Amid ongoing debates and confusion about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the U.S., where prices seem to be constantly fluctuating, a new detail has emerged that might surprise some fans. 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 wish to access the DLC on the new system if they haven't already bought it.
This might seem straightforward, but let's dive deeper. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, confusion has reigned over how everything will work. Currently, if you 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 offers improved visuals, better performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, you can upgrade to these new features for $10.
For those looking to buy the game for the first time on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price. However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning an additional $20 is required to access it, bringing the total cost for the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 to $90.
Nintendo confirmed this in a statement to IGN, saying, "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 it can be argued that this pricing model aligns with what existing owners have already paid, plus the cost of the upgrade, it's noteworthy that many other game publishers eventually reduce the prices of older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Charging $90 for a game that was released in 2017 on the Wii U might feel steep, especially when compared to Mario Kart World at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which may cost $450 or more, depending on tariff adjustments.
While it's possible that most potential players of Breath of the Wild already own the game, given its strong sales performance, those waiting to purchase it on the new, enhanced system should factor in the cost of the highly praised Expansion Pass. This also applies to those considering buying its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for the Nintendo Switch 2.
