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Platform reviewed: Nintendo Swap 2
Obtainable on: Nintendo Swap 2
Launch date: June 05, 2025
Nintendo is bringing enhanced variations of Nintendo Swap video games to the Nintendo Swap 2 and has determined to introduce the brand new system with the unique console’s most iconic launch recreation: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
I used to be uncertain how it might really feel going again to this recreation after enjoying the vastly expanded sequel Tears of the Kingdom (which additionally acquired a Nintendo Swap 2 Version launch), however even with out the mechanical depth of its sequel, Breath of the Wild remains to be one of many most interesting video games ever made.
Free chicken
Regardless of being the sequence’ first time tackling a real 3D open world format, Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is nonetheless exceptionally spectacular. Exterior of a really temporary introduction, the participant is given full freedom to discover Hyrule at their very own tempo and leisure. You’re in a position to go have a scrap with Ganon instantly after making it out of the beginning space, or you possibly can discover each inch of the world, befriending the varied individuals of Hyrule.
This freedom extends to the sport mechanics, too. Immediately you’re given a set of instruments, and from there you are able to do as you please. It’s the kind of recreation the place you’ve a extremely daft concept – like chopping down a tree to have it roll down and take out the enemy camp, throwing your metallic sword at an enemy throughout a thunderstorm to have lightning strike them down, or choosing up a laser turret to make use of as a makeshift weapon of your individual – and it’ll (normally) work.
One of many recreation’s most derided mechanics is weapon sturdiness, which implies each single merchandise you utilize can – and ultimately will – break on you. However in some ways it’s an ideal encapsulation of what makes Breath of the Wild so good, as that spark of experimentation is pressured out of you as it’s important to suppose in your toes as soon as your finest weapon breaks. Even eight years on, there aren’t many open-world video games that may stand as much as this.
Swap it up
After all, that is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Swap 2 Version. In contrast to different Nintendo Swap 2 editions of video games, just like the upcoming Mario Get together Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, there’s not really any new content material being added to the sport this time round. You don’t even get the pre-existing DLC for Breath of the Wild by shopping for the total model of the sport. Each Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are purely technical upgrades on Swap 2, which is considerably remedied by the actual fact they’re included with Nintendo Swap On-line + Enlargement Pack subscription tier.
Greatest bit
For anybody who performed the sport on Swap or Wii U, you’ll know simply how uneven the framerate in Korok Forest was. Going there and seeing it stick at a strong 60fps was the second I knew there was no turning again.
Nonetheless, even when there’s nothing new, Breath of the Wild Nintendo Swap 2 Version is nicely definitely worth the improve. The sport now runs at 1080p in handheld mode and helps 4K in docked mode, paired with HDR that makes the already splendidly colourful recreation pop much more. Each modes run at a strong 60fps all through too. Booting up Breath of the Wild and seeing it run at double the framerate virtually felt improper due to how used to it I’m, nevertheless it’s an extremely welcome improve.
And naturally, the very first thing I did as quickly as I went into my previous save (there are two complete save slots now, which is each a godsend and underwhelming) was go to the notorious Korok Forest – which might completely tank the framerate within the authentic launch. Lo and behold, it ran completely. Positive, that is the kind of factor you may count on on extra highly effective {hardware}, however while you’ve suffered via that authentic Korok Forest on Wii U or Swap, it actually places issues into perspective.
Observe it down
I mentioned that Breath of the Wild Nintendo Swap 2 Version doesn’t have something new in-game, however that’s not the case for the Nintendo Swap On-line app, which has added the Zelda Notes function. It is a companion app that means that you can do a bunch of stuff in-game, resembling discovering the areas of remaining shrines with a GPS navigation voice telling you the place to go and a day by day bonus wheel that offers you a roulette wheel that features prizes like free meals, full well being, and even the flexibility to restore your weapons.
Nonetheless, essentially the most impactful a part of Zelda Notes are the ‘Voice Reminiscences’. These are scattered all throughout the map, and while you stroll within the neighborhood of 1 (of which there are over 100), you’ll hear a voice memo from Princess Zelda set 100 years earlier than the occasions of the sport whereas getting ready for the primary calamity. These are great little lore dumps that made the expertise of exploring Hyrule once more a complete pleasure. It goes with out saying that really having these added to the sport versus needing to maintain my cellphone on can be a much more preferable choice.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Swap 2 Version is a superb – if barebones – replace to what was already one of many biggest video games of all time. Nonetheless, the framerate and backbone updates alone make this one value trying out, particularly in the event you’ve by no means performed it earlier than. Although, if the technical aspect of issues is not a precedence for you, you’ll in all probability be let down by the dearth of recent content material – until you fancy having your cellphone out the entire time for that Zelda Notes performance.
Must you purchase The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Swap 2 Version?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Accessibility
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Swap 2 Version doesn’t have a lot happening with it accessibility clever. When you nonetheless have entry to gyro aiming and the flexibility to rebind your controls from the Swap 2 menu (which received’t translate to the right button prompts in-game), there’s nothing a lot to put in writing dwelling about.
How I reviewed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Swap 2 Version
I performed 10 hours of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Swap 2 Version on high of the 140 hours I performed of the sport on the unique Nintendo Swap. Throughout this time I first performed the opening hours of the sport once more on a contemporary save, acquired myself off the nice plateau and explored the world. I then jumped into my previous save to check out the Zelda Notes app by discovering Shrines I missed the primary time round and Voice Reminiscences.
I performed this in a mix of handheld mode on the Nintendo Swap 2 itself and on a Samsung Q60D TV and a Samsung HW-T450 soundbar utilizing the Nintendo Swap 2 Professional Controller.
First reviewed June 2025