Why are eshop games so expensive?

[MDMAlliance]

d21lewis said:

kekrot said:

Since OP mentioned a third party title, they choose themselves whatever they want their game to cost. Nintendo doesn't dictate it. This applies also to indies even though Nintendo is the publisher.

I guess (I hope) it's also the same on PS and Xbox.

Edit: On the topic of Nintendo games which stays premium for years; if there is value in a brand or game, people will pay for it. 

I'm not 100% sure about that.  I remember when the Wii VC came out and the pricing was something like:

N64 games = $10

Super Nes games = $8

Nes games = $5

Regardless of who made them.  I was kinda pissed because Sonic the Hedgehog or some shit was available on Xbox 360 with additional content in HD for like $5 and it was like $8 on Wii VC with absolutely nothing changed from the Genesis version.  I vaguely recall other instances where companies wanted to price their games at some other price as well but Nintendo wouldn't let them....or I could be thinking about Microsoft.  I drink a lot.

That's different because the VC has to run through an emulator program, so Nintendo most likely sets the price for those due to that fact.

edit: Also, the whole thing where third parties get to choose the pricing on the eShop is relatively new.  Gunman Clive being $1.99 is evident of this.