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

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States, has been a source of frustration for many fans. Adding to this confusion, it's been revealed that 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 those who want to access the DLC on the new system.

To clarify, if you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can seamlessly transfer and play it on the Nintendo Switch 2, including any previously purchased DLC. However, there's a new Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild that offers enhanced visuals, improved performance, achievements, and integration with the "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. Existing owners can upgrade to this version for an additional $10.

For those who are new to the game and considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70. This is $10 more than the original retail price, effectively bundling the game and the upgrade pack. However, the Expansion Pass is not included, so if you want the full experience, you'll need to spend an additional $20, bringing the total cost to $90.

Nintendo has 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 for existing owners who have already invested in the game and its DLC, it's worth noting that other gaming publishers often reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. The $90 price tag for an eight-year-old game, originally released on the Wii U, can feel steep, especially when compared to other new releases like Mario Kart World at $80, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2's potential price of $450 or more due to tariffs.

While many fans may already own Breath of the Wild, those waiting to experience it and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, enhanced system should be aware of the additional cost of the Expansion Pass to fully enjoy the game.