Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Lacks DLC

Amid ongoing fan frustration and confusion about Nintendo Switch 2 pricing (particularly in the fluctuating U.S. market), we've uncovered another potential cost surprise. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild won't include the Expansion Pass, meaning players must pay an extra $20 for DLC access unless they already own it.

This revelation adds another layer to last week's pricing confusion surrounding Nintendo Switch 2 games. Currently, owners of the original Switch version can seamlessly play Breath of the Wild - including purchased DLC - on the new system.

However, the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition offers visual upgrades, performance improvements, achievements, and compatibility with the new "Zelda Notes" service. Existing owners can access these enhancements via a $10 upgrade pack rather than receiving them automatically.

New players face different options: They can purchase the Enhanced Edition standalone for $70 (a $10 premium over the original launch price) or pay $90 total when including the DLC. Nintendo confirmed to IGN: "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, which remains available separately."

While this pricing mirrors what existing owners paid (original game + DLC + upgrade), it contrasts with industry norms where older games typically receive price reductions or bundled DLC in re-releases. The $90 total for a 2017 title (originally released on Wii U) feels steep, especially alongside Mario Kart World's unprecedented $80 price tag and the Switch 2's expected $450+ price point.

This pricing strategy might not significantly impact sales given Breath of the Wild's existing widespread ownership. Still, prospective buyers eyeing the Switch 2 version should factor in the additional DLC cost when budgeting for Nintendo's upgraded hardware and software ecosystem.