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

Amid ongoing confusion and frustration among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, especially in the United States, a new detail has emerged 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, which means players will need to pay an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new system if they don't already own it.

To clarify, since last week's announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's game lineup and pricing, there has been significant 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 your Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, without any additional cost, provided you've previously purchased the DLC.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which offers improved visuals, enhanced performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" feature within the Nintendo Switch Online app. Owners of the original game on the Switch don't automatically receive these enhancements, but they can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access these new features.

For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it for 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 includes the base game and the upgrade pack. However, the DLC Expansion Pass is not included, adding an extra $20 to the cost for those who want the complete experience, bringing the total to $90.

This information comes directly from Nintendo, as confirmed in a statement 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, given that it aligns with what existing owners have already paid plus the cost of the upgrade, it's worth noting that other gaming publishers often reduce the price of older games or include DLC in enhanced editions for newer systems to ease the financial burden on new players. A total of $90 for an updated version of a game released in 2017 on the Wii U might feel steep, especially when compared to Mario Kart World at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which could cost $450 or more, depending on tariff decisions.

Although Breath of the Wild has already sold exceptionally well, and most potential players may already own it, those waiting to experience it or its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, enhanced system should factor in the cost of the highly-regarded Expansion Pass.