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

Amid ongoing confusion and frustration among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be in constant flux, a new detail has emerged that may catch some players off guard. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, which means an additional $20 cost for those who wish to access the DLC on the new console if they don't already own it.

To clarify, following last week's announcement about the pricing and offerings of Nintendo Switch 2 games, there has been a whirlwind of confusion about how everything will work. Here's what we know so far: if you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can transfer and play it on the Nintendo Switch 2, including any DLC you've purchased, without any issues.

However, there is also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which boasts enhanced visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, you won't automatically receive these enhancements, but you can buy an "upgrade pack" for $10 to unlock them.

For those who are new to the game and considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, they can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild for $70, which is $10 more than its initial retail price. However, this version does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, so if you want to experience the full game, you'll need to spend an additional $20, bringing the total cost to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

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 that this pricing structure is fair, as it aligns with what current owners have paid plus the cost of the upgrade, it's worth noting that many other gaming publishers eventually reduce the prices of older games or include DLC in enhanced editions for newer systems to ease the financial burden on new players. Spending $90 for a game that was released in 2017, originally on the Wii U, feels steep, especially when compared to other recent pricing decisions like Mario Kart World at $80, and the potential price of the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which might reach $450 or more due to ongoing tariff issues.

While it's possible that most fans interested in Breath of the Wild already own at least the base game given its strong sales, those waiting to purchase it or its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, enhanced system should be aware of the additional cost for the Expansion Pass to fully enjoy their gaming experience.