Bayonetta 2 is a weird fit for Nintendo systems, in that it doesn’t really feel like a Nintendo game, and came out in an era in which almost every Nintendo game does feel like a Nintendo game. And, as a result, the game was somewhat overlooked when it came out back in September 2014 (the debut of Super Smash Bros around the same time didn’t help either). Well, Nintendo is giving it another shot: The company is re-releasing Bayonetta 2 for a lower price come February.
Bayonetta 2 Re-Release: Standalone In February
Bayonetta 2 didn’t really make a stir when it came out, from a sales perspective. However, it got great reviews, and it’s just the kind of “hardcore” action game that the Wii U hasn’t gotten enough of. It’s the sort of diversity Nintendo needs. The North American release retailed for $60, but was actually a bundle, and also included the original Bayonetta game in its Wii U debut.
The re-release, which is out on Feb. 19 as a physical product, jettisons the original game at half the price. It’s only going to run for $30, which is a pretty darn solid discount for a Nintendo game just a year and a half after release. And the reintroduction of Bayonetta is doubly well-timed. First of all, Bayonetta is coming to Super Smash Bros early this year, so it makes sense for the one and only Nintendo exclusive game she appears in to be readily available. Her Smash Bros appearance will drive loads of sales of the original game. Second, Nintendo is about to release another title from Bayonetta 2 developer Platinum Games—Star Fox Zero, a Nintendo-developed title produced in conjunction with Platinum.
It’s perfect timing for a second Bayonetta 2 release date. Maybe the stars are aligned better this time. And the Wii U is doing better now than it was a few years back, so there may be more opportunity for more niche titles like Bayonetta. That $30 price point is hard to beat, too. What do you think? Will you be picking up Bayonetta 2 when it returns to stores in February?