Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Excludes DLC

The ongoing confusion and frustration among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the U.S., has been exacerbated by a new detail concerning The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It's been revealed that the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game does not include the Expansion Pass, requiring an additional $20 purchase for those who don't already own it.

To clarify, if you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can transfer and play it on the Nintendo Switch 2, including any DLC you've previously bought. However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which boasts improved visuals, performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. Owners of the original game can upgrade to these features for an additional $10.

For new buyers interested in the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild is available for $70, which is $10 more than the original price, essentially covering the cost of the game and the upgrade pack. However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass, so to access the full content, you'll need to spend an additional $20, totaling $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

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 this pricing model is fair, especially for existing owners who have already paid similar amounts, it's noteworthy that other gaming companies often reduce prices or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for older games. The total cost of $90 for a game released in 2017 on the Wii U, along with the high prices of other new releases like Mario Kart World at $80, and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself potentially costing $450 or more, might feel steep to many.

Although Breath of the Wild has already sold exceptionally well, and many potential players may already own it, those waiting to purchase it or its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new console should consider the additional cost of the Expansion Pass when budgeting for their gaming experience.