As the anticipation builds around the pricing and features of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where economic factors seem to be constantly shifting, a new detail has emerged that might catch some fans off guard. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 does not include the Expansion Pass. This means that if you want to access the DLC on the new system, you'll need to shell out an additional $20, provided you haven't already purchased it.
To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, confusion 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 seamlessly play it on the Nintendo Switch 2, including any DLC you've previously bought.
However, there's a twist with the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version boasts enhanced visuals and performance, introduces achievements, and supports the new "Zelda Notes" feature 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 purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to enjoy them.
For those yet to own Breath of the Wild and considering a purchase on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, a $10 increase from its initial retail price. This price effectively covers the cost of the original game plus the upgrade pack. However, keep in mind that this version does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, which would require an additional $20, making the total cost for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 a hefty $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 argue that this pricing structure is reasonable, especially considering what existing owners have already paid, it's noteworthy that many other game publishers tend to reduce prices on older titles or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems to ease the financial load on new players. Paying $90 for an updated version of a game originally released in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially with other new releases like Mario Kart World priced at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself potentially costing $450 or more due to tariff issues.
While it's possible that most potential players of Breath of the Wild already own a version of the game given its massive sales success, those waiting to experience it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) on the new, enhanced system should be prepared for the additional cost of the very worthwhile Expansion Pass.
