Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Reveals Disappointing Aspect

Nintendo’s announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the Switch 2 has stirred up mixed feelings among fans. The latest edition won’t feature any DLC, leaving players to dig into their wallets for a complete experience. Despite the Switch 2 boasting faster load times and enhanced performance, questions linger about whether these upgrades justify the additional cost.

In the detailed April 2 Nintendo presentation, it was revealed that both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom would be available for the new console, launching in June. The updated versions promise superior frame rates and resolution. Yet, just as many expected, they won’t come bundled with any downloadable content from the original, which has left some fans feeling shortchanged.

According to IGN, Nintendo confirmed the absence of the Champion’s Ballad and Master Trials DLC packs in the Switch 2 version. For those who already own the game, a $9.99 charge is all it takes to upgrade. But, factoring in the game’s $20 Expansion Pass, existing owners will have to spend a total of $30 to enjoy the full game experience on Switch 2. New buyers face an even steeper total of $90 for both the game and its additional content.

Though the $9.99 for the Switch 2 version offers extras, such as reduced load times from 24 to 16 seconds and a new navigational tool for uncovering hidden items, there’s still dissatisfaction over the DLC exclusion. Fans argue that the new version should be more comprehensive, especially since Breath of the Wild’s DLC is regarded as some of the best on the Switch.

Critics are vocal about paying for next-gen upgrades, and it’s up in the air how this will affect sales once the Switch 2 hits the shelves. Nevertheless, the allure of a revamped Zelda title will likely draw in gamers, old and new alike. While improvements might be noticeable, Nintendo’s strategy of charging extra for enhancements could be divisive, impacting how both loyalists and newcomers perceive one of the platform’s flagship franchises.