This is the issue I see with it (assuming the mode is gameplay related): Until now it seemed understood that all buyers of a machine got all gameplay code that was produced to work on their version of the machine. Selling additional code (whether or not it's packaged with a topper or something else) seems to represent a change in that fundamental seller-customer understanding. I don't think it's a good change.

And it's not a good trend Stern has started with Stranger Things and now JP by revealing the machine and selling it without disclosing additional cost features they already know they're going to sell after the machine has been for sale for awhile.

In the Apple app store they disclose what additional charge items are part of any app you get. This really shouldn't be much different.

Having secret features or code they plan to charge you for and not disclosing it when the game is released and sold just comes across as being shady.

Doesn't matter if Stern is within their right to do it, this is about how they're handling a customer. I think it all comes down to Stern needing to be upfront with the customer and disclosing what additional purchase items will be available later when those items are known at the time Stern introduces and sells the machine.

Trust is a big deal in the buyer-seller relationship. Not disclosing things about a product your customer is buying can break that trust quickly.

For me the difference is the features of the pro/prem/le are all disclosed upfront. The Stranger Things UV and the JP topper are things being planned for the machines at release and not being disclosed until WELL after sales start, so it just feels a bit shady that they're not being honest with the customer about what's going in the game. Makes me ask "Why aren't they just disclosing it upfront?" and I don't trust sellers when I have to ask that question.

Yep, the words he chose only said there wouldn't be additional differences in the Pro/Prem/LE models. He specifically did not say there wouldn't be additional features for a fee that could go on all models, even though a lot of people seemed to interpret it as though that's what he meant.

I think this topper has caused DLC to be something to keep in mind now when making a buying decision. Are they keeping something back? They've definitely earned some doubt on the issue with the way they've waited long after the unveiling and sales of the machines to announce these additional cost features on Stranger Things and now the JP topper. I think you're maybe not giving them enough credit as to what they plan and how far in advance they plan it. They're a business and they're going to do what businesses do which is look to increase revenue streams, and there isn't anything bad about that. But it's how a company goes about it that makes the difference. It seems reasonable to me to think there's a chance this could be them testing the waters on a new model of additional charges for game code, and when a company starts down that path it usually doesn't take long for them to start putting more into the "additional charge" bucket and less into the "included with purchase" bucket. That would be a big change from the current way things are done, and so would open up another issue to think about when deciding which company you're going to buy a game from. Like you said, it will come down to value and which company is offering the best value.