Amid growing frustration from fans regarding the unclear pricing of Nintendo Switch 2 games (particularly in the U.S., where costs remain uncertain), another potential expense has surfaced. 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 to access the DLC unless they already own it.
This may seem obvious, but here’s the context: Since Nintendo announced Switch 2 game pricing last week, confusion has persisted over how upgrades will work. Currently, if you own Breath of the Wild on Switch, you can play it on Switch 2 with all purchased DLC intact. However, there’s also a Switch 2 Enhanced Edition with better visuals, achievements, and support for the new "Zelda Notes" service. Existing owners can grab an upgrade pack for $10 to access these features.
For those who don’t own the game yet, the Switch 2 Enhanced Edition costs $70—$10 more than the original launch price. But crucially, it omits the Expansion Pass, adding another $20 for full content access. That’s a total of $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on Switch 2.
Nintendo confirmed this to IGN: "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does not include the Expansion Pass. The DLC must be purchased separately."
Some might argue this aligns with what existing owners paid (base game + DLC + upgrade). However, most publishers reduce prices for eight-year-old games or bundle DLC in later re-releases to ease costs. Paying $90 for a 2017 title (originally on Wii U) stings—especially alongside Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag and the Switch 2’s potential $450+ cost amid tariff uncertainties.
Ultimately, many players may already own the game given its massive sales. But if you’ve waited to experience Breath of the Wild (or its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom) on the new system, be prepared for the added DLC expense.
