While some are excited about the prospect, others… not so much.
The release of the newest installment in the Zelda series, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo Switch and Wii U, is long awaited. The story follows hero Link after he awakens from a 100-year sleep to a mysterious voice which leads him to defeat the main antagonist of the game, Ganon. Now the first downloadable contents (DLC) for the game have also been revealed.
The “Expansion Pass” will be available for purchase on March 3, the same day that Breath of the Wild is to be released. With the purchase of the 2,500 yen (US$19.99) pass, players will have access to three bonus treasure chests containing exclusive equipment, located within the Great Plains. The contents of the Pass will be distributed twice throughout 2017, once in summer and again in winter. The summer DLC Pack 1 adds a new Cave of Trials challenge, new Hard Mode, and additional Map feature. The winter Pack 2 includes a new original story, new dungeon, and additional challenges.
Game producer Eiji Aonuma says he hopes the additional contents will provide players “with a place to play, explore, and enjoy for a long time.”
While some gamers are excited at the prospect of additional content, others weren’t so happy to hear the news:
“The cancer of the industry, incomplete games, now on Nintendo, just what we needed!!!”
“Sooo many years waiting and this is how you repay your loyal fans? At least some free content [expletive]”
“Why Nintendo? First, pay to play online and now this!”
“Hard mode behind DLC is a literal scam.”
Although the feeling seems to be neutral overall:
“I’m fine with paying for DLC and it makes sense for a massive open world game like BotW. Just don’t tell us this before the game is even out! Let people enjoy the game for what it is at launch and then announce DLC later.”
“People are cancelling preorders because they’re upset Nintendo announced DLC before the game release? Sweet, more copies for the rest of us.”
“I’m just glad that all the whining won’t stop the game from actually coming out on time. I’m buying it regardless.”
Views on downloadable content aside, we’re just glad the game will FINALLY be released soon! If you’re feeling antsy in anticipation, check out this Ghibli-inspired Zelda film trailer to help tide you over.
Sources: YouTube/ Nintendo, Nintendo via NetoLabo

The Legend of Zelda 2017 Game’s New Artwork Image Revealed
Live-action Legend of Zelda movie releases first on-set, in-costume images【Photos】
Foreigners welcomed to apply for jobs as designers on Nintendo’s new Legend of Zelda game
Live-action Legend of Zelda movie reveals cast for roles of Link and Zelda
Relive the adventure in HD! “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD” to be released in March
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
Kyoto raises hotel accommodation tax to fight overtourism, travelers could pay up to 10 times more
Sakuramochi festival sweetens things up at Tokyo’s Seibu Ikebukuro this season
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japanese Prime Minister once criticized deploying military to fight Godzilla
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Japanese-style accommodation at the new Premium Dormy Inn hotel in Asakusa will blow your mind
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Viral Japanese cheesecake from Osaka has a lesser known rival called Aunt Wanda
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
There’s a new Zelda game on the way, and you can help make it, even if you’re not Japanese
The Legend of Zelda’s Link is here to help you navigate Google Maps’ dungeons today!
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Trailer for upcoming Chinese Legend of Zelda short film release looks amazing【Video】
New Legend of Zelda tabletop book heading to gamer book shelves
Birth of new kusoge legend — Zelda wannabe has copied Zelda music, all-original crazy bugs【Vids】
Nintendo’s new Zelda game has a female version of Link named Linkle 【Video】
Light-up Master Sword, Rupee dishes, and heart notebook all part of new Legend of Zelda merch line
New Legend of Zelda Boss is a canned coffee, gives you a chance at awesome jacket loot【Pics】
Nintendo announces live-action Hollywood Zelda movie, co-financed by Sony
Japanese couple celebrates marriage by pulling Master Sword from Legend of Zelda wedding cake
VR Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey modes coming, for free, from Nintendo
Beautiful Legend of Zelda Lego set is series’ first buildable block crossover【Photos】
Zelda isn’t the Nintendo anime adaptation Japanese fans want to see most, survey says
Awesome “Zelda: Breath of the NES” fangame remakes Breath of the Wild NES-style【Video】