Amid ongoing confusion and frustration from fans regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, especially in the United States where costs are constantly fluctuating, a new detail has come to light. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition does not include the Expansion Pass. This means that if you want to enjoy the DLC on the new system and you haven't already purchased it, you'll need to spend an additional $20.
To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, there's been widespread confusion about how it all works. 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, without any issues 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 own the original game on the Switch, these enhancements are not automatically included, but you can purchase an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access these features.
For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, they can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild for $70, which is $10 more than its initial retail price. However, this version does not include the DLC Expansion Pass. If you want to access the Expansion Pass, you'll need to spend an additional $20, bringing the total cost to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
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 existing owners have already paid, plus the cost of the upgrade, it's noteworthy that many other gaming publishers eventually reduce prices on older games or offer "enhanced editions" that include the DLC bundled in. Paying $90 for the latest version of a game released in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, particularly when compared to Mario Kart World at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which might cost $450 or more due to ongoing tariff situations.
It remains to be seen whether this pricing will impact sales, especially given Breath of the Wild's already strong sales figures. However, if you were planning to buy Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for the new, enhanced system, you'll need to factor in the cost of the very good Expansion Pass.
