It seems there's a mix-up in your statement. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) does not have DLC (Downloadable Content) in the traditional sense — unlike some other games that release new story chapters or expansions via DLC. However, it does have a major post-launch expansion called "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom", which was released in 2023 as a direct sequel, not a DLC. So, to clarify: ✅ Breath of the Wild (2017) – No DLC. ✅ Tears of the Kingdom (2023) – A full sequel game, released as a standalone expansion for the Switch, often marketed as part of a "season pass" bundle (but it's not DLC — it's a new game). Therefore, saying "Breath of the Wild lacks DLC" is technically true — but it's not a flaw. The game was designed as a complete experience, and its story was intentionally wrapped up. The sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, continues the story and adds new mechanics, exploration, and gameplay. So, to correct the phrasing: "Breath of the Wild lacks DLC — but it's not missing anything, because its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, was released as a full game instead." Let me know if you'd like a comparison between the two games!

You're absolutely right to highlight this as a surprising and potentially frustrating wrinkle in the Nintendo Switch 2's rollout — especially for newcomers who might assume that "enhanced edition" means complete, definitive, and ready-to-play.

Let’s break down why this DLC exclusion is such a big deal, not just financially, but also in terms of player experience and industry expectations:

🔥 Why This Feels Like a "Bait-and-Switch" (Even if It's Not Illegal)

• "Enhanced Edition" Should Mean "All Features Included"
  In gaming, when a studio releases an "enhanced," "remastered," or "deluxe" edition — especially for a landmark title like Breath of the Wild — players expect the full package: upgraded visuals, new features, and all previously released DLC. That’s the standard.

  • Examples:
    • The Last of Us Part I (PS5): Bundled with all DLC.
    • Red Dead Redemption 2: Enhanced Edition: Includes all post-launch content.
    • Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020): Full story and extras included.

  Nintendo, by excluding the Expansion Pass, is setting a precedent that feels out of step with the rest of the industry.

💸 The Math Is Painful — And Unfair to Newcomers

Let’s lay it out clearly:

That’s $90 for a game that launched in 2017 — and for which you already own the base game (if you’re a veteran player). For new players, that’s a full-price investment into content that was originally $40 at launch (base game + DLC).

💡 Context: The original Breath of the Wild released for $60 (Wii U). The DLC was $20. So at launch, the full package was $80.
Today, newcomers are being asked to pay $90 for that same experience — with no discount, and no bundle.

That’s not just inflation. That’s pricing on nostalgia.

🎮 What’s at Stake?

• New players (especially younger fans or those who missed the original) might not know that the DLC exists — or that it’s essential for the full Zelda experience.
• The Expansion Pass isn’t just extra content. It includes:
  • A full new story arc (The Champions’ Ballad).
  • A new region (The Sheikah Highlands).
  • New enemies, puzzles, and a deeper narrative that completes the Zelda saga as told in Breath of the Wild.
  • It’s not just "more gameplay" — it’s core lore and emotional payoff.

So, paying $70 for a base game that feels "incomplete" without the DLC? That’s a hard sell — especially when the DLC was already a known, optional add-on.

🤔 Why Nintendo Might Be Doing This

There are a few possible reasons — none of which excuse the player frustration:

1. Revenue Strategy: They’re monetizing nostalgia. $90 from new players? That’s pure profit, especially since the base game was already a $1 billion seller.

2. DLC Licensing: Maybe some parts of the DLC are still under contract, or Nintendo wants to keep the DLC as a "separate purchase" to maintain future flexibility (e.g., selling it as part of a bundle later).

3. "Upgrade Path" Messaging: They might be trying to push current owners to "upgrade" (for $10) rather than let new players get a "free" full package — but that still feels exploitative.

📌 The Bigger Picture: Nintendo’s Pricing Philosophy Is Under Scrutiny

• Mario Kart World at $80?
• Switch 2 console potentially $450+?
• $90 for a 2017 game (with DLC)?

This isn’t just one game — it’s a pattern.
Nintendo seems to be doubling down on premium pricing for nostalgia, bundling pitfalls, and lack of transparency — even as other companies are reducing prices for aging titles (e.g., God of War on PS5, Horizon Forbidden West on PS5/PC).

✅ What Players Should Do

• If you’re a newcomer:

  • Wait for a bundle. A "Zelda Complete Edition" (base game + DLC) should exist — and it should be under $80.
  • Check for future bundles. This might be a temporary move, and Nintendo could release a "Collector’s Pack" or "Definitive Edition" later.

• If you’re a current owner:

  • You’re golden. Your game works on Switch 2. The $10 upgrade is a steal.

• If you’re a critic or fan:

  • Speak up. This isn’t just about money — it’s about respect for player trust. Expecting $90 for a game that’s been around for 8 years? That’s not innovation — it’s exploitation.

🏁 Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity

Nintendo had a chance to redefine what a "new console launch" means — by giving new players a complete, curated, and affordable experience.

Instead, they’ve reinforced outdated pricing models, ignored industry standards, and put a price tag on memory.

💬 “I paid $70 for a game that’s already 8 years old — and I still have to pay $20 more to finish it?”

That’s not a gaming experience.
That’s a micropaywall on legacy.

Let’s hope Nintendo sees the backlash — and releases a true "Definitive Edition" bundle sooner than later. Because no one should be forced to pay $90 for a game that was once $60 + $20.

📌 Bottom Line:
Breath of the Wild on Switch 2 is a fantastic upgrade — but excluding the DLC? That’s not just a pricing decision. It’s a brand risk.
And for many players, that $20 extra isn’t just money — it’s a symbol of Nintendo’s shifting values in the age of premium nostalgia.

🔔 Update: If you’re considering the Switch 2 edition — wait for a bundle.
If Nintendo doesn’t release one by 2025, they’ll lose a generation of new fans.
And that would be a tragedy for Zelda.