First released in 2017 for the Switch 1 and Wii U, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the greatest games of all time. With the release of the Switch 2 version of the game, has anything changed in the last 8 years?
I haven't replayed the game since I finished it in 2017, except for jumping in to find the odd Korok and to check out the DLC when it launched. So, join me as I look back at my original experience on the Switch 1 and revisit one of my favorite games as I test out The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition.
I envy you if you have never played Breath of the Wild. This is one of those games you wish to play again for the first time. Greatly sticking out from the previous Zelda titles like a sore thumb, Breath of the Wild was a fresh take on the franchise that combined all the past elements, like puzzles and searching for items, into a beautiful open-world experience that some may find a bit daunting, as this one does not like to hold your hand.
Now that isn't meant to come across as a negative point, Breath of the Wild opens with a bang and strips away the comfort and warmth that past titles provide as they ease you into your adventure. But here? Here, you are thrown into a brutal, almost post-apocalyptic Hyrule that has been ravaged by war with nothing more than basic clothes and an open door to give you a start.
From your first few steps into Hyrule, you can tell that this ain't your Daddy's Zelda, it's a whole other beast. The world gives you clues, and the environmental design is phenomenal, the way it points you subtly in the right direction without outright signposting the way. I think that Breath of the Wild's Hyrule is the best in the franchise.
Each and every detail in the game is crafted with care, and the joy of exploring the map is second to none. The weather effects in the game have raised the bar for in-game mechanics. If it's raining, you can't climb as surfaces are wet, lightning can strike you down if you wear metal, and the hot desert sun can make you weak and exhausted. Truly wonderful.
There isn't much that I can say about the original Breath of the Wild that hasn't already been said.
"Breath of the Wild isn't just the best Zelda game I've ever played. It's one of the best video games I've ever played. Period." - Forbes
"I'm in awe of the scope and scale of this adventure, and I often find myself counting the hours until I can get back in." - IGN
"Every time I boot this game up, I see something new and amazing." -Nintendo World Report
The universal acclaim the game received is, for once, entirely justified for this sublime piece of art. After spending hundreds of hours in the original version, I was hyped to hear that Nintendo was bringing it to the Switch 2. However, I was concerned that they would mess it up if they meddled with perfection. Why fix it if it isn't broken?
I can happily report that the new version of Breath of the Wild is absolutely fantastic. Besides much higher resolution, improved frame rates, and HDR support, some substantial additions make visiting war-torn Hyrule worthwhile for old and new fans alike.
First, we have Zelda Notes. This is available via the Nintendo Switch app, which can be downloaded on most smart devices. You can use the feature with Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom (stay tuned for our new review of that game), and once you are in, the fun begins.
I need to note that I do not like these additions being available through your device. Voice chat on Switch 1 via the app never worked well, and it would have been much more convenient to implement these into the game rather than using a secondary device. There is no justifiable reason to have things run this way; however, it may have been the only way to get them up and running to release the Switch 2 versions in time for launch.
In Zelda Notes, you have 8 options that bring a host of extras to Breath of the Wild (and Tears of the Kingdom).
- Voice Memories
Voice Memories brings a new reason to play by adding new in-game lore that can be listened to in the app. Explore Hyrule, and in certain areas, you will unlock a new Voice Memory read by Princess Zelda.
- Navigation
This is actually brilliant. Navigation essentially functions as Google Maps, allowing you to pick a spot you want to go to and have voice navigation guide you there while playing. I have used this to collect several Korok seeds and may finally attempt to find all of them. You can use this to find many things, from Lynels to Shrines, and even the new voice memories. It works better than Google Maps does while I'm driving!
- My Play Data
A simple section displays information such as play time, number of deaths, collected materials, and more. This is one that could have been added to the game rather than to an app on a separate device.
- Global Play Data
The same info as My Play Data, but collated worldwide. See how your stats compare with those of others from across the globe.
- Daily Bonus
Here you can spin a wheel to earn a bonus to assist your quest. Hearts, meals, weapon fixes, and more can be won and used to help defeat Ganon.
- Amiibo
When you scan an amiibo five times, you'll get an additional bonus use of that amiibo for a second scan that day.
- Photo Studio
You can edit your in-game photos by decorating them with frames, stamps, and more.
- Item sharing
You can convert your in-game items into QR codes and share them with friends, a pretty cool addition that lets you help out friends in need.
The extras we get are really nice touches. Nintendo could have just slapped on 60fps and called it a day, but it has added some beneficial features like Navigation and Voice Memories, which improve the experience. As I said above, I still can't help but wish that these were in-game, but they are a nice touch all the same.
So, is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition still worth your time if you have played it? Absolutely. Is it suitable for new players? Yes, they are getting the best possible experience with enhanced visuals and extras. However, not including the DLC from the expansion pass is an oversight, preventing this from being classified as an 'Ultimate' or 'Complete' version.
I was always going to rate Breath of the Wild highly. It remains at the top of my best games of all time list, and now, on Switch 2, we have the best version of the game. It is an experience all Nintendo fans should check out, even those who perhaps disliked previous titles in the series.
Very few games will go down in history that are as influential as Breath of the Wild. An industry-shaking title made even better thanks to Switch 2.
