The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has launched, and in an unexpected twist of nostalgia, I'm celebrating its arrival by replaying the same title that debuted with the original Switch: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition delivers visual improvements, reduced loading times, and integration with the Zelda Notes service through the Nintendo Switch mobile app. While the upgrade offers few groundbreaking additions, it undeniably presents the definitive way to experience this landmark adventure that remains a crowning achievement in Nintendo's storied franchise.
Before exploring what's new, let's revisit IGN's original assessment of the game:
"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefines open-world gaming while revitalizing a three-decade-old series. Its richly interactive sandbox constantly tempts exploration with countless discoveries. Each adventure spawns unique tales about how you stumbled upon them - stories layered upon stories. Even after 50 hours traversing Hyrule's farthest reaches, I continued uncovering secrets. I'll gladly devote another 50-100 hours pursuing its captivating moments."
– Jose Otero, March 2, 2017
Score: 10
Read our complete review.
Breath of the Wild earned perfect scores then and maintains that standard today - a timeless masterpiece whose influence resonates through contemporary open-world titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Elden Ring. Its innovative approach to emergent gameplay will likely inspire developers for years.
The Definitive Version of a Masterpiece
While revolutionary, the original release strained the Switch's capabilities - making the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition's 4K docked/1080p handheld presentation particularly welcome. Visuals now match the Master Sword's legendary sharpness, with HDR support making Hyrule's landscapes shine, especially during blood moons or when shrine glow pierces the horizon.
The resolution boost does reveal some texture limitations on environmental details, but character models impress, and the locked 60fps creates unprecedented fluidity.
Korok Forest No Longer Tests Hardware Limits
I immediately teleported to Korok Forest to test performance improvements. Where the original Switch version stuttered dramatically here, the Switch 2 Edition runs as smoothly as freshly churned goat butter.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Screens
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From Hebra Mountain shield-surfing to Hyrule Field monster battles, the experience remains rock-solid at 60fps - more stable than a stable full of Epona's cousins.
Weapons Still Break (And That Won't Change)
While modernized technically, gameplay remains fundamentally unchanged. Those who disliked the original's weapon degradation or preferred more guided open-world experiences won't find different approaches here.
The experience remains identical - just presented in higher fidelity. Those hoping for mechanical changes should temper expectations.
Dramatically Reduced Loading Times
While perhaps less glamorous than resolution upgrades, the drastically shortened loading times significantly enhance the experience - particularly for shrine hunting and quest completion. Fast travel now occurs so quickly you'll struggle to read loading screen tips!
Mobile-Exclusive Content
New features primarily live on mobile devices via the Nintendo Switch app. Zelda Notes offers voice-guided navigation for locating shrines, enemies, and Korok seeds - helpful with spoiler toggles for newcomers. Scattered audio logs provide Princess Zelda's musings on locations and characters, though these feel supplemental rather than essential.
The app also tracks statistics, enables item sharing via QR codes, and offers daily bonuses (including rare weapon repairs). While useful, these features would benefit from in-game integration rather than requiring separate device use.
Expanded Save Options
The addition of a second save slot proves valuable for players wanting to revisit the experience without overwriting original progress. After eight years, I found myself craving a fresh playthrough while preserving my completed 2017 file - the perfect scenario for this new feature.
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition delivers the ultimate version of this generation-defining adventure. Newcomers will find the perfect entry point, while returning players gain worthwhile enhancements justifying the upgrade cost. Stay tuned to IGN for more Nintendo Switch 2 launch coverage in coming weeks.
