Nintendo’s enhanced version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the upcoming Switch 2 is shaping up to be a visual and performance upgrade—but it won’t be the complete package. Launching June 5, 2025, this updated edition of the 2017 masterpiece comes with higher resolution, faster loading, smoother framerates, and a new “Zelda Notes” feature. But one thing it won’t include out of the box? The game’s much-loved Expansion Pass DLC.
What’s Missing in the Switch 2 Edition?
Despite arriving nearly eight years after the game’s original release, the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild won’t bundle in the two DLC packs that expanded the game’s content and lore. These include:
- The Master Trials – Featuring Trial of the Sword, Master Mode, Hero’s Path Mode, and more.
- The Champions’ Ballad – A new story arc with fresh dungeons and a deeper look at the four Champions.
While this content remains available via the original Expansion Pass, Nintendo has confirmed it will not be part of the standard Switch 2 Edition and must be purchased separately.
A $9.99 Upgrade—But With Strings Attached
For players who already own Breath of the Wild on the original Switch, an upgrade path is available for $9.99 USD. This “Upgrade Pack” delivers performance enhancements and new features tailored to the Switch 2’s hardware. However, it still doesn’t include the DLC. The Expansion Pass remains a standalone purchase, mirroring the setup from the original release.
Nintendo’s strategy here is clear: this is a technical upgrade, not a content bundle. It’s not being marketed as a “Game of the Year” or “Complete” edition, and the upgrade’s value lies in presentation improvements—not additional gameplay content.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Users: You’re in Luck
Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack are getting some extra perks. Nintendo has stated that both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrades for Switch 2 are included at no additional cost within the subscription. While it hasn’t been definitively confirmed whether this includes Breath of the Wild’s DLC, the expectation is that if you had access to it previously via the service, you’ll retain access after the upgrade.
This positions the Expansion Pack subscription as a smart investment for Zelda fans planning to upgrade. You get the enhanced version without paying more—and likely keep your DLC privileges.
Physical Edition Comes with a Caveat
Adding to the confusion is the physical edition of the Switch 2 version. Reports suggest it may ship with the original Breath of the Wild Switch cartridge and a digital code for the upgrade. This arrangement implies the Expansion Pass is still sold separately—even for those buying physical copies. That’s a departure from what many players expect when buying an updated version of a beloved game years after launch.
Why Not a “Definitive Edition”?
For many fans, this feels like a missed opportunity. After nearly a decade and over 30 million copies sold, Breath of the Wild could have arrived on Switch 2 in its most complete form yet. Including the DLC would have been a strong gesture, especially for new players discovering the game for the first time.
Instead, Nintendo is taking a piecemeal approach, continuing to sell the DLC separately and encouraging users to buy in through subscriptions or standalone purchases. While understandable from a business perspective, it’s a move that risks frustrating those who were hoping for a single, all-in-one version of one of gaming’s most celebrated titles.
A Cost Breakdown: Paying $90 for an Eight-Year-Old Game?
One of the biggest frustrations voiced by the community is the total cost of owning the “full” Switch 2 version of Breath of the Wild. For players who don’t already own the game or DLC, the combined cost breaks down like this:
- Base game: $69.99 (Switch 2 physical or digital)
- Expansion Pass (DLC): $19.99
- Total: Nearly $90 USD before tax
That’s a steep ask for an eight-year-old game—especially considering many other publishers bundle DLC into re-releases or offer steep discounts over time. Comparisons have been made to titles like The Witcher 3, Horizon Zero Dawn, Fallout 4, and Ghost of Tsushima, all of which received “Game of the Year” or “Definitive” editions with DLC included at a lower price point or as part of a free upgrade.
What About Existing Owners of the DLC?
A point that’s caused confusion: if you already own the Breath of the Wild DLC on Switch 1, you do not need to repurchase it. When you buy the $10 upgrade (or redeem it via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack), your existing DLC will carry over and remain accessible on the upgraded Switch 2 version. However, new players or those who never purchased the Expansion Pass will still have to buy it separately.
This is a relief for longtime players, but it creates an uneven experience for new buyers, who might assume the upgrade includes everything due to the game’s age.
Physical Cartridge Confusion
Adding to the murkiness is how the physical edition of the Switch 2 version is being handled. Current reports suggest it may ship with the original Switch 1 cartridge plus a download code for the upgrade. If true, this means:
- The base game is still the 2017 version on cartridge.
- The enhancements are only applied via digital download.
- The DLC remains separate and is not bundled physically or digitally.
This fragmented release approach has led to criticism, especially from those who expected a more unified experience from a next-gen re-release.
Is This a True “Remaster”?
Nintendo has notably not called this a remaster or definitive edition. It’s marketed as a Switch 2-compatible upgrade with performance improvements and new features like the Zelda Notes integration. However, many players argue that if Nintendo is asking for new money—either through full price or an upgrade fee—the experience should include all content by default.
Adding to the frustration is Nintendo’s pattern of rarely discounting their games, even years after release. With titles like Super Mario 64 DS still selling at full price well into the 3DS era, fans are questioning whether Nintendo is out of touch with modern value expectations in the gaming market.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about a $20 DLC pack. It’s about expectations for how major publishers should treat legacy content—especially when it’s being re-sold. The decision not to include the Expansion Pass has turned what could have been a celebratory re-release into a lightning rod for criticism.
In contrast, publishers like CD Projekt Red, Bethesda, and even Ubisoft have long embraced the “complete edition” model as a way to build goodwill and justify re-purchases. Nintendo, by comparison, appears to be treating performance upgrades as standalone features worth paying for, even when the underlying content is largely the same.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild is a welcome enhancement. The performance boosts, graphical upgrades, and Zelda Notes feature breathe new life into an already iconic experience. But without the Expansion Pass, it’s not the definitive edition many fans were hoping for. If you want the full experience—trials, lore, Master Mode, and that elusive motorcycle—you’ll need to pay extra.
For players heavily invested in Nintendo’s ecosystem or those with a Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, the upgrade path is still rewarding. But if you’re a newcomer or returning fan expecting a bundled, polished edition of Breath of the Wild, be prepared to shell out for the extras.
