Nintendo has sparked a significant debate in the gaming world with the announcement of the price tag for the upcoming version of its beloved game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for its next-generation console Switch 2. Considering that the game is considered one of the most iconic productions of the Switch, the announced pricing policy has led to disappointment and backlash among fans. According to Nintendo's statement, the Switch 2 version of Breath of the Wild will be sold for a price of $70 on its own. However, the downloadable content (DLC) required for players to experience the full game will not be included in this price and will require an additional payment of $20. This means that players will have to pay a total of $90 for the full game experience.
Upgrade Option for Existing Owners
If you already own a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo is offering a slightly more affordable option. Existing players can upgrade to the Switch 2 version of the game for just $10. This upgrade includes technical improvements that will allow the game to run at higher resolutions, with HDR support, and smoother frame rates. However, this affordable upgrade option does not include the DLC content, so existing players will have to pay an additional $20 for the full experience.
Players React to Pricing
Many players consider it an “overly commercial” move to re-release a game that’s been around for years at such a high price, and especially to offer DLC content for a separate fee. Considering that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was originally released for Wii U and Nintendo Switch platforms in 2017, this pricing policy has caused widespread debate within the gaming community. Players argue that technical improvements are to be expected and that the full game experience should be included in this price. The separate charge for DLC, on the other hand, is interpreted as an attempt to “re-monetize an old game.”
Switch 2 Strategy Tips
Players who plan to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 console and want to experience The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in its entirety will need to plan their budget by considering both the base version of the game and the DLC pack. This pricing decision also provides some clues about Nintendo's next-generation console strategy. It is clear that the advanced technical features offered by the Switch 2 have created an opportunity for old popular games to be re-evaluated. However, it will become clear in time how this situation will reflect on players' wallets and what effect Nintendo's strategy will have in the long run. Gamers are eagerly waiting to see how Nintendo will respond to this controversial pricing policy.
