Nintendo’s $90 Zelda Re-Release Sparks Outrage Over Missing DLC and High Prices

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Nintendo is encountering criticism following its announcement that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition won’t come with the game’s additional DLC content, even though it retails for $70 as an eight-year-old title. To enjoy the complete experience of the 2017 classic on the new Switch 2 console, players will have to spend an extra $20 on the Expansion Pass, pushing the overall price up to $90.

Through a statement to IGN, Nintendo made it clear that “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” does not contain the additional content from the “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass DLC.” This extra content can be obtained separately.

On June 5th, the newly released Nintendo Switch 2 will debut a collection of revamped first-party games labeled as “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.” These reissues offer enhanced visuals and performance, including smoother frame rates, support for High Dynamic Range (HDR), and quicker loading times. Those who already own the initial Switch versions can upgrade for $10, whereas new buyers will need to purchase full-priced bundles priced at either $70 or $80—depending on the specific game.

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In contrast to other re-released games from various gaming companies, Nintendo’s re-release of “Breath of the Wild” is unique as it comes without any bundled DLC. Unlike many remasters,

Increasing the salt in the wound, the new Switch 2 will be priced at $450, which is a steep $100 increase compared to the regular Switch. On top of this, Nintendo Switch Online comes with a $10 monthly charge, or $50 for the ‘Expansion Pak’ tier featuring GameCube classics. This has left many loyal fans feeling that the console is a financial stretch.

In a nod to the 80s and 90s, Nintendo has chosen to reintroduce its flexible pricing approach, where game prices change based on factors such as perceived worth, production quality, or brand recognition. Unlike the current industry norm of fixed prices for first-party titles, the upcoming Switch 2’s release lineup showcases games priced between $70 and $80, mirroring a time when games like Chrono Trigger and Super Street Fighter II had higher price tags due to extra hardware or development costs. This strategic change, which was confirmed by Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, harks back to the past.

Great news! Nintendo has announced that the physical editions of Switch 2 games come with both the main game and any necessary updates on a single cartridge. This means no download codes or internet connection is required for the upgraded content. However, this advantage doesn’t seem to ease the discontent among gamers who are already feeling the pinch due to increasing costs.

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For its debut, the Switch 2 will feature enhanced editions of popular games such as “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”, “Tears of the Kingdom”, “Kirby and the Forgotten Land”, and “Mario Party Jamboree”. Additionally, new titles like “Mario Kart Tour”, “Donkey Kong Bananza”, “Metroid Prime 4”, and “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” will also be introduced.

In this version, I have tried to rephrase the original text while maintaining its core meaning and structure. The new titles are now presented as “additionally introduced,” making it more clear that they are new additions along with the upgraded versions of existing games.

Currently, pre-orders for buyers in North America and Canada have been temporarily suspended, allegedly because of President Trump’s recently implemented tariff policy on imported electronic goods. This new development further complicates the rocky release of Nintendo’s upcoming generation console.

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2025-04-11 20:55