Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Excludes DLC

Amid ongoing confusion and frustration among fans about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be constantly changing, a new cost-related detail has emerged. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass, which means you'll need to spend an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new system if you haven't already purchased it.

This might seem straightforward, but let's dive deeper. Following last week's announcement about the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing, there's been a lot of confusion about how everything will function. Currently, if you own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can seamlessly play it on the Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC if you've already bought it.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version boasts improved visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service through the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, these enhancements aren't automatically included, but you can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.

For those considering buying the game for the first time on the Nintendo Switch 2, you can purchase 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 DLC Expansion Pass. To enjoy the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2, you'll need to add another $20 for the Expansion Pass, bringing the total to $90.

This information comes directly from Nintendo, who confirmed to IGN that "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 model is fair, considering it aligns with what existing owners have already paid plus the upgrade cost, it's worth noting that other gaming publishers often lower the price of older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions to ease the financial burden on new players. Paying $90 for a game released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially when compared to other titles like Mario Kart World, priced at $80, and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which may cost $450 or more, depending on tariff adjustments.

It's possible that this won't impact most players, given the game's strong sales history. However, if you were planning to buy Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for the new, enhanced system, remember to factor in the cost of the very popular Expansion Pass.