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Getting Tears of the Kingdom for $20: Fact vs. Fiction & Finding Real Savings

The burning question on every Nintendo fan’s mind after the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was, “How do I get this masterpiece without breaking the bank?” The promise of snagging Tears of the Kingdom for a mere $20 sent ripples through the gaming community. But is this legendary deal fact or fiction? Let’s dissect the information and uncover the real savings opportunities.

The Elusive $20 Deal: Trade-In Realities

The headline screaming “Get Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for $20!” stemmed from a GameStop trade-in promotion. The key to this deal was trading in two eligible games in good condition. However, the devil is always in the details.

Here’s the breakdown:

Eligibility: The games you traded in had to be on GameStop’s specifically approved list. Newer, more valuable titles would fetch higher trade-in values.
Condition: Games had to be in acceptable condition with the original case, and undamaged cartridges or discs. Scratches or missing components could drastically reduce the trade-in value.
Total Trade-In Value: The combined trade-in value of your two games, plus the promotion, needed to equal (or exceed) the full retail price of Tears of the Kingdom.

In reality, while technically possible, securing Tears of the Kingdom for exactly $20 was highly dependent on luck and having the right trade-in titles gathering dust on your shelves. The truth is many gamers ended up paying more than $20 after trade-in.

Beyond Trade-Ins: Alternative Savings Strategies

While the $20 deal might be a tall tale for most, several legitimate strategies existed for saving money on Tears of the Kingdom:

Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers: Purchasing a pair of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers for $99.98 in the US effectively allows you to purchase two full-priced digital games for roughly $50 each. Using one voucher on Tears of the Kingdom and the other on another title provided considerable savings.
Retailer Promotions: Keep an eye on sales and discounts offered by retailers like Costco, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Prices fluctuate, and deals pop up frequently.
Used Copies: Purchasing a used physical copy of the game from sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace could offer significant savings, though condition varies.
Promo Codes: Some online retailers, at certain times, offered promo codes that reduced the price of Tears of the Kingdom. These were often time-sensitive and required quick action.

Why the High Price Tag?

The $70 price point of Tears of the Kingdom raised eyebrows, as it was a departure from the standard $60 price for many Nintendo Switch games. Nintendo cited the scope and ambition of the game as justification.

Here’s why Tears of the Kingdom commanded a premium:

Extensive Development: The game boasts years of development, a massive open world, and intricate gameplay mechanics.
High Production Costs: Creating a game of this scale requires significant investment in personnel, technology, and resources.
Perceived Value: Nintendo believed that the quality and content offered in Tears of the Kingdom justified the higher price, reflecting the “type of experience fans can expect.”
Market Trends: Increasing game development costs have pushed many publishers to consider raising prices.

Is Tears of the Kingdom Worth the Cost?

Despite the higher price, critical acclaim and player reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Many consider Tears of the Kingdom a masterpiece, an experience worth the investment.

The game offers:

Unparalleled Freedom: Players have unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and create within the game world.
Innovative Mechanics: New abilities like Fuse, Ultrahand, and Recall allow for creative problem-solving and combat strategies.
Expansive World: Hyrule is even more vast and detailed than in Breath of the Wild, with new sky islands and underground areas to discover.
Compelling Story: The narrative is engaging and emotionally resonant, further enhancing the overall experience.

FAQs: Unveiling More About Tears of the Kingdom

1. How do Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers work?

Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers are a digital product available for purchase through the Nintendo eShop. You buy a pair of vouchers for a set price (usually $99.98 in the US) and then redeem them for eligible digital games.

2. Can I use a Game Voucher on a pre-order?

Yes, you can use a Nintendo Switch Game Voucher to pre-order Tears of the Kingdom or other eligible games.

3. Is there DLC planned for Tears of the Kingdom?

According to Eiji Aonuma, the producer of the Zelda series, there are currently no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom.

4. Why is Tears of the Kingdom so difficult?

Tears of the Kingdom introduces new enemies and challenges that can be more difficult than those in Breath of the Wild. The presence of Gloom, which reduces maximum health, adds another layer of difficulty.

5. Is Tears of the Kingdom a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild?

Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, continuing the story and building upon the game’s mechanics and world.

6. Is it worth buying a Switch just to play Tears of the Kingdom?

While the decision is ultimately personal, many reviewers and players consider Tears of the Kingdom to be a system-seller. If you’re a fan of open-world adventure games, it is an amazing experience to have on the Nintendo Switch.

7. What are the new abilities in Tears of the Kingdom?

Tears of the Kingdom introduces several new abilities, including:

Fuse: Allows Link to combine weapons, shields, and arrows with other objects to create new and powerful tools.
Ultrahand: Enables Link to manipulate objects and create vehicles and structures.
Recall: Allows Link to reverse the trajectory of moving objects.
Ascend: Ascend allows link to pass through any overhead structure

8. How does Tears of the Kingdom compare to Elden Ring?

While both are critically acclaimed open-world RPGs, they offer distinct experiences. Elden Ring focuses on challenging combat and exploration, while Tears of the Kingdom emphasizes freedom, creativity, and puzzle-solving.

9. Where can I find the best deals on Nintendo Switch games?

Check major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart. Also, monitor the Nintendo eShop for digital sales and promotions.

10. Is Zelda a dragon in Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, Princess Zelda transforms into a dragon in Tears of the Kingdom to allow the Master Sword to repair itself with her sacred energy.

11. Are Link and Zelda in love in Tears of the Kingdom?

While their relationship is not explicitly defined as romantic, Link and Zelda share a deep bond of love and caring, characterized by mutual support and belief in each other.

12. What was the GameStop pre-order bonus for Tears of the Kingdom?

GameStop offered an exclusive wooden plaque as a pre-order bonus for Tears of the Kingdom.

13. Does weapon durability still exist in Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, weapon durability is still a factor in Tears of the Kingdom, adding a strategic element to combat.

14. Will there be another Zelda game after Tears of the Kingdom?

Given the success and popularity of the Zelda franchise, it is highly unlikely that Tears of the Kingdom will be the last game in the series.

15. What makes Tears of the Kingdom such a special game?

Tears of the Kingdom elevates the open-world adventure genre with its unparalleled freedom, innovative mechanics, expansive world, and compelling story, offering a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. Learning through games is something the Games Learning Society seeks to promote. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more.

While the dream of getting Tears of the Kingdom for $20 might have been a marketing illusion, numerous strategies exist to save money and experience this remarkable game. Patience, research, and a willingness to explore different options can help you snag a great deal.

How to get Tears of the Kingdom for $20?