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 might catch some players off guard. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, requiring an additional $20 purchase for those who wish to access the DLC on the new console if they don't already own it.
To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing, there's been considerable confusion about the specifics. 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 the DLC if you've previously purchased it.
However, there's a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild that offers improved visuals, enhanced performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. Owners of the original game on the Switch won't receive these enhancements automatically but can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.
For those who are new to the game and considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70. This is $10 more than the game's initial retail price, effectively bundling the cost of the original game and the upgrade pack. However, the Expansion Pass is not included, adding another $20 to the total, bringing the cost of the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 to $90.
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 this pricing may seem fair to those who have already invested in the game and its upgrades, it's noteworthy that other game publishers often reduce prices on older titles or offer enhanced editions that include all DLC to ease the financial burden on new players. Paying $90 for a game that was released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially when compared to the $80 price tag of Mario Kart World and the potential $450 cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which may be influenced by current tariffs.
While it's possible that most potential players already own some version of Breath of the Wild due to its strong sales, those waiting to buy it or its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, shinier system should be mindful of the additional cost of the Expansion Pass.
