If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online member with the Expansion Pack, you get free Switch 2 upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. But accessing them isn’t as intuitive as you might expect.
1. Transferring Data ≠ Upgrading Automatically
When you transfer save data from a Switch to the new Switch 2, your games—including Zelda—download to the new console. But don’t expect the Switch 2 upgrade to install automatically. Instead, when you boot Tears of the Kingdom, it loads the old version with a “Upgrade to Switch 2” option nestled in the menu. That selection takes you to the eShop.
2. The eShop Interface Is Tricky
On the game’s Switch 2 store page, two prominent buttons appear:
- Download (left): the correct free option for Expansion Pack subscribers.
- Continue (right): a larger, brighter button that buys the $9.99 upgrade.
It’s highly misleading—you’ll likely hit Continue thinking it’s the way to get the upgrade. But as Polygon clarifies, downloading via the subtle left-side button is the proper method to claim it for free.
3. To Buy or Not to Buy?
Hitting Continue purchases the upgrade—so if you plan to pause or let your subscription lapse, that’s one way to keep it permanently. But if you’re planning to stay subscribed, there’s no need to pay extra. Let your subscription lapse later? You can always re-subscribe or buy the upgrade directly for $9.99.
Why Nintendo Made Updates This Way
Nintendo groups upgrades into two tiers:
- Two Zelda titles: Enhanced resolution, smoother frame rates, and access to the Zelda’s Notes second-screen app—free within Expansion Pack.
- Other games (e.g., Kirby, Mario Party): Typically paid upgrades—$19.99 in regions like the U.S. for Kirby & the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party—since they include extra modes and content.
TL;DR for Hyrulians
- Transfer saves to Switch 2 → start the game → choose the “Upgrade” menu → redirect to eShop.
- On the store page, tap the small Download button for the free subscriber upgrade—not the big, flashy Purchase button.
- Want permanent access? You can still buy for $9.99—even with an active subscription—but it’s not necessary unless you plan to drop Expansion Pack.
Want to catch every detail about the Zelda upgrades or have any screenshots of how your eShop looks? Let me know—I can help with visual walkthroughs or guide pages!
