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

Amid ongoing discussions and confusion about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, especially in the United States where prices 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 you'll need to pay an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new system if you don't already own it.

To clarify, following last week's announcement about the Nintendo Switch 2's game lineup and pricing, confusion has only grown 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 a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild that offers improved visuals and performance, achievements, and integration with the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own Breath of the Wild on the original Switch, you can purchase a $10 "upgrade pack" to access these enhancements.

For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it for the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price. This price effectively includes the cost of the game and the upgrade pack. However, the DLC Expansion Pass is not included, so if you want to experience the full game, you'll need to spend an additional $20, bringing the total cost to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

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 that this pricing is fair, considering 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 bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Paying $90 for a game that originally launched in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to other titles like Mario Kart World, which is priced at $80, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2's potential price of $450 or more, depending on tariff adjustments.

While it's possible that most potential players already own a version of Breath of the Wild given its sales success, those waiting to purchase it or its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for the new system should factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass to fully enjoy the game.