markups for Nintendo Switch versions of games. For instance, Axiom Verge: Multiverse Edition had the same pricing scheme (PS4/Xbox One $29.99; Switch $39.99). However in that specific case, the Nintendo Switch version of the game did come with a bonus soundtrack.
There is currently no release date officially slated for Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, however it is planning to come to Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One sometime in Spring 2018.