The Complete Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

In recent gaming news, fans awaiting the re-release of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" on the upcoming Switch 2 are in for a surprise. Nintendo has revealed that the full experience, including both the game and its DLC, will set players back $90. This price does not include the Expansion Pass, which must be purchased separately despite being integral to a complete playthrough.

Price Breakdown

When the Switch 2 was announced, the gaming community buzzed with excitement—and debate. Consumers had already raised eyebrows at the $70 and $80 price tags for the Switch 2 Edition versions of "Breath of the Wild" and its sequel, "Tears of the Kingdom." For those who don’t already own these beloved classics, it’s quite an investment. The cost breakdown is simple but striking: adding the base game to the Expansion Pass crescendos the total to an eye-popping $90. Nintendo offers subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service free access to these game upgrades, somewhat easing the pricing sting.

Why So Costly?

However, gamers balk not just at the extra expense but at the game’s age. "Breath of the Wild" is now over eight years old, yet its value remains high. Nintendo’s games, as fans know too well, rarely drop in price. This philosophy stands firm as Nintendo confirms that the upcoming Switch 2 edition won’t include the critical expansion features right out of the box.

The expansion enriches gameplay with additional shrines and challenging quests, making it essential for purists who want the fullest experience. Even with these justifications, players face sticker shock for must-have titles many feel should be more affordable. As game visuals improve, such as with this edition’s enhanced frame rate and HDR support, fans wonder if the tangible upgrades are worth the elevated price.

The Zelda Draw

For those eager to experience these games anew or for the first time on the Switch 2, that freshly finessed performance may well justify the expenditure. With a legacy as storied as "Zelda’s," it seems Nintendo banks heavily on nostalgia’s enduring allure. Whether this pricing strategy will pay off remains to be seen, as fans balance their love for the series with the realities of their wallets. Keep an eye on the horizon as more details about upcoming Switch 2 exclusives are revealed.