"Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Excludes DLC"

Amid the ongoing confusion and frustration about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, especially in the United States where prices seem to be in constant flux, a new detail has emerged that may surprise some fans. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition 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 additional $20.

Let's break this down further. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, there's been no end to the confusion about how everything will work. Currently, if you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can play it on the Nintendo Switch 2, including any DLC you've already purchased, without any issues.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version boasts improved visuals and 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 get 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 for the Nintendo Switch 2, they can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild for $70. This is $10 more than the game's initial retail price, effectively covering the cost of the original game plus the upgrade pack. However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass DLC. If you want to enjoy the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, you'll need to spend an additional $20, 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 structure 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 the price of older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Charging $90 for a game released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially considering Mario Kart World's price at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2's potential cost of $450 or more, depending on tariffs.

It remains to be seen if this pricing will impact potential buyers. Given Breath of the Wild's strong sales, many fans may already own a version of the game. However, if you're holding off to buy it, along with its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for the new, shinier system, remember to factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass.