The ongoing buzz around the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games has left many fans in the United States scratching their heads. A recent revelation adds yet another layer to this puzzle: the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* does not come bundled with the Expansion Pass. If you're planning to dive into this epic adventure on the new console and don't already own the DLC, you'll need to shell out an extra $20.
Let's break down the confusion that's been swirling since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's game lineup and pricing last week. If you're an existing owner of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* on the original Nintendo Switch, you're in luck—you can enjoy the game on the Nintendo Switch 2, including any previously purchased DLC, without any additional cost.
However, for those eager to experience the enhanced version of *Breath of the Wild* on the Nintendo Switch 2, there's a twist. The Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition boasts upgraded visuals, improved performance, new achievements, and the innovative "Zelda Notes" service integrated with the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you already own the game on the original Switch, you can upgrade to these new features for a reasonable $10.
But what about new players or those who want to buy the game for the first time on the Nintendo Switch 2? You can purchase the Enhanced Edition for $70, which is $10 more than the original retail price. However, remember that this version does not include the Expansion Pass. To get the full *Breath of the Wild* experience on the Nintendo Switch 2, you'll need to spend an additional $20 on the Expansion Pass, bringing the total cost to $90.
Nintendo has clarified this 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 this pricing structure is fair—aligning with what existing owners have already paid plus the cost of an upgrade—it's worth noting that other gaming publishers often reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions for newer systems. Spending $90 on an eight-year-old game, originally released on the Wii U in 2017, feels steep, especially when compared to other Nintendo Switch 2 titles like *Mario Kart World*, priced at $80, and the console itself, which may cost $450 or more due to current tariffs.
While many fans might already own *Breath of the Wild* given its immense popularity, those waiting to buy it or its sequel, *Tears of the Kingdom*, for the new system should factor in the cost of the highly praised Expansion Pass. This additional expense is something to keep in mind as you plan your gaming budget for the Nintendo Switch 2.