‘Super Mario Run' Getting Review Bombed On iOS App Store Because $10 Price Is ’A Scam’

Super Mario Run launched on Thursday to record-breaking download and sales numbers, but not all Nintendo fans are happy with the developer’s debut mobile game. Some have taken to the iOS App Store and social media to suggest the app’s $10 unlock price is too high.

Prior to release Nintendo was very upfront about how Super Mario Run would be priced. Players would have access to a “free-to-start” demo, with the rest of the levels being sold for one additional fee. Regardless of that transparency, many iOS users are still mad.

Some, like RockTaker213, called the release “too good to be true” for being charged after just a few levels. Phrases like “a bunch of bogus,” “scam,” “scum” and “lame” currently litter the feedback area. Others were a bit more vitriolic in their assessment, saying Nintendo “pulled a real EA move here. “Can’t believe they try to sell this game to you for $10 after letting you run through three levels,” fumed Ndksjnwoabdkfobw. The reference, of course, being that Electronic Arts often fills its console games with microtransactions.

We’d also be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that some of the App Store negativity has spread to Twitter too. Just take a gander at the #supermariorun page, and you’ll see what we’re talking about. It’s hard to capture a complete attitude in a single article, but, rest-assured, there’s lots of of bad sentiment out there.

Some took the opportunity to tell tokes, but the rest expressed simple disappointment that Nintendo would leverage this particular strategy.

The question that remains is whether or not Super Mario Run’s $10 price is, in fact, too high. Let’s go over both sides of the issue. The naysayers might argue that the three-level demo is too short. It’s also worth pointing out that similar games, like Temple Run or Rayman Jungle Run, are either free or significantly cheaper than $10. There’s no denying that Nintendo wants its release to be a premium product based on a premium IP.

The other way to look at it, however, is that your $10 does give you the kind of seamless experience that a free-to-play app simply can’t offer. Once the purchase is made, Super Mario Run never asks for your money again and doesn't force you to grind for currency. The polish in this particular game isn’t often matched by Nintendo’s competitors either.

Have we’ve been lulled into thinking that all mobile apps should be free without giving any thought to quality? Yes there are free-to-play games that are fair and fun, but, in reality, those are few and far between. To supporters, Super Mario Run stands as a positive example of expecting more gameplay and less intrusion from iOS experiences. Without ads or microtransactions, a flat fee is the only way to foster that growth.

Even amidst the debate, this app’s early success will be interesting to watch. Will its premium price lead to a steep decline in sales once passionate buyers have had their fill? What will this split reaction mean for Nintendo’s future Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing mobile games? Might more developers take this approach? We’ll have to wait and see!

Super Mario Run is available now on iOS. Be sure to check out our Toad Rally guide, beginner’s guide, crash fixes and ways to share your purchase with friends.

Do you think Super Mario Run costs too much, or are you OK with the price? Tell us in the comments section!