Overview of the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild
- The Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild does not come bundled with any downloadable content (DLC), requiring players to purchase additional content separately.
- Despite offering enhanced performance such as reduced loading times, the lack of bundled content raises questions about the value for price-conscious gamers.
- There is growing dissatisfaction among fans regarding Nintendo’s decision to charge for next-gen upgrades, which may influence sales of the game on the newest console.
Nintendo has officially announced that the upcoming Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will not include any of the downloadable content (DLC). Although players can anticipate performance boosts with faster loading times and improved visuals, the decision to charge separately for the content has drawn criticism from the gaming community, particularly concerning the price point. The fact that neither of the two DLC packs available for Breath of the Wild will be integrated into this updated release contributes to these sentiments.
During a presentation on April 2, Nintendo shared details about the enhanced experience of Switch 2 versions of popular titles, including BOTW and Teardrops of the Kingdom, expected to launch in June. While it was highlighted that these versions would operate at better frame rates and resolutions than their predecessors, the absence of information regarding the inclusion of BOTW’s DLC was a noteworthy omission. Nintendo’s recent clarification, while perhaps anticipated, has disappointed those eager to fully engage with the upgraded edition of the game.
In a statement to IGN, Nintendo confirmed that both the Champions’ Ballad and Master Trials DLC packs would not be included with the Switch 2 Edition. This decision is likely to frustrate existing players, as acquiring the Switch 2 version will cost them an additional $9.99 if they already own the original game. Given that the Expansion Pass containing both DLCs is priced at $20, this means dedicated fans looking to access all content on the Switch 2 could end up spending $30 more, despite previous ownership. Newcomers to the franchise will face a total cost of $90 for the Switch 2 edition and accompanying DLC.
Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition Lacks DLC
While the $9.99 price tag for the Switch 2 version does include some performance enhancements—the Nintendo Treehouse presentation indicated that loading times have been slashed from 24 seconds to just 16 seconds—many fans feel these improvements don’t justify the additional expense. This new edition also features an upgraded navigation system for discovering hidden items and expanded lore, making the experience more engaging. However, the lack of bundled DLC continues to be a sticking point for gamers who hesitate to pay extra for a game they already own.
Fans of Breath of the Wild have long praised its DLC as one of the best available on the Switch. Consequently, the decision to exclude these expansions from the paid upgrade is viewed as unfortunate by many in the gaming community. As sentiments towards the pricing strategy continue to evolve, it remains to be seen how these factors will impact sales of Breath of the Wild on the Switch 2 upon its release.