Along with several other reveals for the upcomingNintendo Switch 2, it’s been announced thatThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildand its sequelTears of the Kingdomwill be receiving upgraded versions on the system. Both games were major releases for the first Nintendo Switch, marking a shift in 3DZeldatowards open-world, freeform gameplay. While it seems like the Switch 2 won’t be receiving its own newZeldatitle at launch, some substantial upgrades to both games should make it an exciting prospect forZeldafans.
During the Nintendo Direct on April 2, Nintendo confirmed that bothBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomwill be receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, with enhanced resolution, frame rates, faster load times, the implementation of HDR, and several new features exclusive to the Switch 2. The Switch 2 Editions of bothBOTWandTOTKwill be available when the system itself launches on June 5, either as standalone purchases or upgrades from the original Nintendo Switch versions.
New Features For BOTW And TOTK On Switch 2, Explained
The Switch 2 Editions Of BOTW And TOTK Include Several Notable Upgrades
Along with enhanced performance and faster loading times, theSwitch 2 Editions ofBOTWandTOTKwill allow players to use an exclusiveZelda Notesfeature on the Nintendo Switch App, which can help guide players to certain locations like a GPS, share Autobuild QR codes inTOTK, and share in-game items like weapons or food with other players.Zelda Noteswill also include new story content in the form of “Voice Memories,” which will play from the app at certain in-game locations, as well as the ability to edit in-game photos and track personal and global stats.
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date Officially Confirmed
The release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 was officially announced during the April 2 Nintendo Direct, and it’s coming surprisingly soon.
As with other games that will be receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Editions,BOTWandTOTKwill release physically and digitally on the platform. Additionally,players who already own the Switch versions will be able to purchase an upgrade packfor either game to upgrade to the Switch 2 Editions, with the ability to transfer their save data to the upgraded versions or make a second new save file. Notably,both games will be free to upgrade for users with active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships.
BOTW And TOTK Should Be Worth A Replay On The Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 Editions Of Both Zelda Games Should Be The Definitive Versions
While the lack of any newZeldagames announced for the Switch 2 is unfortunate news for fans of the franchise, the Switch 2 Editions forBOTWandTOTKshould make for a good consolation prize, especially sincethe enhanced performance will address one of the most common complaints surrounding both games. Additional story content from the Voice Memories feature should also add a good reason to replay both games, providing additional context for the stories and characters.
New FromSoftware Game, The Duskbloods, Announced Exclusively For Nintendo Switch 2
FromSoftware has announced a mysterious new game called The Duskbloods, which will be released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Technical enhancements will probably be the main focus for anyZeldafan looking to upgrade either or both games, but the other features being added to the Switch 2 Editions should hopefully prove to be worth the price of the upgrade as well. As both games can struggle under the hardware limitations of the original Switch, their upgraded versions on theNintendo Switch 2should provide the definitive experience for bothThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom.
