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

As fans continue to grapple with pricing uncertainties surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States, a new cost factor has emerged that might catch some by surprise. 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 to access the DLC on the new console if you don't already own it.

To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing, confusion has been rampant about the specifics. If you already own *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* on the original Nintendo Switch, you can seamlessly play it on the Nintendo Switch 2, including the DLC, provided you've previously purchased it.

However, for those interested in the 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 through the Nintendo Switch Online app, there's more to consider. Existing owners of the game on the Switch won't automatically receive these enhancements but can opt for a $10 upgrade pack to gain access to them.

For new buyers considering the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition of *Breath of the Wild* is available for $70, a $10 increase over the original retail price, effectively covering the cost of the game and the upgrade pack. However, this version does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, necessitating an additional $20 purchase, bringing the total to $90 for the complete *Breath of the Wild* experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo 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 view this as equitable, considering it aligns with the costs faced by current owners, it's notable that other gaming publishers often reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with "enhanced editions" for newer systems. The prospect of spending $90 on an eight-year-old game originally released on the Wii U feels steep, especially when compared to *Mario Kart World* at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which might cost $450 or more, depending on tariff adjustments.

Despite these costs, the impact might be minimal for those who already own the game, given its widespread popularity. However, for those holding off for the new, enhanced system to experience *Breath of the Wild* and its sequel, *Tears of the Kingdom*, the additional cost of the Expansion Pass is an important consideration.