Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Excludes DLC

Amid ongoing discussions and confusion about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the U.S., a new detail has emerged that might catch some fans off guard. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass. This means you'll need to spend an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new console if you haven't already purchased it.

Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, there's been a whirlwind of confusion regarding how everything will work. Currently, if you 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, provided you've already purchased it.

However, there's a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild that offers improved visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the Switch, you won't automatically receive these enhancements, but you can buy an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.

For those yet to purchase Breath of the Wild and considering the Nintendo Switch 2, you can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition for $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price. This price essentially covers the cost of the game and the upgrade pack combined. However, it does not include the Expansion Pass, so if you want the full experience, you'll need to add another $20, bringing the total 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 this pricing may seem fair, as it aligns with what current owners have already paid plus the cost of the upgrade, it's noteworthy that other gaming publishers often reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Spending $90 on an eight-year-old game that originally launched on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to Mario Kart World at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which might cost $450 or more due to current tariff situations.

It remains to be seen whether this will significantly impact sales, given that many who would buy Breath of the Wild likely already own it. However, for those waiting to experience it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) on the new, shinier system, the cost of the Expansion Pass should be a consideration.