There’s been some criticism lobbied at the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup for a lack of original and new software.

But honestly, when you’re boasting the likes of Mario Kart World day one, as well as third party exclusives like the Bravely Default Remaster and on top of that, full 4K recreations of two generation defining titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom? You’re not doing too badly in my view.

And you may pass this off immediately as it just being a 4K upscale of a game you’ve already played, but when I tried out Breath of the Wild docked, I was absolutely blown away.

Mario Kart World boasts some stunning visuals, there’s no question of that. And one could even say it’s the most captivating title of the launch lineup, but despite Breath of the Wild now having its GTA V moment of spanning three console generations, it’s on Switch 2 where it really, truly feels at home.

This feels like it’s truly representative of the original vision for the game. Link fully defined, the screen absolutely rich with color and the vast scale of the world almost fully visible with loading screens that almost feel too fast now.

I’ve yet to try Tears of the Kingdom – I purposefully wanted to experience BOTW standalone first or foremost considering TOTK is a newer, Switch exclusive. And of course, when compared to the latest games on the market, it’s not hitting some of the resolution highs people may hope for and textures do still appear a bit muffled up close.

Here’s the thing about Nintendo, though. For years, they’ve played technical catchup with their rivals and they’ve had to find ways to help their products stand out, and as a result of that, it’s made their games appear more timeless. Breath of the Wild absolutely shows that. This over 8 year old game looks, sounds and feels like it just released yesterday.

For those who’ve played it before, you’ll know the frame rates were choppy, the camera pans juddery, and the loading slow. But now everything feels silky smooth. Beautiful, responsive, crisp. The character models and facial reactions are more defined, shadows loom above and on Link’s tunic in such elegant ways. Background detail is just so stunning to behold from running water to moving clouds.

The weather effects really look and feel even more authentic, particularly when the rain pelts down on Link’s head and his clothes are still dripping with water for a while later. And then you’ve got the brightness of lava and the saturation in pallette as you roam around.

If you’ve played BOTW, you’ll know the weather does change quite frequently and the game is so smooth in those transitions, from the glistening sun pouring out over mountain tops, to gloomy and windy conditions, with leaves blowing freely and Link’s hair flapping in kind, just remind you of being at home.

Somehow, that moment where Link runs out of the cave right at the start of the game made me do another audible gasp just like the first time I played it, and that magic, that moment, I never thought it’d be replicated. It was worth replaying this again just to feel that sense of wonder.

And that’s what I mean when I say it’s almost like playing a new game. Because Nintendo really have gone the extra mile to polish the game, create the definitive edition of a classic and frankly, provide a good enough reason for it to be a launch title all over again. You don’t even need to pay for the upgrade fee if you have Nintendo Switch Online!

In fact, where Nintendo have tried to add new content here is where this sort of trips up on itself just a little bit. The Zelda Notes app is…cool? Entirely optional, but I love the way the app talks to the Switch 2 and shows where you are on the map when trying to find the Shrines. And it will surely help some people max the game out to 100%, it’s certainly been useful for me, particularly for the infernal Koroks!

I just feel like the navigation could have been better? It initially gives you a rough view of the map – but you can add the full scale to it from the options which I’d recommend doing so it looks like the in-game version. Once you target something, you can then have voice guidance on how to get there. Hyrule SatNav basically.

It’s serviceable and will get you to your destination, giving you a semi live cursor on screen to show you where you are and then tell you which direction to head in. I also really dig the Princess Zelda notes. They’re not essential for the game at all, but they at least give you some additional context on things and there’s some nice world-building in there as well as set up for things to come.

It’s even interesting to see your play data and have some medals to collect should you wish to. It’s about the closest you’ll get to having achievements/trophies in Zelda, though I think I’d still really prefer the full thing.

There’s even a Daily Bonus Roulette Wheel where you can get surprise bonuses then desposited to you in your Key Items, like meals with attack boosts and stamina increases. A nice way to help you through the game which can be notoriously tough and overwhelming.

Notes is quite a fun if totally unnecessary inclusion that even gives you fun stats like your most regular causes of death, the amount of shrines you’ve cleared and your weapon preferences. The item sharing is also a lovely touch if you and a friend are playing through together, though that feels like it will be more beneficial in Tears of the Kingdom.

Essentially, everything you see here enhances the game in some way and for a nominal upgrade fee, it’s an absolute must-play, whether you played and loved it before or you’re somehow fortunate enough to have never tried Breath of the Wild before.

I just cannot get over how striking everything is, from the way the statues light up when you’re ready to spend Spirit Orbs, to the map markers, the detail from the top of the towers and the way characters have been enriched. Link’s eyes genuinely sparkle now and the text doesn’t feel so blurred or glazed.

Even in handheld, this game is an absolute treat, though it sort of feels like you now need to play BOTW on your big TV to get the full, true, as intended experience. Perhaps an odd challenge the Switch 2 will face going forward as people really want to maximise the potential of their games.

Regardless, the game plays like butter now, it’s still one of the most striking games in the Nintendo Switch library, and it will keep you playing for hours yet, especially if you suddenly fancy yourself a bit of a completionist. If this is anything to go by, I cannot wait to see how Tears of the Kingdom came out…

Verdict

Despite the mouthful of a name, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is absolutely the definitive experience of a masterpiece. There are few launch titles that are as important and impactful as this one and to re-release it with Switch 2 is not only a masterstroke, it completely transforms the game with silky smooth feel, stunning visuals and a lovely novelty Notes upgrade that adds to the game rather than takes anything away. While the game does show some age in some areas, this version also shows us a timeless product with a high quality bar, making it comparable – and in some cases better – than anything we’ve seen in the last eight years. And somehow still making us gasp in wonder at its scope. An absolute must-play whether it’s your first time and third.

 

Pros

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is out now

Played on Nintendo Switch 2

Code and Hardware Kindly Provided by Nintendo for review purposes