Amidst the ongoing confusion and frustration among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States, there's another cost-related detail that might catch some by surprise. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning an additional $20 will be required to access the DLC if you don't already own it.
This might seem straightforward, but it's worth delving into the specifics. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, the confusion about the system and its offerings has only grown. For those who already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can seamlessly transfer your game to the Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC if you've previously purchased it.
However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which boasts improved visuals, better performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you're an existing owner of the game on the original Switch, you won't automatically receive these enhancements, but you can opt for an "upgrade pack" priced at $10 to enjoy them.
For newcomers considering purchasing the game on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, $10 more than the initial retail price. This essentially combines the cost of the original game and the upgrade pack. However, the DLC Expansion Pass is not included, so if you want the complete experience, you'll need to add another $20, bringing the total to $90 for the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
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 argue that this pricing is fair, especially since existing owners have already paid similar amounts, it's noteworthy that many other gaming publishers tend to lower the prices of older games or include DLC in enhanced editions for newer systems. Paying $90 for 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, depending on tariff adjustments.
It's possible that this won't be a significant issue, given that many potential players might already own at least the base version of Breath of the Wild due to its strong sales. However, if you've been holding off on purchasing it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) until the release of the new, shinier system, remember to factor in the cost of the highly regarded Expansion Pass.
