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How to Get the Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Upgrades

Own the original Zelda Switch game? Here’s how to download or buy its Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack, what membership access means, and what to check if it does not appear.
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If you own the original Nintendo Switch game, you can get its Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack either as a separate digital purchase or, while eligible, at no additional cost through an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The upgrade pack does not include the base game, and both enhanced editions require a Nintendo Switch 2.

What you need before downloading

  • A copy of the original Nintendo Switch game you want to upgrade: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. A physical cartridge or digital copy qualifies.
  • A Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 Edition upgrades are digital and the enhanced editions are playable only on that system.
  • Either a separate purchase of the corresponding upgrade pack or an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership that provides access to it.

Buying a physical copy of an original game does not include its digital upgrade. Nintendo describes a Switch 2 Edition as the original Switch game bundled with its upgrade pack; the upgrade pack by itself is not the base game.

Get the upgrade through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

  1. On Nintendo Switch 2, open Nintendo eShop.
  2. Select Nintendo Switch Online from the menu on the left.
  3. Find the upgrade pack for the game you own in the membership content and select Download.

Nintendo says both Zelda upgrade packs are included for active Expansion Pack members. This is membership-based access, not a permanent entitlement from buying the pack: access lasts while the membership is active. When launching, membership eligibility is required; Nintendo does not treat this access as a virtual game card.

Buy an upgrade pack separately

  1. Open Nintendo eShop on Switch 2 and search for the game’s full upgrade-pack name: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack.
  2. Choose the pack matching the original game you own and complete the purchase.

Nintendo also lists the Nintendo Store and participating retailers’ digital codes as purchase routes. Redeem a retailer code in Nintendo eShop. A separate purchase does not require an active Expansion Pack membership.

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#1 Best Overall
Nintendo Switch 2 System
  • The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
  • GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play

Nintendo’s US support listing gives the Tears of the Kingdom pack a separate-purchase price of $9.99 USD. The surfaced US Breath of the Wild listing did not state a standalone price, so check its current eShop listing. Prices and availability vary by region. Nintendo’s US comparison page showed an individual Expansion Pack membership at $49.99 USD per year when accessed in 2026; check the current regional terms before deciding whether membership or separate purchase suits you better.

Choose the route that fits your situation

Situation What to do
You own the original game and have an active Expansion Pack membership Find the corresponding upgrade pack in eShop’s Nintendo Switch Online area and download it at no additional charge while eligible.
You own the original game but do not have Expansion Pack Buy its upgrade pack separately through eShop, the Nintendo Store, or a participating retailer’s digital code.
You do not own the original game Obtain the original Switch game first, physically or digitally. The upgrade pack alone does not provide it.
You are weighing a membership against separate purchases Compare the current prices in your region, the games you intend to upgrade, the membership’s other benefits, and whether ongoing membership access works for you.

Install the pack and confirm it is active

  1. After downloading or purchasing the upgrade pack, update the original game software.
  2. Start the game on Switch 2.
  3. Check that the title screen identifies the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What the Switch 2 upgrades add

Nintendo lists higher resolution, improved frame rates, faster loading, an additional save file, HDR support, and compatibility with ZELDA NOTES for both editions. Nintendo describes the Tears of the Kingdom edition as offering “smoother framerates, faster load times, and enhanced resolution and textures.” For Breath of the Wild, HDR in TV mode requires an HDR-compatible display.

Rank #2
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
  • The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
  • Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***

ZELDA NOTES is a service in the Nintendo Switch App. It requires a compatible smart device and a persistent internet connection; data charges may apply. Nintendo also warns that the second save data file created in either Switch 2 Edition cannot be transferred to the original Switch version for play.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nintendo Switch 2 System
Nintendo Switch 2 System
The next evolution of Nintendo Switch; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$499.00
Bestseller No. 2
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$568.00
Rank #3
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth
  • 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
  • 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
  • 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
  • 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
  • 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.

Troubleshoot a missing or inactive upgrade

  • Check the console: Connect Switch 2 to the internet and make sure its system menu is up to date.
  • Update the game: Installing the pack is not a substitute for updating the original game software.
  • Check the pack’s eShop status: Search for the upgrade pack while signed into the relevant Nintendo Account. For membership access, Nintendo says the listing may show Downloaded or offer Download. A separately purchased pack should show Purchased. Proceed to Purchase indicates the account does not have a separate purchase or current membership access.
  • Verify membership access: If you rely on Expansion Pack, confirm the Nintendo Account has an active membership and remains eligible when launching the game.
  • Restart and check the title screen: Restart Switch 2, reopen the game, and look for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition label.

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.

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