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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a single-player adventure available for the original Nintendo Switch in physical and digital formats, and Nintendo lists it as supported on Nintendo Switch 2. The key buying distinction is that the optional Expansion Pass is separate from the Switch 2 Edition: the latter improves the game for Switch 2 but does not include the DLC.
What is Breath of the Wild?
Link wakes after a 100-year slumber and explores Hyrule, recovering memories and gathering resources as he tries to survive. Nintendo sums up the premise with the line, “No kingdom. No memories.” Nintendo’s official game page describes it as a one-player adventure.
The original Switch release supports TV, tabletop, and handheld play, and supports amiibo. Nintendo notes that the experience may differ on Switch Lite. Backing up its save data to the cloud requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. The game is offered as a physical game card or digital download; check your local Nintendo store and retailers for current prices, availability, and format.
Which version should you buy?
| What you want | Relevant option | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| The game on an original Switch | Original Switch base game, physical or digital | Choose the format that suits you and check local price and stock. Nintendo lists the original game as supported on Switch 2. |
| The game plus its extra story and challenges | Base-game and Expansion Pass bundle | Check that the bundle is available in your region and compare its current price with buying the game and DLC separately. |
| You already own the game and have a Switch 2 | Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack | The upgrade requires the full base game. Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can access it at no additional cost; confirm current membership terms and account-region eligibility. |
| You want the enhanced version for Switch 2 | Switch 2 Edition | It is playable only on Switch 2 and does not include the Expansion Pass. |
These options are not interchangeable: decide based on which console you will use, whether you want physical or digital, whether you want the DLC, and whether you already own the base game or have the qualifying membership. Prices and stock vary by country and retailer, so check the current regional listing rather than relying on an old sale price.
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- Discover Hyrule as never before: by making your own path, choices, and consequences
- Ingenuity is the key to survival: find multiple solutions to tons of dynamic puzzles
- Surprises hide around every corner: scavenge weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more
- Live off the land: find weapons and armor, cook food, and brew elixirs
- Utilize special technology: the in-game Sheikah Slate controls, objects and enemies in fun ways
What does the Expansion Pass add?
The Expansion Pass is optional DLC. Nintendo lists it both as separately purchasable content and as part of a bundle with the base game. The bundle includes the base game, three treasure chests, The Master Trials, and The Champions’ Ballad. See Nintendo’s Expansion Pass listing for regional availability and current store details.
The Master Trials
This pack adds the Cave of Trials, Master Mode, Hero’s Path, and other content.
Rank #2
- Enhanced resolution, framerates, and load times optimized for Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore a massive open-air version of Hyrule with complete freedom.
- Solve physics-based puzzles, survive dynamic weather, and uncover hidden secrets.
- Customize your adventure with weapons, gear, and food you craft yourself.
- Use the ZELDA NOTES app for bonuses, item sharing, and social features.
The Champions’ Ballad
This pack adds a dungeon, story content about the four Champions and Princess Zelda, challenges, and shrines.
What changes in the Switch 2 Edition?
Nintendo lists higher resolution, improved frame rates, HDR output, and faster loading among the Switch 2 Edition enhancements. It also supports Zelda Notes through the Nintendo Switch app. The Edition is playable only on Switch 2, and the Expansion Pass remains a separate purchase; Nintendo’s FAQ says it requires the full game.
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![The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xVZUUZ1hL._SL160_.jpg)
- Discover Hyrule as never before: by making your own path, choices, and consequences
- Ingenuity is the key to survival: find multiple solutions to tons of dynamic puzzles
- Surprises hide around every corner: scavenge weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more
- Live off the land: find weapons and armor, cook food, and brew elixirs
- Utilize special technology: the in-game Sheikah Slate controls objects and enemies in fun ways
The upgrade pack requires the original game. Nintendo says active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can access the upgrade pack at no additional cost. Since membership terms and eligibility can depend on the account and region, check the current Nintendo listing and your account before relying on that route.
Save files and transfer limits
Nintendo says original Switch save data can be carried over and used in the Switch 2 Edition. The Edition provides two save files: one can continue an existing adventure and the other can begin a new one. Nintendo warns that the second save created in the Switch 2 Edition cannot be transferred back to the original Switch version.
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![The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y5b1WmCXL._SL160_.jpg)
- Persistent internet and compatible smart device required. Data charges may apply.
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Zelda Notes requirements
Zelda Notes requires an internet connection and a compatible smart device. Data charges may apply, so check your mobile plan if you will use it away from Wi-Fi.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the game a good fit for your setup?
- Original Switch: The original game is the relevant purchase, in the physical or digital format you prefer.
- Switch 2, no copy yet: Compare the original game and Switch 2 Edition listings, keeping in mind that the Edition does not include the Expansion Pass.
- Switch 2, already own the original: Check the upgrade pack and whether your active membership qualifies for no-additional-cost access.
- Want the DLC: Look for the Expansion Pass or the base-game bundle that explicitly includes it; do not assume it comes with the Switch 2 Edition.
Free companion resource
Nintendo also offers a free 44-page Explorer’s Guide as a supplemental resource for the game. It is optional and separate from the game and Expansion Pass.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
