Nintendo's Mega Evolution Price Controversy

Nintendo has ignited a firestorm of criticism among fans with its latest announcement regarding Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The introduction of the Mega Dimension DLC—priced at a steep $30—has raised the total cost to unlock every mega evolution to an astonishing $100 on the Nintendo Switch 2.

The Price Breakdown: What Are You Paying For?

During a recent Nintendo Direct, the gaming giant unveiled the Mega Dimension DLC, promising new story content and the ability to meet two exciting mega evolutions: Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y. However, three additional mega evolutions for fan-favorite Kalos starters—Delphox, Chesnaught, and Greninja—will only be available through competitive online play, necessitating an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Given that Pokémon Legends Z-A already retails for $70 on the Switch 2 (or $60 on the original console), players quickly recognized the financial burden. To fully enjoy all of the newly revealed mega evolutions, fans will need to lay out $100—an amount that’s leaving many incredulous.

Fan Reactions: Outrage Over Paywalls & Pricing!

The online community has not held back in voicing its displeasure. One outraged fan lamented, "Why lock something like this behind a paywall? Did they not think at all?" Another quipped, "Because money." Many have echoed their concerns, with one user stating, "To experience everything on day one, you need $70 for the base game and an additional $30 for the DLC, plus $20 for online—how is that acceptable?"

Fans reminisced about the much more reasonable price of classic titles, with one player recalling, "Pokémon Heart Gold was just $34 when I was a kid. Adjusting for inflation, that’s only $50—far cheaper than this!" The consensus seems clear: this pricing approach is viewed as financially exploitative.

Comparisons to Other Game Prices

Many players pointed out that the cost of the Mega Dimension DLC pales in comparison to what some consider much more value-driven alternatives. Titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong ($20), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ($50), and Hades 2 ($30) are cited as better options for gamers looking for premium content without the steep price tag.

A Growing List of Mega Evolutions

The addition of Raichu, Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja to the mega Pokémon roster is just the tip of the iceberg. This follows the recent announcements of Mega Evolutions for other beloved Pokémon, such as Dragonite, Malamar, and Victreebel. As Nintendo continues to unveil new features, fans are left wondering how much more they will have to pay to fully experience the game.

The Bigger Nintendo Picture

Last week was packed with Nintendo announcements across titles like Mario, Zelda, Yoshi, and Fire Emblem. Fans were also given a sneak peek at Pokémon Pokopia, a new life simulation spin-off reminiscent of Animal Crossing. For a detailed breakdown of all that was announced during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, stay tuned!