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

Amid the ongoing confusion and frustration surrounding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be constantly changing, there's another cost that might catch some fans off guard. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning you'll need to spend an additional $20 to access the DLC on the new console if you haven't already purchased it.

To clarify, since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing last week, the confusion has only grown. What's clear is that 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 enhanced visuals and performance, achievements, and integration with the new "Zelda Notes" service in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, you can upgrade to this edition for $10 to enjoy these additional features.

For those who are new to the game and considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, you can buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild for $70, which is $10 more than the game's initial retail price. However, this version does not include the Expansion Pass, so if you want the full experience with the DLC, 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 this might seem fair, as it aligns with the costs existing owners have already incurred, it's worth noting that many other gaming publishers tend to reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with "enhanced editions" for newer systems. Charging $90 for a game released in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially when compared to the $80 price tag for Mario Kart World and the potential $450 cost of the Nintendo Switch 2, which may be affected by ongoing tariff issues.

It's possible that this won't impact sales significantly, given that many who would want to play Breath of the Wild likely already own it. However, if you were planning to buy it, along with its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for the new, enhanced system, remember to factor in the cost of the highly regarded Expansion Pass.