The ongoing discussions and uncertainties surrounding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the U.S., have taken another turn with the revelation of an additional cost related to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Nintendo Switch 2 edition. This version does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning players will need to spend an extra $20 to access the DLC on the new system if they haven't already purchased it.
To clarify the situation, let's dive into the details. Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 games and their pricing last week, confusion has been rampant. What we currently understand is that 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 with the DLC, provided you've already bought it.
However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild, which boasts enhanced visuals, improved 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 new to the game and considering a purchase on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70. This is $10 more than the game's initial retail price, essentially bundling the original game and the upgrade pack. However, this version does not include the DLC Expansion Pass, which costs an additional $20, bringing the total cost to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
This information comes directly from Nintendo, who stated 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 that this pricing model is fair, especially since it aligns with what existing owners have already paid, it's worth noting that other gaming publishers often lower the prices of older games or include DLC in enhanced editions for newer systems. Spending $90 on an eight-year-old game that originally launched on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to other recent game prices, such as Mario Kart World at $80, and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which may cost $450 or more due to tariffs.
It's possible that this won't be a significant issue, considering the widespread ownership of Breath of the Wild due to its immense popularity. However, for those waiting to purchase both Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, more advanced system, it's crucial to factor in the cost of the highly regarded Expansion Pass.
