Amid the ongoing confusion and frustration among fans about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where costs are constantly changing, a new charge has come to light. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning players will need to spend an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new system if they haven't already purchased it.
This might seem straightforward, but let's delve into the details. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, confusion about the system's functionality has been rampant. What's clear is that if you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can play the same game on the Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, without any additional cost.
However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which boasts improved visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. Owners of the original game on the Switch won't automatically receive these enhancements but can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.
For those who do not yet own the game and are considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, which is $10 more than its initial retail price. This price essentially covers the cost of the original game plus the upgrade pack. However, the DLC Expansion Pass is not included, adding another $20 to the total cost, bringing the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 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 is fair, considering it aligns with what existing owners have paid plus the upgrade cost, it's worth noting that other gaming publishers often reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions to ease the financial burden on new players. Spending $90 on a game released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially with Mario Kart World priced at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself potentially costing $450 or more due to tariffs.
It's possible that this won't be a significant issue, given that most potential players likely already own Breath of the Wild due to its strong sales. However, if you were holding off on purchasing Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for the new, enhanced system, remember to factor in the cost of the highly-regarded Expansion Pass.
