Amid ongoing confusion and frustration among fans about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be constantly changing, a new detail has emerged that may surprise some. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning players will need to spend an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new console if they don't already own it.
This might seem straightforward, but let's break it down. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, the confusion has only grown. 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 extra cost.
However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version offers enhanced visuals, improved performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service through the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, you won't automatically receive these enhancements, but you can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.
For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it for the Nintendo Switch 2, you can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild for $70, which is $10 more than its original retail price. However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, which means an additional $20 purchase is required to get the full experience, totaling $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
This information comes directly from Nintendo, who clarified to IGN that "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 that this pricing structure is fair, as 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 prices on older games or include DLC in "enhanced editions" for newer systems to ease the financial burden on new players. Charging $90 for a game that was initially released in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially considering the high price points of other Nintendo Switch 2 titles like Mario Kart World at $80, and the console itself, which may cost $450 or more depending on tariffs.
While it's possible that most potential players already own Breath of the Wild given its sales success, 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 taken into account.
