I think they're pricey too, but on the other hand you have to remember these are very niche products. They take time and money to develop, they're made in relatively small runs which is expensive (big difference making a few hundred toys vs churning out a few hundred thousand) and the margins and prices just have to be higher to compensate.
I don't think it's worth $500 personally. But I understand why the price can end up so high.
As with all things, the market will speak.