As excitement builds for the Nintendo Switch 2, fans are grappling with the complexities of pricing and additional costs, especially in the United States where prices seem to be in constant flux. A recent revelation has added another layer to the conversation: the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass. This means an additional $20 purchase is required for access to the DLC on the new console if you haven't already bought it.
To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and pricing last week, confusion has been rampant. 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 twist with the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version boasts enhanced visuals, better performance, new achievements, and integration with the "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you're an existing owner of the game on the original Switch, you can opt for a $10 upgrade pack to enjoy these enhancements.
For those new to the game and considering a purchase on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70. This price reflects the original game's cost plus the upgrade pack. However, remember that the DLC Expansion Pass is not included, adding an extra $20 to the total, bringing the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 to $90.
Nintendo confirmed this to IGN, stating, "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 view this as fair, considering existing owners have paid similar amounts, it's noteworthy that other game publishers often reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for new systems to ease the financial burden on new players. Spending $90 on an eight-year-old game, originally released on the Wii U in 2017, can feel steep, particularly when compared to other titles like Mario Kart World priced at $80, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2's speculated price of $450 or more, influenced by current tariff situations.
This might not impact those who already own Breath of the Wild, given its impressive sales. However, for those holding out for the new, shinier system to experience both Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, the cost of the Expansion Pass is an important consideration.
