Published on: April 11, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild: Expansion Pass DLC Sold Separately, Confirms Nintendo
As anticipation continues to build around the Nintendo Switch 2 and its lineup of enhanced titles, Nintendo has provided crucial clarification regarding the content of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Known for its landmark open-world design and critical acclaim since its original 2017 release, Breath of the Wild is set for a refresh on Nintendo's latest hardware.
However, those hoping for an all-inclusive edition featuring every piece of downloadable content (DLC) will need to take note of a key limitation.
Despite earlier consumer speculation and inconsistent retailer communication, Nintendo has now officially stated that the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild does not come bundled with the Expansion Pass DLC, which includes ‘The Champion’s Ballad’ and other additions.
In a statement provided to IGN and corroborated by reporting from Eurogamer, a Nintendo spokesperson explained, “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 the upcoming Switch 2 Edition boasts several quality-of-life enhancements including improved resolution, faster load times, an additional save slot, new ‘Zelda Notes,’ a rudimentary achievement system via a dedicated companion app, and expanded Korok tracking, the Expansion Pass content remains unbundled.
This means that players looking to experience DLC content, such as ‘The Champion’s Ballad,’ will need to purchase the Expansion Pass separately through the Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo further clarified that existing owners of the Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass on the original Nintendo Switch will retain access to their DLC if they choose to upgrade via the $10 digital upgrade path for Switch 2.
Additionally, subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack will receive upgrades for both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) and Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) without extra cost as part of their ongoing subscription benefits.
The pricing details highlight the ongoing discussion among consumers regarding the cost of modern game releases and upgrades.
In the UK, the physical edition of Breath of the Wild Switch 2 is set at £66.99, with the Expansion Pass currently retailing for £17.99 on the Switch eShop.
While the news may not surprise existing players who already own the DLC, new adopters seeking a definitive Zelda experience on Switch 2 will need to account for the additional purchase — a point that continues to fuel conversations about value and expectations in the gaming community.
As Nintendo prepares for the next generation of its beloved hardware, the company’s focus on clarity and feature enhancements underscores its commitment to both new and returning fans.
For further updates on Nintendo Switch 2 games, DLC, and upgrade paths, stay tuned to Nintendo’s official channels and trusted industry news outlets.
Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda Nintendo Switch Breath of the Wild Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild The Legend of Zelda Switch 2 Legend of Zelda Switch Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Zelda: Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass DLC