Along with several other reveals for the Nintendo Switch 2, it's been announced that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom will be receiving upgraded versions on the system. Both games were major releases for the first Nintendo Switch, marking a shift in 3D Zelda towards open-world, freeform gameplay. While it seems like the Switch 2 won't be receiving its own new Zelda title at launch, some substantial upgrades to both games should make it an exciting prospect for Zelda fans.

During the Nintendo Direct on April 2, Nintendo confirmed that both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will 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 both BOTW and TOTK will 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, the Switch 2 Editions of BOTW and TOTK will allow players to use an exclusive Zelda Notes feature on the Nintendo Switch App, which can help guide players to certain locations like a GPS, share Autobuild QR codes in TOTK, and share in-game items like weapons or food with other players. Zelda Notes will 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.

As with other games that will be receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, BOTW and TOTK will release physically and digitally on the platform. Additionally, players who already own the Switch versions will be able to purchase an upgrade pack for either game 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 s with active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack hips.

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 new Zelda games announced for the Switch 2 is unfortunate news for fans of the franchise, the Switch 2 Editions for BOTW and TOTK should make for a good consolation prize, especially since the 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.

Technical enhancements will probably be the main focus for any Zelda fan 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 the Nintendo Switch 2 should provide the definitive experience for both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube