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

The excitement around the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games has been marred by ongoing confusion and frustration among fans, particularly in the U.S., where pricing seems to be in constant flux. A new detail has come to light that might catch some fans off guard: the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass. This means an additional $20 expense for those who want to enjoy the DLC on the new console if they haven't already purchased it.

To clarify, the recent announcements about the Nintendo Switch 2 and its game pricing have left many scratching their heads. If you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you're in luck—you can play it on your Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, without any issues if you've previously bought it.

However, there's a twist for those interested in the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version boasts enhanced visuals and performance, achievements, and supports the new "Zelda Notes" service through the Nintendo Switch Online app. Existing owners of the game on the original Switch won't automatically get these enhancements, but they can buy an "upgrade pack" for $10 to enjoy all these new features.

For new buyers looking to get the game on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition will set you back $70—a $10 increase over the original retail price, effectively covering the cost of the game and the upgrade pack. But here's the catch: this version does not include the Expansion Pass DLC. If you want to access the additional content, you'll need to spend an extra $20, bringing the total cost for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 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 that this pricing structure is fair, especially since it aligns with what existing owners have paid plus the upgrade cost, it's noteworthy that other gaming publishers often lower prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Paying $90 for a game that debuted in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially with other Nintendo Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World priced at $80 and the console itself rumored to cost $450 or more due to tariffs.

It remains to be seen how this will impact sales, especially considering the widespread ownership of Breath of the Wild. But for those holding out for the Nintendo Switch 2 to experience this acclaimed title and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, remember to factor in the cost of the highly regarded Expansion Pass.