Nintendo has recently announced some disappointing news for fans of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild regarding its availability on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Originally released in 2017 as a launch title for the Switch, Breath of the Wild has maintained its status as one of the most cherished games on the platform. Despite expectations for a comprehensive remaster, it appears that the Switch 2 version will notably lack some content that many players anticipated.
According to a report from NintendoSoup, citing a Nintendo customer service representative, the downloadable content (DLC) originally released post-launch will not be included with the purchase of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. This DLC comprises two major expansions: The Master Trials and The Champions’ Ballad, which introduced new gameplay modes, a fresh narrative arc, unique dungeons, and even the iconic Master Cycle. As of now, these expansions will only be available for purchase separately, if they are provided at all for this new console.
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DLC Inclusion in Remasters Is Standard
This announcement stands in stark contrast to industry standards, where remastered editions usually incorporate most, if not all, of the DLC available for the title. For instance, the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition for Switch 2 will feature the major expansion, Phantom Liberty, at no additional charge. Similarly, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will include the Intermission content, showcasing a common trend in remastered titles enhancing player experiences.
It seems, however, that first-party Nintendo games receiving upgrades, such as Breath of the Wild, will not bundle their original DLC upon initial purchase. In contrast, for third-party titles, this can vary substantially according to the policies of individual developers and publishers. This shift may go against what many players expected based on the prior console’s practices, as seen with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which included all DLC from the Wii U version upon release.
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The upgrade cost for both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom stands at $10 for those who already own these titles, whereas Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can access these upgrades for free. However, uncertainty surrounds the pricing for the DLC in the Switch 2 version of Breath of the Wild, as well as whether prior DLC purchases will transfer over to the new system. This situation results in significant dissatisfaction among the game’s loyal player base and potential Nintendo Switch 2 buyers, all of whom were optimistic about a comprehensive gaming experience.
For those looking for more information, refer to the reports from NintendoSoup, TheGamer, and Nintendo of America/YouTube.