Summary

  • Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition doesn't include any DLC, requiring fans to pay extra for a full game experience.
  • While the Switch 2 version offers performance improvements like faster load times, some may find it hard to justify the added cost.
  • Fans criticize Nintendo for charging for next-gen upgrades and may impact BOTW sales on the Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition will not come with its DLC included, Nintendo has confirmed. While the Switch 2 offers some noteworthy performance improvements to the original Switch games, many fans have criticized how Nintendo is handling these upgrades, especially in terms of their price. The omission of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's two DLC packs in the updated version may add to those concerns.

During Nintendo's deep dive into the Switch 2 on April 2, it was confirmed that BOTW and Tears of the Kingdom would both get Switch 2 editions when the console launches in June. As is to be expected, these titles will run at a higher frame rate and improved resolution than their original versions, but the Direct notably left out any word on whether they'd include BOTW's DLC. Now, Nintendo has clarified things, and while the truth may not be surprising, it is disappointing for fans looking to get the most out of the updated version of BOTW.

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In a statement to IGN, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild doesn't include the Champions' Ballad or Master Trials DLC packs. The omission is certain to frustrate some gamers, as they'll have to pay $9.99 for the BOTW Switch 2 upgrade if they already own the game on the original console. Considering the game's Expansion Pass, which includes both DLCs, costs $20, that means fans will end up paying an additional $30 to play the fully expanded game on the Switch 2, despite already owning a copy. Those who don't own BOTW will need to pay a total of $90 to get the Switch 2 Edition of the game plus its DLC.

Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Does Not Include DLC

The $9.99 charge for the Switch 2 version of the game does come with some additional benefits. The Nintendo Treehouse event that followed the April 2 Direct showed that BOTW load times take just 16 seconds on Switch 2, compared to 24 seconds on the original, which is a decent jump in performance. The new version also comes with a navigation aid to make it easier to find hidden items and some expanded bits of game lore to discover. However, some fans may still find it difficult to pay more to play a game they already own, especially if the package doesn't include the title's DLC.

Some fans say Breath of the Wild has some of the Switch's best DLC, so it's unfortunate that the paid upgrade doesn't include it. Many have already called out the practice of charging for next-gen upgrades, so it will be interesting to see how this affects BOTW sales on the Switch 2 when it comes out.

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10 /10

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
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Action
Adventure
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 96%
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Released
March 3, 2017
ESRB
E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
Havok
Cross-Platform Play
no
Cross Save
no
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Forget everything you know about The Legend of Zelda games. Step into a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a boundary-breaking new game in the acclaimed series. Travel across vast fields, through forests, and to mountain peaks as you discover what has become of the kingdom of Hyrule in this stunning Open-Air Adventure. Now on Nintendo Switch, your journey is freer and more open than ever. Take your system anywhere, and adventure as Link any way you like.

Steam Deck Compatibility
yes
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
Platform(s)
Nintendo Wii U, Switch
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
How Long To Beat
50 Hours
X|S Optimized
no