If you thought your time in Hyrule was over, think again. Nintendo just dropped a bombshell for Zelda fans everywhere: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2—and this time, they’re smoother, faster, and more stunning than ever before.
That’s right: both games are getting fully enhanced editions, sold separately, tailor-made to take advantage of the new hardware. Whether you’re new to the series or already have hundreds of hours logged, these upgraded versions are a dream come true.
Let’s talk about what makes this re-release special—starting with the feature fans have been begging for since day one.
60 Glorious Frames Per Second
Yes, you read that right: 60fps gameplay is finally here for both BOTW and TOTK. What was once a technical limitation on the original Switch has now been conquered on Switch 2. The difference is night and day. From gliding across the vast plains of Hyrule to executing perfectly-timed Flurry Rush attacks, everything feels fluid, responsive, and incredibly immersive.
You won’t just see the difference—you’ll feel it. Combat feels snappier. Exploration feels more alive. Even simple movements like galloping across Hyrule Field or drifting through the skies on your glider now have a new level of polish that breathes fresh life into the world.
HDR Support + Enhanced Resolution = A Visual Masterpiece
Both enhanced editions now support HDR (High Dynamic Range), and the results are stunning. Colors pop with intensity. Sunsets blaze with golden hues. Caves feel darker and moodier, while Sheikah technology pulses with a vivid glow. If you thought Breath of the Wild looked beautiful in 2017, just wait until you see it on a high-end HDR screen in 2025.
Resolution is also bumped up, making everything sharper. Textures, character models, environmental details—everything is crisper and cleaner. Tears of the Kingdom in particular benefits from this, with its layered world design now feeling more distinct and detailed than ever before.
Faster Load Times Make Exploration Effortless
You know those moments when you warp across the map and have to wait… and wait… and wait? Not anymore. Load times have been drastically reduced, allowing you to move from one part of the world to another almost instantly. Shrines, towers, depths, sky islands—everything loads faster, keeping the pace of adventure smooth and uninterrupted.
For completionists and speedrunners, this is a game-changer. For casual players, it just makes Hyrule that much more fun to explore.
Keep Your Progress—and Start Fresh
Nintendo knows how much time players have invested in these worlds, which is why your save data carries over from the original Switch versions. No need to start over (unless you want to).
Even better: the enhanced editions now include two manual save slots. This means you can start a brand-new game without overwriting your original adventure. It’s perfect if you want to experience the story all over again—or challenge yourself with your own self-imposed rules—without losing the gear and memories you’ve already built up.
Introducing Zelda Notes: Your Hyrule Companion App
One of the most exciting additions exclusive to the Switch 2 versions is Zelda Notes—a smart companion feature available through the Nintendo Switch mobile app. Think of it like your real-world Sheikah Slate.
Here’s what it offers:
Navigation Assistance
Struggling to find the last Korok? Zelda Notes provides voiced guidance to help locate shrines, Koroks, hidden areas, and more. No need to look up maps online anymore—it’s built right in.
Voice Memories
Explore the lore like never before with exclusive audio stories that weren’t in the original games. These voice memories are unlocked at specific locations and add depth to the world’s history.
Autobuild Sharing
Remember all those wild Zonai machine builds in Tears of the Kingdom? Now you can share your creations via QR codes, and scan others’ builds directly into your game. It’s like Zelda meets LEGO meets the future.
Item Gifting
QR codes can also be used to send or receive in-game items. Want to help a friend? Or get a little boost from a stranger? Now you can.
Photo Studio
Capture your favorite moments, edit your photos, decorate them with stickers, and share them using QR codes. Whether it’s a selfie with Sidon or a snapshot of a dragon soaring past the moon, you can show off your Hyrule memories with flair.
Play Data & Medals
Track your exploration progress, shrine completions, Koroks found, enemies defeated, and earn medals for your accomplishments. Completionists, rejoice.
Global Rankings
Compare your stats with players around the world. How fast did you finish the main story? How many shrines have you found? Where do you stack up?
Daily Bonus Spin
Log into Zelda Notes each day for a random daily in-game effect—like temporary buffs, rare items, or fun visual tweaks.
This isn’t just an app—it’s a companion that makes you feel even more connected to the world of Zelda.
Sold Separately, But Worth the Upgrade
Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be sold separately as enhanced editions. While some fans may have hoped for a bundle, it’s clear that each game has received a thoughtful, premium-level upgrade that makes them worthy of standing alone.
The pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but given the sheer amount of new features, performance upgrades, and companion content, these editions are shaping up to be definitive experiences for both games.
Final Thoughts: A Second Wind for Zelda’s Modern Classics
When Breath of the Wild launched alongside the original Switch, it redefined open-world design and set a new standard for adventure games. Tears of the Kingdom built on that legacy, offering a deeper, more complex Hyrule filled with creativity and discovery.
Now, on Switch 2, these legendary titles are getting the upgrade they truly deserve.
With 60fps gameplay, HDR visuals, fast load times, save data support, and the all-new Zelda Notes, there’s never been a better time to return to Hyrule—or to experience it for the very first time.
Whether you’re crafting flying machines across the skies or exploring the ruins below Hyrule Castle, one thing’s for sure: adventure has never looked—or played—this good.
