I do think that the Hard Mode and Custom Fast Travel feature should have been free as part of an update (like 200cc mode was for Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U).
Even Konami is offering updates that augment the game experience and they're not asking for a dime. Then went and added options, improved performance, and offered cosmetic extras. The camera changing option is a user accessible option that alone augments the single player experience and entices on the fence buyers to give the game a second look.
Between complete editions of games (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Binding of Isaac Afterbirth+, Puyo Puyo Tetris w/ all previous DLC) ... companies releasing free or limited free DLC (Blaster Master Zero), or companies outright tweaking a game or adding features (Bomberman) to reel more players in makes Nintendo stick out like a sore thumb with this season pass nonsense.
Sweet Jesus, even No Man's Sky is a different game than it was when it launched. The difference (big difference) is Nintendo doesn't overpromise stuff. Man, it's an entirely different argument but that game is a different experience vs. day one. Resolution, frame rate, features, etc.
Perception has changed a bit as to what warrants paid or not. I think Nintendo's timing was off. It's their premiere launch title and it should have been marketed as the complete experience. The end. The Wii U did them no good. They're going to make their money but the value of good faith to the customer probably means more sales behind a $20 DLC pack. I'm saying, they're drawing some pretty thick lines in the sand too early. The lack of information up until now ... the only thing I ask myself when wondering if the $20 DLC pack is worth my money is "What am I missing" rather than "what does this add to my experience?"
It's a damn stark contrast to Mario Kart 8's initial DLC. 200cc again was a nice surprise and no one asked for it but Nintendo felt it was good enough to warrant it as a freebie for a challenge. Yeah, cranking up enemy stamina/hit effectiveness is no different than tweaking some values to making your kart fly off the track. Nintendo didn't ask for money when they switched the menu screen around in Mario Kart 8 so you can get to the next track in a Grand Prix instead of going to a replay. QoL tweaks if you will. That's what the waypoint and hardmode are.
Smash and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC did nothing to augment the gameplay experience or completely wipe the balance of it. The only like comparison with Zelda and Mario Kart 8 are the Amiibo, which genuinely function as cosmetic DLC (outside of Wolf Link, which augments combat and discovery to some degree).
The $20 DLC is a long-term insurance game. Even with physical copies, they can still make a buck even if people trade-in the game. The person who buys it pads the pockets of the pre-owned game while Nintendo still has the potential of picking up an extra $20 regardless since the DLC is linked to the account, not the cartridge.
For $20, I'm still going to buy it. I don't totally agree with it but I am a completist and an enthusiast. It just sets a bad precedent and makes me wary of titles going forward.