Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Excludes DLC

Amidst ongoing confusion and frustration about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States, there's a new cost factor that fans need to consider. 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 purchase is required for access to the DLC if you don't already own it.

To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing, there has been significant confusion about how everything will work. 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.

However, there is also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which offers improved visuals, better performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" feature in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the Switch, you won't automatically get these enhancements, but you can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.

For those who don't yet own the game and are considering buying it for the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price. This price essentially covers the cost of the game and the upgrade pack. However, the DLC Expansion Pass is not included, so if you want that, you'll need to spend an additional $20, bringing the total cost for the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 to $90.

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 that this pricing is fair, as it aligns with what existing owners have already paid plus the cost of the upgrade, it's worth noting that other gaming publishers often reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Paying $90 for a game that was released in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to other recent game prices like Mario Kart World at $80, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2's potential price of $450 or more due to tariffs.

It remains to be seen whether this pricing will impact sales, given that many fans may already own the base version of Breath of the Wild. However, if you're planning to buy it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) for the new system, remember to factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass.