Zelda: BotW Switch 2 edition won't include the DLC, Nintendo confirms
Switch 2 Zelda edition lacks DLC; upgrades available separately.
Nintendo has officially announced that the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the Nintendo Switch 2 will not contain the Expansion Pass and Champion's Ballad DLC. According to a statement given 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.' This clarification has quelled previous speculation about the inclusion of additional content in the NS2 edition of the game.
The new edition, referred to as the NS2 Edition, will feature various enhancements such as improved load times, higher resolutions, faster frame rates, and an achievement system. Additional gameplay features like extra save slots and the ability to track hidden Koroks are also included. Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online will receive these upgrades for both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom without additional charges as part of their membership benefits.
For those who already own the DLC on the original Switch, these can be transferred when buying a $10 upgrade for Switch 2. The price structure for the game and its supplemental content remains distinct, with the physical version priced at £66.99 in the UK and the Expansion Pass available at £17.99 via the Switch eShop. This has led to discussions about the rising costs associated with Nintendo Switch 2 games, with many players expressing their disappointment at the lack of an all-inclusive release.
Consumers and industry commentators have expressed mixed reactions, with many acknowledging the standalone value of the DLC and appreciating its separateness as a cost-saving measure for those uninterested in expansions. However, others criticized this approach, noting the established industry precedent of remastered editions containing all previously released content, as seen with other Nintendo products such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which bundled its DLC.
Reflecting on Nintendo's pricing and distribution strategy, various opinions were voiced across social media and gaming forums. Some called for more comprehensive offerings to maximize player satisfaction, while others maintained that Nintendo's choices align with general industry practices. The widespread attention to these decisions highlights the shifting landscape in game publishing and the ongoing debate over pricing models and content access.
Sources: nintendolife.com, ign.com, eurogamer.net