Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Lacks DLC

As fans continue to express frustration and confusion over the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games—especially in the United States, where costs seem perpetually uncertain—we've uncovered another potential charge that may not have been immediately obvious. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning you'll need to spend an extra $20 to access the DLC on the new console if you don't already own it.

This might seem straightforward, but there's more to it. Since the Nintendo Switch 2's game lineup and pricing were announced last week, confusion has been rampant regarding how everything will function. Currently, we know that if you already own Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can play that same version—along with any purchased DLC—on the Nintendo Switch 2 without any issues.

However, a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild is also available. It offers improved graphics and performance, achievements, and compatibility with the new "Zelda Notes" service via the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the original Switch version, these enhancements aren't included automatically; instead, you can buy a $10 upgrade pack to gain access to all the new features.

This leaves potential buyers who don't yet own the game but are considering it for the Nintendo Switch 2. They can purchase the Enhanced Edition for $70—$10 more than the original launch price—which essentially covers the base game plus the upgrade. Still, the DLC Expansion Pack isn't included, so adding that brings the total to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo confirmed this in a statement 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 content is available separately."

Some may argue this is reasonable, as it mirrors what existing owners have already paid, plus the cost of upgrading. There's no hidden fee here. Still, it's worth noting that many other publishers eventually reduce prices for older games or bundle DLC into enhanced editions for newer systems, helping ease the financial load for new players. Paying $90 for the latest version of a game that originally launched in 2017 on the Wii U feels steep, especially when considering Mario Kart World's surprising $80 price tag and the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 cost—or possibly more, depending on how tariffs affect final pricing.

This may not be a major issue for many, since most interested players likely already own at least the base game given its strong sales. But if you've been waiting to experience Breath of the Wild (and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) on a newer, more advanced system, remember to factor in the cost of the highly-regarded Expansion Pass.