Amid ongoing confusion and frustration among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States, a new detail has emerged that may catch some by surprise. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass, requiring an additional $20 purchase for those who want to enjoy the DLC on the new console if they don't already own it.
To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's game lineup and pricing last week, there's been a whirlwind of questions about how everything will function. If you already 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 any DLC you've previously purchased.
However, for those looking to dive into the enhanced experience, there's a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version boasts improved visuals, enhanced performance, achievements, and integration with the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. Owners of the original game won't automatically receive these enhancements but can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to enjoy these features.
For newcomers interested in purchasing the game for the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, which is $10 more than its initial retail price. This price essentially covers the cost of the original game plus the upgrade pack. However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, 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.
Nintendo confirmed this in a statement to IGN, saying, "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 reasonable, given that it aligns with what existing owners have paid, it's noteworthy that other gaming publishers often lower prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems to ease the financial burden on new players. The $90 price tag for a game released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially when compared to other titles like Mario Kart World, which is priced at $80, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2's anticipated price of $450 or more due to ongoing tariff issues.
It's possible that this pricing strategy won't significantly impact sales, considering the widespread ownership of Breath of the Wild. However, for those waiting to experience both Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, upgraded system, the cost of the Expansion Pass is an important factor to consider.
