The excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 has been overshadowed by growing concerns over its pricing, particularly in the United States where economic variables seem to be constantly shifting. A recent revelation about the cost structure of games on this new platform has added to the confusion and frustration among fans. Specifically, the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass, meaning players will have to shell out an additional $20 to access the DLC if they haven't already purchased it.
To clarify, if you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch and have purchased the DLC, you can continue to enjoy the game, including its expansions, on the Nintendo Switch 2 without any additional cost. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild offers improved visuals, enhanced performance, new achievements, and integration with the "Zelda Notes" feature in the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you own the original game on the Switch, you can upgrade to these enhanced features for an additional $10.
For those who are new to the game and considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70. This price reflects a $10 increase over the initial retail price of the game, essentially bundling the cost of the game and the upgrade pack. However, this edition still does not include the Expansion Pass, which would require an additional $20 purchase, bringing the total cost to $90 for the complete Breath of the Wild experience on the new console.
Nintendo has confirmed this pricing structure in a statement to IGN, stating, "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 is justified as it aligns with what existing owners have already paid, plus the cost of the upgrade, it's worth noting that other gaming companies often reduce prices on older games or offer enhanced editions that include DLC at no extra cost. The total cost of $90 for an eight-year-old game, originally released on the Wii U in 2017, seems steep, especially when compared to other titles like Mario Kart World, priced at $80, and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which may cost $450 or more due to ongoing tariff issues.
While it's possible that most potential players already own Breath of the Wild given its widespread popularity, those waiting to purchase the game and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, enhanced system should be aware of the additional costs associated with the Expansion Pass.
