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Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing Sparks Debate, Zelda Upgrade Details Emerge
The pricing structure for the Nintendo Switch 2 has become a point of contention following its recent announcement. Consumers are expressing concerns over the suggested retail price of the base console, the cost of anticipated games like Mario Kart World, and even the price of the “Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour,” a tech demo and interactive guide. Many are voicing their disappointment with Nintendo’s approach to pricing, especially when considering the accessibility and popularity of the original Nintendo Switch. These discussions unfolded prior to the delays in US and Canada preorders due to tariffs, which added further complexity to Nintendo’s price considerations.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Details
A more favorably received announcement addressed Nintendo’s upgrade plans for Legend of Zelda titles, specifically Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, on the Nintendo Switch 2. Players who already own these games can upgrade to enhanced Switch 2 versions, which promise improved frame rates and resolution. The upgraded version will also feature the new “Zelda Notes app,” offering enriched game lore through voice memos, item and blueprint sharing with friends, and a voice-guided GPS system. These upgrades are offered without added cost to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. However, recent reports indicate that the upgraded Breath of the Wild will not include existing downloadable content (DLC).
DLC Exclusion Confirmed for Breath of the Wild Upgrade
A representative from Nintendo confirmed that “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. This DLC will be available as a separate purchase.”
What’s Included in the Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass DLC?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass DLC, released in 2017, is composed of two distinct content packs:
- The Master Trials: This pack introduces the “Trial of the Sword,” a combat-focused challenge where players face waves of enemies to enhance the Master Sword’s power.
- The Champions’ Ballad: The second pack adds a new dungeon, expands the game’s narrative with additional story content, and includes a formidable new boss battle. Completing this DLC rewards players with the Master Cycle Zero, a motorcycle vehicle for Link to utilize in Hyrule.
Industry Trends and Nintendo’s Strategy
Anticipation for included DLC in the upgraded edition is likely rooted in an industry trend where enhanced versions of older games often launch as “definitive editions.” These versions typically encompass both a remastered base game and all previously released additional content. Given Breath of the Wild’s release several years ago, the expectation that Nintendo might adopt this approach for the Switch 2 version is understandable. However, the separate pricing structure – the Expansion Pass as a distinct purchase and the upgrade seemingly focused on core enhancements – presents a different economic model. This also highlights Nintendo’s established practice of maintaining consistent pricing for their first-party software titles over time.
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Breath of the Wild’s Critical Acclaim
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild debuted on Nintendo Switch and Wii U in 2017 and was met with widespread critical success. It received perfect scores from numerous publications and earned Game of the Year accolades in 2017.
What are your opinions on the exclusion of DLC from the Nintendo Switch 2 iteration of Breath of the Wild? Share your thoughts in the comments below.