Amid ongoing frustration and confusion among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where costs are continually shifting, there's a new charge that might catch some players off guard. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, requiring an additional $20 purchase for those who don't already own it and wish to access the DLC on the new console.
To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and pricing last week, confusion has been rampant about how everything will work. Current information indicates 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 the DLC, provided you've previously purchased it.
However, a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild is also available, featuring enhanced visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. Existing Switch owners won't receive these enhancements automatically but can upgrade for a $10 fee.
For those new to the game and considering a purchase on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is priced at $70, which is $10 more than the original game's initial cost. This price includes the game and the upgrade pack. However, the DLC Expansion Pass is not included, adding an additional $20 to the total cost, bringing the complete 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 argue this pricing is fair, considering it aligns with what existing owners have already paid plus the upgrade cost, it's notable that other game publishers often reduce prices on older titles or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Charging $90 for an updated version of a game from 2017, originally released on the Wii U, feels steep, especially when compared to the $80 price tag of Mario Kart World and the potential $450 cost of the Nintendo Switch 2, which may increase due to tariffs.
While it's possible that most potential players of Breath of the Wild already own a version of the game due to its widespread popularity, those holding out for a purchase on the new, upgraded system should consider the additional cost of the highly regarded Expansion Pass.
