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

Amid ongoing confusion and frustration about the costs associated with the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be constantly changing, a new detail has come to light that might surprise some fans. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, which means an additional $20 purchase is required to access the DLC on the new system if you haven't already bought it.

To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, there's been considerable confusion about how everything will work. 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 also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version features enhanced visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, you can upgrade to these new features with a $10 "upgrade pack."

For those who are new to the game and considering a purchase on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, which is $10 more than the game's initial retail price, essentially covering the cost of the original game and the upgrade pack. However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, so if you want to experience the full game, you'll need to spend an additional $20, bringing the total cost 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 some might argue this pricing structure is fair, as it aligns with what existing owners have paid plus the upgrade cost, it's noteworthy that many other game publishers typically reduce the price of older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems to ease the financial burden on players. Spending $90 on a game released in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to other games like Mario Kart World, which retails 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 interested players already own at least the base version of Breath of the Wild given its strong sales, those waiting to purchase it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) for the new, enhanced system should be mindful of the additional cost for the Expansion Pass.