Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda: Breath of the Wild Review

With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, I've chosen to revisit the game that launched with the original console: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This new Enhanced Edition delivers visual refinements, faster load times, and integrates with the Zelda Notes service through the Nintendo Switch mobile app. While offering limited substantial new content, these upgrades make this the definitive way to experience Nintendo's landmark adventure.

Revisiting a Modern Masterpiece

Breath of the Wild remains a watershed moment in game design, maintaining its perfect 10/10 score from our original 2017 review:

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined open-world gaming for a generation. Its vast landscapes brim with discoveries, each exploration yielding unique stories. Even after dozens of hours, Hyrule continues revealing new surprises."

- Jose Otero, March 2, 2017

Technical Enhancements Shine

The Switch 2 finally realizes Breath of the Wild's full potential with native 4K docked and 1080p handheld resolutions. HDR support brings Hyrule to life with vibrant colors - especially evident during atmospheric moments under the blood moon's glow or when shrines illuminate the horizon.

While the increased clarity reveals some environmental texture limitations, character models benefit significantly from the upgrade. Most importantly, the game now maintains a rock-solid 60fps throughout all environments.

Performance Breakthroughs

Previously problematic areas like Korok Forest now run smoothly. Whether shield-surfing mountain slopes or battling Moblins in open fields, the framerate remains as stable as the game's physics systems.

While weapon durability remains unchanged, quality-of-life improvements like dramatically reduced load times make exploration more enjoyable. Frequent fast-travel becomes less tedious with near-instant transitions.

New Features Through Mobile Integration

The Zelda Notes mobile app adds:

• Navigation assistance with voice directions
• Discoverable audio logs expanding Hyrule's lore
• Detailed play statistics tracking
• Item sharing functionality
• Daily bonus rewards

The addition of a second save slot allows veteran players to revisit the adventure without losing progress from their original playthrough.

Enhanced But Familiar Gameplay

For those who previously bounced off Breath of the Wild's systems, this version won't change those core mechanics. But for returning adventurers or first-time players, these technical upgrades make Nintendo's open-world masterpiece shine like never before.