Amid ongoing confusion and frustration from fans about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games, particularly in the United States where prices seem to be in constant flux, a new detail has emerged that might catch some by surprise. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass. This means an additional $20 expense for those wanting to play the DLC on the new system, if they haven't already purchased it.

To clarify the situation, following the recent announcement about the Nintendo Switch 2's games and their pricing, there's been considerable confusion about the specifics. If you already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, you can play the same game on the Nintendo Switch 2, including any DLC you've previously purchased, without any issues.

However, there's also a Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced Edition of Breath of the Wild. This version boasts enhanced visuals and performance, new achievements, and support for the "Zelda Notes" service within the Nintendo Switch Online app. If you're an existing owner of the game on the original Switch, these enhancements aren't automatically included, but you can buy an "upgrade pack" for $10 to access them.

For those who don't yet own the game and are considering purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Enhanced Edition is available for $70, a $10 increase over the game's initial retail price. This price essentially covers the cost of the original game plus the upgrade pack. However, this version does not include the Expansion Pass DLC, which adds an additional $20 to the total cost, bringing the full Breath of the Wild experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 to $90.

According to a statement from Nintendo 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 DLC is available as a separate purchase."

While some might argue this pricing is fair, as it aligns with what existing owners have already paid plus the upgrade cost, it's worth noting that many other game publishers eventually reduce prices on older games or bundle DLC with enhanced editions to ease the financial burden on new players. Paying $90 for an updated version of a game that originally launched in 2017 on the Wii U can feel steep, especially when compared to other recent pricing decisions like Mario Kart World at $80 and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself, which may cost $450 or more depending on tariffs.

This might not be a significant issue for those who already own Breath of the Wild, given its widespread sales. However, for those waiting to purchase both Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, on the new, enhanced system, it's crucial to consider the additional cost of the Expansion Pass.