Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will not come with the previously released Expansion Pass DLC—sparking a wave of criticism from longtime fans and newcomers alike. Despite being marketed as an enhanced version optimized for next-gen hardware, the re-release leaves out key content that many assumed would be bundled in at this stage.
A $70 Upgrade—But Not a Complete One
Priced at $69.99, the Switch 2 Edition delivers a range of improvements designed to take advantage of the new hardware’s capabilities, including 4K resolution support, higher frame rates, HDR visuals, and reduced load times. However, this upgraded performance does not include the acclaimed DLCs—The Master Trials and The Champions’ Ballad—which added hours of gameplay, new gear, a hard mode, and expanded lore to the base game.
Players wanting the full experience will need to purchase the Expansion Pass separately for an additional $19.99. That brings the total price for the complete package to nearly $90, a number that has left many scratching their heads given that the original game is now over seven years old.
Options for Existing Switch Owners
If you already own Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch, there’s an option to upgrade to the enhanced Switch 2 Edition for $9.99. But be warned: this upgrade only enhances the base game. If you didn’t previously purchase the Expansion Pass, you’ll still need to buy it separately to access the DLC.
Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online: Some Perks, But Not All
Those subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will receive the visual and performance upgrades for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2 at no extra charge. However, the DLC content is still locked behind a paywall—even for these premium subscribers. The subscription benefit applies only to the core games, not the additional story or gameplay content.
Fan Reactions: A Disappointment for Many
The decision has drawn notable backlash from the community. Many fans expected this to be a “Game of the Year” or “Definitive” style release, bundling all prior content into a single updated package—especially given how other publishers often re-release complete editions of popular games years after launch. Instead, Nintendo has chosen to segment the content, a move that feels out of touch in a market where remastered games increasingly include all available DLC by default.
While some appreciate the visual and technical enhancements, the lack of bundled DLC has been described by fans as a missed opportunity to properly honor one of the most beloved titles in modern gaming history.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning to revisit Hyrule on the Switch 2 or experience Breath of the Wild for the first time, be aware of the full cost. The enhanced edition may offer gorgeous visuals and improved performance, but it comes without the deeper content that helped elevate the original game to legendary status. For those wanting everything, expect to pay nearly $90—or more if you’re starting fresh.
Key Takeaways
- The $70 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild does not include the Expansion Pass DLC content.
- Players must purchase the DLC separately even when buying the new enhanced version.
- The upgraded edition will contain hardware-specific improvements on the cartridge but requires additional payment for expanded content.
Overview of ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Nintendo is bringing the beloved open-world adventure to their newest console with several technical improvements. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition offers enhanced visuals and performance while maintaining the core gameplay that made the original a masterpiece.
Compatibility and Enhancements on Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild comes with several technical upgrades that improve the overall experience. Players will enjoy enhanced resolution, improved textures and HDR support that make Hyrule look more vibrant than ever.
Performance has been significantly enhanced with smoother frame rates, ensuring gameplay feels more fluid during intense combat and exploration. Load times have also been reduced, allowing players to jump into the action faster.
A welcome addition is an additional save slot, giving players more flexibility for multiple playthroughs. The new version also introduces an achievements system, adding new goals for returning players to pursue.
The game now supports the new “Zelda Notes” service in the Nintendo Switch Online app, though specific details about this feature are still emerging.
Differences from the Original Nintendo Switch Version
The most notable difference is that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does not include the DLC packages that were available for the original version. Players wanting the complete experience will need to purchase the DLC separately.
According to reports, this means players will need to spend $90 total for the full Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 experience, combining the base game and DLC costs.
The visual upgrade is substantial, with gameplay footage showing improved graphics that take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s increased power. The higher resolution and texture quality are especially noticeable in Hyrule’s vast landscapes.
Similar enhancements have been applied to Tears of the Kingdom, with both games receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Editions that showcase the new console’s capabilities.
Impact of Exclusion of DLC and Expansion Pass
The absence of DLC in the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild creates significant implications for both new and returning players. This decision affects the overall value proposition and requires additional purchases to experience the complete game.
The Significance of the Expansion Pass in the Original Game
The Expansion Pass for Breath of the Wild added substantial content that many players consider essential to the full experience. It included two major DLC packs: The Master Trials and The Champion’s Ballad. These expansions introduced challenging new gameplay modes, additional story content, and exclusive equipment.
The Champion’s Ballad provided deeper narrative elements focused on the four Champions, expanding the game’s lore significantly. Meanwhile, The Master Trials presented the Trial of the Sword challenge, which allowed players to permanently power up the Master Sword.
Key Expansion Pass content:
- Trial of the Sword: 45 challenging rooms of enemies
- Master Mode: Higher difficulty with tougher enemies
- Champion’s Ballad: Additional Divine Beast quests
- Hero’s Path: Tracking feature for exploration
- Exclusive equipment: Ancient Horse Gear, Travel Medallion, Korok Mask
Player’s Perspective on DLC Absence
Many players have expressed disappointment that the Switch 2 Edition lacks the Expansion Pass, especially considering its $70 price point. The additional $20 cost for the DLC effectively makes the complete experience $90.
For returning players, this means paying again for content they might already own on the original Switch. Nintendo has not announced any loyalty discounts for previous owners.
New players may feel they’re getting an incomplete version of a game that’s been available in its complete form for years on the original hardware. This perception issue could affect the perceived value of the otherwise enhanced edition.
Alternatives for Accessing the Original DLC Content
Players have several options to access the DLC content for the Switch 2 Edition. The primary method is purchasing the Expansion Pass directly from the Nintendo eShop as a separate transaction.
Nintendo account information transfers between systems, so players who owned the original game and its DLC might want to check their purchase history. However, it’s important to note that DLC is “decoupled” from the base game and requires separate purchase for the Switch 2 version.
The Switch 2 Edition does offer some exclusive enhancements not found in the original:
- Faster load times
- Improved frame rates
- Resolution boost
- Extra save slot
These improvements might partially offset the disappointment of the missing DLC for some players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nintendo’s re-release of Breath of the Wild for the Switch 2 has generated several questions about included content, DLC access, and potential upgrades. The information below addresses common concerns for players considering this version.
What content is included in the ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild includes only the base game without any additional content. According to Nintendo’s clarification, this release doesn’t include the Expansion Pass or any downloadable content.
Players will have access to the complete main story and all core gameplay elements that were available in the original base game.
How can I access the downloadable content (DLC) for ‘Breath of the Wild’ on the Nintendo Switch 2?
To access the DLC for Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch 2, players will need to purchase the Expansion Pass separately. The Expansion Pass costs an additional $20 beyond the base game price.
The Expansion Pass includes The Master Trials and The Champions’ Ballad DLC packs, which add new quests, items, and challenges to the game.
Are there any exclusive features for ‘Breath of the Wild’ on the Nintendo Switch 2 compared to the original Nintendo Switch version?
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild will include upgraded features taking advantage of the new hardware. These upgrades likely include improved performance, graphics enhancements, and potentially faster loading times.
Specific technical improvements haven’t been fully detailed yet, but the game is being optimized for the Switch 2 hardware capabilities.
What are the steps to troubleshoot issues with the DLC for ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ on the Nintendo Switch 2?
If experiencing issues with the DLC on Nintendo Switch 2, first ensure the Expansion Pass was successfully purchased and downloaded. Check that the Nintendo account used to purchase the DLC matches the account playing the game.
Verify that both the base game and DLC are fully updated to the latest version. If problems persist, try restarting the console or reinstalling the DLC content from the Nintendo eShop.
Can previous owners of ‘Breath of the Wild’ and its DLC on the original Nintendo Switch transfer their content to the Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo has not yet provided specific details about content transfer options for previous owners. Based on past Nintendo practices, players may need to repurchase the game for the Switch 2.
The company may announce transfer policies or special offers for existing owners closer to the Switch 2 launch date.
Will the expansion pass or season pass for ‘Breath of the Wild’ be available with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition or will it be sold separately?
The Expansion Pass for Breath of the Wild will be sold separately from the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Unlike many re-releases which include all previously released content, this version is just the base game plus upgrade.
This means the full Breath of the Wild experience on Switch 2 will cost approximately $90 when combining the base game and Expansion Pass purchases.
