Updated with help Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass (A redeemed future). Enjoy!
There was a time long ago when games ended when they hit store shelves. But now we’re in the 21st century, and more often than not, post-launch add-ons are released months after the developer’s main game is finished, enriching the experience.
There are tons of games these days that get DLC, expansions, and season passes. These can range from cosmetic changes and upgrades to an entirely new roster of characters to an entirely new story campaign. The Switch’s library of games and the eShop are certainly no strangers to these expansions. Sometimes they come years after the release of the game and surprise us by looking at yours Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
So, starting with Pass 1 wave of the rising rate (and the pass in general) launched just over a year ago today, we wanted to take a look back and recommend the best DLC and expansions that money can buy on the Nintendo Switch. And the main thing is money. We only consider paid updates for this listing — Hollow Knight For example, there are great free DLCs, but if we look at all the free updates and DLCs, the list could go on forever.
Well, hold back no longer – get your eShop wallet ready and check out the best of the best on Switch. And we’ll keep updating this as more great DLC is released.
Publisher: CD Projekt Red / Developer: CD Projekt Red
Witcher 3 is arguably the gold standard when it comes to DLC — Hearts of stone and Blood and wine bring a total of at least 25 hours to an already massive RPG, and that’s only if you ignore every detail in these massive expansions. The full edition of the game comes bundled with both expansions, and each one adds new characters, a new story, and brand new mechanics. Hearts of Stone added Runewords that Geralt could use to upgrade his weapons, while Blood and Wine has armor refills and also gives us a brand new map.
Basically, both parts of The Witcher 3 DLC are a breeze if you’ve invested your life into the base game.
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Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
That’s why we made this list, we were hoping to get 48 brand new tracks Mario Kart 8 Deluxe more than five years after release on Switch? By the end of 2023, the number of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe courses will double, and we’ll also be getting six returning characters to sweeten the deal. Of course, not every course is going to be a winner (Tokyo Blur), but it’s really hard to argue with what you’re getting here – Maple Treeway, Ninja Hideaway, Rainbow Road 3DS and the fabulous, all-new Yoshi’s Island? The A pass for an advanced course it’s a dream, and Mario Kart 9 seems like a long shot, despite how brilliant this expansion pass is. It is also available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass.
Publisher: Team 17 / Developer: Games ghost town
If you need more co-op mayhem in your life, then look no further Overcooked 2great season pass. There are three additional servings on this dish, all of which are available in Gourmet Edition. Bonfire Cook Off introduced us to four more chefs and 15 brand new levels set in the forest, so there’s plenty to see. Night of the Sharp Horde presented by Unbread (it still makes us smile) with nine new kitchens and three secret hidden levels and four more chefs. And at last, Carnival of Chaos brings even more levels and characters while giving us combo meals to feast on. It’s true magic in a game that thrives on gameplay and mechanics and keeps us coming back to the buffet for more.
Publisher: Ubisoft / Developer: Ubisoft
Less scary than the main game, but just as beautiful and fun as Battle for the Kingdom of Mario + Rabbits, Adventures of Donkey Kong The DLC brings a fresh take on the game’s already outstanding gameplay and campaign. Some really strong characters often deal with a somewhat weakened enemy onslaught, and the lack of character options is probably the only downside here, taking away some of the deeper strategy of the full game, but we still loved every moment of our time with DK and friends. If you’re craving more Rabbids mayhem, give this one a try.
Publisher: Capcom / Developer: Capcom
A huge extension for Monster Hunter Rise, sun rays is a success in many ways. There’s enough new or different to make it a must-have for fans of the base game, and with several free updates added over time, you’ll keep coming back for more. The new mechanics and content are nice, the challenge is raised, and it’s still an audiovisual delight. It’s a nice reminder that there’s nothing quite like Capcom’s monster-slaying franchise, and even at times where it’s “just more of the same but harder,” it’s still more than enough.
Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
Many believe The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild become the greatest video game of all time and Ballad of champions just gives us more reasons to play this awesome version of Hyrule. It’s not the embodiment of our wildest fantasies, but it’s fun and full of smart design and charm — not to mention some difficult moments. Plus you get a motorcycle – what more could you want? In general, this is mission accomplished. We can confidently say that Breath of the Wild plus the Expansion Pass is an absolutely gorgeous, unmissable game that gives us many of a good thing, of which there is never too much. Tears of the Kingdom and its imminent DLC have a lot to live up to.
Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo software technology
Splatoon 2‘s Octo extension was a huge surprise and is a masterclass in how to do DLC right. It fits perfectly into a standalone game, provides a ton of custom-made content, and develops the story of the Inkling and Octoling world easily and beautifully. As a single-player experience, it is far superior to the standard Octo Canyon mode, and even though it allows players to acquire exclusive items, it manages to avoid affecting any online game mechanics, so non-buyers are never at a disadvantage. If you’re a fan Splatoon at any quality and you want more to sink your beak into, the Octo Expansion is an unwavering must-have.
Publisher: StudioMDHR / Developer: StudioMDHR
The long-awaited DLC for fantasy Cuphead the wait was worth it. Cuphead – Tasty last dish is a great little expansion that breathes new life into one of Switch’s most entertaining games. It could be a little shorter, but what’s here is absolutely fantastic, and it’s reasonably priced considering its length. If you have the original, it is important. If you don’t, they both are. It’s an incredibly addictive, hard-hitting run-and-gun cartoon at its best, and the whole package makes for one of the best indie games out there.
Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Monolith Soft
Acting as a prequel to the events of Xenoblade Chronicles 2few expansions are as large in size and content as Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Land. Whether you’re a season pass holder looking to revisit a series you love from a new perspective, or you’re new to the franchise and want a stand-alone adventure, this powerful JRPG will grab you as soon as you start to switch between Blade and Driver. There’s over 30 hours of gameplay here, and the DLC brings with it some welcome changes to combat and combos. Torna is a great addition to an already brilliant Switch game.