Breath Of The Wild DLC On Switch 2: Separate Purchase Despite Cartridge Upgrades

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Post on Apr 12, 2025

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Breath of the Wild DLC on Switch 2: Will Expansion Pass Owners Need to Repurchase?

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, and with it comes a flurry of questions regarding game compatibility and DLC. One burning question for many Zelda fans centers around The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its expansive DLC, the Expansion Pass. Will owners of the original game and its DLC need to repurchase everything for the Switch 2? Recent reports suggest a less-than-ideal answer for many players: a likely separate purchase.

While Nintendo hasn't officially confirmed the situation, industry whispers and logical deductions point towards the Expansion Pass not transferring directly to the Switch 2 version of Breath of the Wild. This isn't entirely surprising, given the likely technical improvements and potential cartridge upgrades needed to optimize the game for the new console's hardware.

Why a Separate Purchase is Likely:

Several factors contribute to the strong possibility of needing to repurchase the Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass on the Switch 2:

• Enhanced Graphics and Performance: The Switch 2 is expected to boast significant graphical improvements and higher performance capabilities. To leverage this, a completely optimized version of Breath of the Wild, including the DLC, will likely be necessary, requiring a separate development and release.

• Cartridge Capacity: The Switch 2 might use different cartridge technology, potentially with greater storage capacity. This could mean the original game and DLC would not be compatible due to differing file structures and formats. Simply transferring data would not guarantee seamless performance.

• Nintendo's DLC Handling in the Past: Nintendo’s history with DLC and console transitions isn't always consistent. While some DLC has transferred to newer platforms, others have required repurchasing. This suggests a lack of a uniform policy regarding DLC transferability.

What This Means for Players:

This news will undoubtedly disappoint many players who have already invested in the Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass. The prospect of a second purchase, even if it's for an enhanced version of the game, represents a considerable added expense.

Potential Mitigation Strategies:

While a separate purchase seems likely, there are potential scenarios that could alleviate some of the financial burden:

• Discounted Repurchase: Nintendo might offer a discounted price for the Expansion Pass on Switch 2 for existing owners who can prove their prior purchase on the original Switch. This would soften the blow for loyal fans.

• Bundle Deals: Pre-order bundles or special editions of Breath of the Wild on Switch 2 might include the Expansion Pass at a reduced cost.

• Cloud Saves: While unlikely to transfer the DLC directly, cloud saves might allow the player to retain progress made in the game itself, saving hours of gameplay if the storyline is carried over.

Conclusion:

Until Nintendo makes an official announcement, the possibility of needing to repurchase Breath of the Wild's Expansion Pass on the Switch 2 remains a significant concern for many players. While the upgrade to the new console is exciting, the potential cost of repurchasing DLC is a significant factor to consider. Stay tuned for official confirmation from Nintendo and keep an eye out for any potential mitigating offers. The conversation around this issue will undoubtedly continue to dominate discussions within the gaming community until the matter is clarified.