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

Amid the ongoing confusion and frustration among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be constantly changing, a new detail has emerged that may surprise many. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass. This means that if you want to access the DLC on the new system and you don't already own it, you'll need to purchase it separately for an additional $20.

This might seem straightforward, but the situation is more complex. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, there's 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 transfer that game to the Nintendo Switch 2 and continue playing with the DLC, provided you've already purchased it, without any issues.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which offers improved visuals, enhanced performance, achievements, and compatibility with the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you own the original version on the Switch, you won't automatically receive 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 purchasing 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 the full experience, you'll need to spend an additional $20, bringing 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 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 to ease the financial burden on new players. Paying $90 for a game that was released in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to other recent pricing decisions, such as Mario Kart World at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which may cost $450 or more depending on tariffs.

It's possible that this won't be a significant issue, given that many potential players of Breath of the Wild already own the base game due to its strong sales. However, if you were planning to buy it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) for the new, upgraded system, remember to factor in the cost of the highly regarded Expansion Pass.