Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Reveals Disappointing Aspect

Nintendo has confirmed that the Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition will not include any DLC, much to the disappointment of fans who hoped for a complete package. This news comes as part of Nintendo’s broader approach to next-gen upgrades, which has sparked criticism because of the additional costs. The upgraded Switch 2 version certainly brings faster load times and other performance improvements, but for some, the price may still be a sticking point.

During Nintendo’s detailed look at the forthcoming Switch 2 on April 2, they announced that both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom would be available on the new console come June. While these versions promise smoother gameplay with enhanced frame rates and resolution, Nintendo remained silent during the presentation about the inclusion of Breath of the Wild’s DLC. Subsequently, they clarified that these extra content packs would not be included, leaving fans eager for a comprehensive experience somewhat disheartened.

In addition to the new console launch, Nintendo’s recent statement to IGN really nails down the financial commitment. Enthusiasts holding onto their original Breath of the Wild on Switch will need to shell out $9.99 for the upgrade, while the full Expansion Pass—housing the beloved Champions’ Ballad and Master Trials DLC—costs $20. This situation leaves returning players facing $30 in total for an expanded experience on the Switch 2. On the other hand, those new to the game will spend $90 to have the full suite of content, which includes both the game and its DLC.

For that additional cost, players do receive certain benefits with the new Switch 2 version. As demonstrated in the Nintendo Treehouse event following the April 2 reveal, load times are cut to 16 seconds, down from 24 on the original Switch, marking a noticeable performance leap. Additional perks include a navigation feature to uncover hidden items and a few new bits of game lore. However, the absence of DLC in this package remains a tough pill to swallow for fans.

Given the high praise for Breath of the Wild’s DLC, considered some of the finest on the platform, its exclusion in the Switch 2 upgrade is a sore point for many. There has been vocal opposition to paying for these next-gen updates, and it will be intriguing to see if this discontent impacts sales of Breath of the Wild for the Switch 2 when it finally hits the shelves.