Amid ongoing concerns and confusion from fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where pricing seems to be in constant flux, a new detail has emerged that might surprise some players. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning an additional $20 purchase is required to access the DLC on the new system if you don't already own it.
This might seem straightforward, but let's delve deeper. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, there's been considerable confusion about how everything will work. Currently, it's understood that 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 the DLC if you've previously purchased it, without any issues.
However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which boasts improved visuals and performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own Breath of the Wild on the original Switch, these enhancements aren't automatically included, but you can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.
For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, there's the option to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild for $70, which is $10 more than the initial retail price (essentially the cost of the original game plus the upgrade pack). However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, which requires an additional $20 purchase, bringing the total cost for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 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 this pricing is fair, as it aligns with what existing owners have already paid, plus the cost of the upgrade, it's worth noting that many other gaming publishers eventually reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with "enhanced editions" for newer systems to ease the financial burden on new players. The total cost of $90 for the latest version of a game that was released in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially considering Mario Kart World's pricing at $80 and the potential high cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which might reach $450 or more due to tariffs.
It's possible this won't significantly impact sales, given Breath of the Wild's strong performance to date. However, if you were holding off on purchasing it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) until the release of the new, improved system, be sure to factor in the cost of the highly regarded Expansion Pass.
