The ongoing discussions and frustrations among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States, have taken another turn with new information about additional costs. A notable example is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition, which does not include the Expansion Pass. This means that if you want to access the DLC on the new system and don't already own it, you'll need to spend an extra $20.
To clarify, the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week has left many fans confused about the overall cost structure. 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 enhanced visuals, improved performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you own the original game on the Switch, you won't automatically receive these enhancements, but you can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to gain access to them.
For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price. However, this version does not include the DLC Expansion Pass, meaning an additional $20 is required to enjoy the full experience, bringing the total cost 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 might argue that this pricing model is fair, as 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 offer "enhanced editions" that include DLC at no extra cost. Paying $90 for an enhanced version of a game originally released in 2017 for the Wii U might seem steep, especially when compared to other recent pricing decisions like Mario Kart World at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which may cost $450 or more due to tariffs.
While many fans might already own a base version of Breath of the Wild due to its widespread popularity, those who have been waiting to purchase it, along with its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, shinier system should keep the cost of the Expansion Pass in mind.
