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

Amidst ongoing confusion and frustration from fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to fluctuate constantly, a new detail has emerged that might catch some 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 wish to access the DLC on the new system if they don't already own it.

To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, there's been a whirlwind of confusion about how everything will function. If you already own *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* on the original Nintendo Switch, you can seamlessly play it on your Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, if you've previously purchased it.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of *Breath of the Wild*, which offers improved visuals, enhanced performance, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own *Breath of the Wild* on the Switch, you won't automatically receive these enhancements but can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.

For those who do not yet own the game and are considering purchasing it for the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price. This price effectively includes the cost of the game and the upgrade pack. However, keep in mind that the DLC Expansion Pass is not included, adding another $20 to the total cost, bringing the full *Breath of the Wild* Nintendo Switch 2 experience to $90.

Nintendo has 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 existing owners have already paid similar amounts, it's worth noting that other gaming publishers typically reduce prices on older games or offer "enhanced editions" that include bundled DLC to ease the financial burden on new players. Spending $90 on an 8-year-old game initially released on the Wii U can feel steep, especially with *Mario Kart World* priced at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself potentially costing $450 or more, depending on tariff adjustments.

It's possible that this won't significantly impact those who already own *Breath of the Wild*, given its widespread sales. However, if you're considering purchasing it (and its sequel, *Tears of the Kingdom*) for the new, shinier system, be sure to factor in the cost of the Expansion Pass.