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

As the excitement and speculation around the Nintendo Switch 2 and its game pricing continue to swirl, particularly in the United States where costs seem to be in constant flux, a new detail has emerged that might catch some fans off guard. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning that players looking to access the DLC on the new system will need to shell out an additional $20, unless they already own it.

To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing, confusion has been rampant regarding how everything will work. Currently, it's understood that 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 previously purchased.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild that boasts upgraded visuals, enhanced performance, achievements, and compatibility with the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you're an existing owner of the game on the Switch, these enhancements aren't automatically yours, but you can upgrade for a modest $10 fee.

For those considering buying the game for the first time on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, a $10 premium over the original retail price. However, this version does not include the Expansion Pass, so to enjoy the full experience, you'll need to spend an additional $20, bringing the total to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the new console.

Nintendo has confirmed this structure in a statement to IGN, saying, "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 see this as equitable, given that it aligns with what current owners have paid, it's noteworthy that many other game publishers eventually lower prices on older games or offer enhanced editions with bundled DLC for new systems to ease the financial load on new players. Charging $90 for a game that originally launched on the Wii U in 2017 feels steep, especially when compared to other titles like Mario Kart World at $80 and the potential $450 price tag for the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which could be affected by ongoing tariff discussions.

Although it might not impact those who already own the game, for newcomers or those waiting to experience Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, more powerful system, it's essential to factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass to fully enjoy the game's expansive content.