"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. where prices seem to be constantly shifting, a new detail has emerged that might catch some by surprise. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning players will need to spend an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new console if they haven't already purchased it.

To clarify, 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 work. If you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can play it on your Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, without any issues.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which boasts improved visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. Owners of the original Switch version won't automatically receive these enhancements, but they can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access these features.

For those who haven't yet purchased the game and are considering buying it for the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70. This is $10 more than the game's initial retail price, essentially covering the cost of the original game and the upgrade pack. However, this version does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, so players wanting that content will have to shell out 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, considering it aligns with what existing owners have already paid plus the cost of the upgrade, it's notable that many other gaming publishers tend to lower prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Paying $90 for the latest version of a game that originally launched in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, particularly when compared to other titles like Mario Kart World at $80, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2's anticipated price of $450 or higher, depending on potential tariffs.

While it's possible that most potential players already own a version of Breath of the Wild due to its strong sales, those holding out for a new, enhanced system should factor in the cost of the highly-regarded Expansion Pass when planning their purchase, including for its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.