"Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Excludes DLC"

As the anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 grows, fans are grappling with the complexities of its pricing and additional costs, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be in constant flux. A recent revelation adds another layer to the cost considerations: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning players will need to shell out an additional $20 to access the DLC if they don't already own it.

This might seem straightforward, but let's delve deeper. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, confusion has been rampant about 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 if you've previously purchased it.

However, there's a twist with the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version boasts improved visuals and performance, achievements, and supports the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own Breath of the Wild on the Switch, these enhancements aren't automatically yours, but you can opt for an "upgrade pack" for $10 to enjoy them.

For those yet to purchase the game and considering the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild is available for $70, which is $10 more than its initial retail price. This price effectively includes the cost of the original game and the upgrade pack. However, this version does not include the DLC Expansion Pass, requiring an additional $20 purchase to access it, bringing the total cost to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo 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 is fair, as it mirrors the costs existing owners have already incurred plus the upgrade fee, it's noteworthy that many other gaming publishers often reduce the prices of older games or bundle DLC with "enhanced editions" for new systems to ease the financial burden on new players. Paying $90 for a game that debuted in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to other titles like Mario Kart World at $80, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2's potential price tag of $450 or more, influenced by current tariff situations.

While it's possible that most potential players already own Breath of the Wild given its sales success, those waiting to experience it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) on the new, shinier system should factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass into their budget.