Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be priced at $9.99, a relatively affordable option for fans who already own the base games. This news comes as a relief to many who were concerned about the high pricing of the games on the new console, with Breath of the Wild listed at $69.99 and Tears of the Kingdom at $79.99.

In an interview with IGN, Bill Trinen, Nintendo of America's VP of product and player experience, explained that the $9.99 upgrade packs are specifically designed for those who have already purchased the base games. Additionally, Trinen noted that Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will have access to both upgrade packs as part of their membership. However, it remains unclear whether digital copies of the games will be priced lower than their physical counterparts.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among gamers, with some expressing relief at the affordable upgrade option, while others are still concerned about the overall pricing strategy for the Switch 2. The console itself is still awaiting a confirmed price in the US, with pre-orders already available in other countries. The uncertainty surrounding the price is largely due to the Trump presidency's tariffs, which include a 24 percent tariff on Japanese goods, potentially impacting the console's $449.99 price tag.

The news also raises questions about the value proposition of the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a game that uses mini-games to explain the console's features, which will be priced at $9.99. Some argue that this game should be included with the console, similar to Astro's Playroom on the PS5. The debate highlights the ongoing conversation around game pricing and the perceived value of additional content.

As the gaming community continues to weigh in on the pricing strategy for the Switch 2 and its games, Nintendo's decision to offer affordable upgrade packs for Zelda fans is a welcome move. However, the uncertainty surrounding the console's price and the overall value proposition of its games and accessories will likely remain a topic of discussion in the coming weeks.

In related news, Nintendo has also confirmed that the Switch 2's Joy-Cons do not use Hall effect joysticks, and that the top USB-C port does not support video output. The company is still assessing the potential impact of tariffs on the console's pricing, leaving many questions unanswered as the Switch 2's release approaches.