"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, especially in the U.S., a new detail has emerged that might surprise many. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, requiring an additional $20 purchase for access to the DLC if you don't already own it.

This might seem straightforward, but let's delve deeper. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's game lineup and their prices last week, fans have been grappling with how everything will function. Currently, 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 issues if you've previously purchased it.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, featuring upgraded visuals and performance, achievements, and compatibility with the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, these enhancements are not included, but you can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.

For those who haven't yet purchased the game and are considering buying it for the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition costs $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price (essentially covering the cost of the game and the upgrade pack). But remember, this version does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, so adding that would bring the total cost to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

According to a statement from Nintendo to IGN, "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 is fair, as it aligns with what existing owners have already paid plus the upgrade cost, it's noteworthy that many other game publishers eventually lower the price of older titles or offer "enhanced editions" that bundle in the DLC to ease the financial strain on new players. A total of $90 for a game that debuted in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, particularly when considering other titles like Mario Kart World at $80 and the potential $450+ price tag of the Nintendo Switch 2, influenced by ongoing tariff issues.

Although it might not impact those who already own the game, given its strong sales, for those waiting to experience Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, enhanced system, the additional cost of the Expansion Pass is an important factor to consider.