"Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Excludes DLC"

Amid ongoing confusion and frustration among fans about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, especially in the United States, a new detail has emerged that might surprise some. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass, requiring an additional $20 purchase for those who want to access the DLC on the new system without prior ownership.

To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, there's been considerable confusion. If you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can play it on the Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, without any additional cost, provided you've previously purchased it.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which boasts improved visuals, enhanced performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. Existing owners of the game on the Switch won't receive these enhancements automatically, but can opt for an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access these features.

For those considering purchasing Breath of the Wild for the first time on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, a $10 increase over the original retail price. However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass, necessitating an additional $20 expenditure for those interested in the full experience, bringing the total cost to $90.

Nintendo confirmed this to IGN, stating, "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does not include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass DLC. That DLC is available as a separate purchase."

While some might argue this pricing strategy aligns with what existing owners have already paid, including the cost of the upgrade, it's notable that many other game publishers eventually reduce prices on older games or offer "enhanced editions" that include DLC to ease the financial burden on new players. The $90 price tag for an updated version of a game released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, particularly when compared to other games like Mario Kart World, priced at $80, and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, potentially costing $450 or more due to ongoing tariff issues.

Although many fans may already own Breath of the Wild due to its widespread popularity, those holding off for the Nintendo Switch 2 to experience it and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, should factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass when planning their purchase.