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

Amid ongoing confusion and frustration among fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, especially in the United States where prices seem to fluctuate constantly, a new detail has emerged that might surprise many. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning you'll need to pay an extra $20 for the DLC if you haven't already purchased it.

This might seem straightforward, but let's dive deeper. Following last week's announcement about the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing, confusion has been rampant about how everything will function. Currently, if you own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can transfer that game to your Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, without any additional cost.

However, there's a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which offers upgraded visuals, enhanced 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 features for an additional $10.

For those who don't own the game yet and are considering purchasing it for the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, $10 more than its initial retail price. This price essentially covers the cost of the original game plus the upgrade pack. However, this edition does not include the Expansion Pass, so you'll need to shell out another $20 to access that content, 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 model is fair, as it aligns with what current owners would have paid for the game and its upgrades, it's worth noting that other gaming publishers often reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Paying $90 for a game released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially when considering Mario Kart World's $80 price tag and the potential $450 cost of the Nintendo Switch 2, which may rise further due to tariffs.

It's possible that this won't be a significant issue, given that many who are likely to play Breath of the Wild already own at least the base game due to its strong sales. However, for those waiting to buy it (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) on the new, enhanced system, remember to factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass, which adds considerable value to the game.