Zelda Switch 2 Edition Sparks Backlash Over Missing DLC | Image Source: www.ign.com
NEW YORK, 9 April 2025 – As the game world prepares for the early release of Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, an iconic title is unexpectedly sparked by controversy. Zelda’s Legend: Wild Breath – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition was confirmed to omit a key element that fans had assumed to be included: the DLC Expansion Pass. This revelation, according to Nintendo’s statements and corroborated by IGN, led to a broader discussion of prices, expectations and how game updates in the era of evolving console ecosystems should be managed.
The original Wild Breath, released in 2017 for the Wii U and the original Switch, became a classic moment. With its sweeping landscapes, complex puzzle and depth, it has established a high bar for open world games. Later that year, Nintendo launched an expansion map consisting of two important DLCs: The Ballad of the Master Trials and Champions, which added important content to the basic game. This $20 package has become an essential part of Zelda’s entire experience for many players.
Quick to 2025, and Nintendo officially announced that this Expansion Pass will not be included with the new Switch 2 edition of the game. As a representative of My Nintendo Store said for several points of sale including GoNintendo and IGN, players buying the Switch 2 Edition for $70 will have to get rid of an additional $20 for DLC, bringing the total cost to $90. This led to frustration among fans, many of whom expected a more complete offer given the age of the game and the growing tendency to abound in DLC with re-releases.
Why is DLC missing from Switch 2?
According to Nintendo’s statement to IGN, the omission of the Switch 2 Edition DLC is a deliberate choice. A spokesman said: “Zelda’s Legend: Breathing the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does not include Zelda’s Legend: Breathing the Wild Expansion Pass DLC. This DLC is available as a separate purchase.”
This clarification, while transparent, hasn’t soothed fan disappointment. For many, the expectation was clear: a new version of an eight-year-old title should include all previously released content, especially at a premium price.
Historically, the game companies used the versions as opportunities to add value. It is not uncommon for older games to be filled with DLC and new content to attract newcomers and long-term fans. Titles such as GTA V, The Witcher 3 and Horizon Zero Dawn were treated in the same way, making Nintendo’s decision beyond the reach of the industry’s dominant trends.
How does this affect current and potential actors?
The answer depends on your position. If you already have the Wild Breaker and its DLC in the original Switch, you are clear. Your purchase will lead you to Switch 2, and you will have nothing to look for. However, if you are a new player immersing in the Zelda universe for the first time through Switch 2, your way of living fully has just been more expensive.
Interestingly, Nintendo offers a $10 update package for those who own the basic game but want access to improved images, performance improvements and new features such as Zelda Notes’ support service. But this update does not include DLC either, which means that even long-term fans looking to update will respond to several price points and decisions.
What is included in Switch 2?
The Wild – Switch 2 Edition breath is not without merit. This improved version offers improved graphics, faster loading times and smoother frame rates thanks to the new hardware. Players will also have access to the new Zelda Notes feature through the Nintendo Switch Online app, which provides game advice, location guides and even character comments from Princess Zelda herself. These additions help to modernize the experience, but do not necessarily justify the absence of a pooled DLC for many players.
In terms of performance, the Switch 2 offers an important boost to its predecessor. According to PCMag and other first practical reports, it has a display of 1080p 7.9 inches, up to the 4K output when docked, and support for 120 fps games. The new Joy-With 2 drivers include optical sensors for mouse control, which is particularly relevant for games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. All these advances increase the immersion of the game, but also contribute to a more pronounced price, not only for the console but also for its software and accessories.
Why are fans active on the price model?
Let’s do math: the basic game is $70, the expansion pass is $20, and the update package is $10 – a total of $100 for a complete and improved version of a game published in 2017. And that doesn’t take into account the $449.99 cost of Switch 2 itself. Fans argue that this price model feels excessive, especially for an outing. Even more so than other publishers that usually publish ”Game of the Year” or ”Definitive” editions that group DLC at no extra cost.
This becomes particularly relevant when considering the Switch 2 global price ecosystem. According to Nintendo’s announcement and the practical coverage of IGN and PCMag, most first-party titles will now cost $70 to $80, with luxury editions pushing even higher. Accessories such as Joy-With 2 ($89.99) and Pro Controller ($79.99) further enhance the investment needed to make the most of the new Nintendo console. While it is clear that Nintendo offers high-end experiences, consumers continue to wonder where value and accessibility are intersecting.
Will this strategy go back?
Nintendo has always danced at his own pace. The company rarely follows industry trends and often takes unconventional routes that operate in one way or another. Remember, the original switch was dubious before it was released, and it became one of the most sold consoles of all time. It is therefore possible that this award decision will not deter Zelda’s loyal or new players wishing to explore Hyrule for the first time in 4K.
But the reaction is not insignificant. Forums, social media and YouTube comments are already full of disappointment and confusion. Many wonder if this creates a precedent for how Nintendo will deal with other Switch 2 Edition updates, including titles such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Party Jamboree and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. If similar exclusions of DLC become the norm, the company could face increasing criticism from fans of nickel and love who have already shown loyalty for years.
Should you still buy the Zelda Switch 2 Edition?
Depends. If you have never played the Wild Breaker and you plan to buy a Switch 2, then yes, it might be worth it – just the budget for the additional DLC. If you already have the game and DLC, you might just consider buying the $10 updated package instead of the full version. And if you are a collector diehard or a graphic snob looking to experiment Hyrule in high definition, the new edition could still be tempting despite its failures.
Ultimately, this situation is a reminder to always read the beautiful letter. What is sold as a new edition may not include everything you assume it does. And with high bets – both financially and emotionally – the Nintendo elections here are more than price decisions. These are statements about how the company sees its inherited titles and its relationship to its fan base.
As the Nintendo Switch 2 hits the shelves in June, all eyes will be at the reception of their launch titles. If the missing Zelda DLC is still a minor hicup or a major error, it depends on how Nintendo responds, and how players vote with their wallets.
