Amid the ongoing confusion and frustration from fans about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be in constant flux, a new detail has emerged that may surprise some players. 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 system if they don't already own it.
To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing, there has been significant confusion about how everything will work. If you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can play it on your 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. This version offers improved visuals, better performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, you can upgrade to these features with an "upgrade pack" for $10.
For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it for the Nintendo Switch 2, they can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild for $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price. However, this version does not include the Expansion Pass, requiring an additional $20 purchase to access the DLC, bringing the total cost for 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 may argue that this pricing structure is fair, considering existing owners have already paid for the game and the upgrade, it's worth noting that other game publishers often reduce the price of older games or include DLC in enhanced editions for newer systems. Paying $90 for a game that was released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially when compared to the pricing of other new releases like Mario Kart World at $80, and with the Nintendo Switch 2 itself potentially costing $450 or more due to current tariffs.
It remains to be seen whether this pricing will impact sales, especially considering the widespread ownership of Breath of the Wild. However, for those waiting to purchase it, along with its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for the new, shinier system, it's important to factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass.
