"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, particularly in the United States, a new detail has emerged about an additional cost 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 purchase it separately for an additional $20 if they want to enjoy the DLC on the new console.

Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's game lineup and their pricing last week, the confusion has only grown. Currently, it's clear that if you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can transfer and play that version on the Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC if you've previously purchased it, without any issues.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version offers improved visuals, enhanced performance, achievements, and integrates with the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. Existing owners of the game on the original Switch won't automatically receive these enhancements but can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access these features.

For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it for the Nintendo Switch 2, they can buy the Enhanced Edition for $70, which is $10 more than the game's initial retail price. However, this edition does not include the DLC Expansion Pass, so an additional $20 purchase is required for access to the DLC, 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 this pricing is justified, as it aligns with what existing owners have already paid plus the cost of the upgrade, it's noteworthy that many other game publishers typically reduce the price of older games or include DLC in enhanced editions for newer systems to make it more affordable for new players. A total of $90 for a game released in 2017 on the Wii U may seem steep, especially when compared to other high-profile titles like Mario Kart World priced at $80, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2's potential price of $450 or more due to current tariff issues.

While it's possible that most potential players already own a version of Breath of the Wild due to its widespread popularity, those waiting to experience it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) on the new, upgraded system should factor in the cost of the highly-regarded Expansion Pass.