Nintendo has something unique in store for those picking up Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom on the Switch 2.
Zelda Notes is a new game-specific feature found inside the updated Nintendo Switch app. It's made specifically for the Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
The intention is to improve gameplay by making it more seamless, interactive, and rewarding, with players able to access everything from community tools to progress tracking right from their phone or tablet.
Here's everything Zelda Notes brings to the table:
We Basically Got Google Maps in Zelda Now
One of the most unexpected features is the voiced guidance, which works like a GPS in the Zelda world.
Mark a Shrine, Korok, or any key location, and the app will provide spoken directions such as "Your destination is to the north" or "It's right above you."
This is especially helpful for players trying to finish the map or collect everything before moving on.
Zelda and Friends Are Whispering Secrets Now
The map is dotted with audio diaries, also referred to as Voice Memories.
These unlock new bits of story and background lore as you explore. You can expect entries from Zelda in Breath of the Wild, as well as appearances from Rauru, Zelda, and Master Kohga in Tears of the Kingdom.
They come fully voiced and introduce insights that were left out of the base games.
Sharing Builds Has Never Been Easier
For those playing Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda Notes includes a system for sharing builds.
After building something cool with Ultrahand, be it a vehicle, robot, or something unusual, you can save it as a QR code and share it online.
Your code can be scanned by others and used to recreate your creation in their game right away. This is for players who enjoy the creative elements of TOTK but prefer not to build everything from the ground up.
Zelda Notes also makes it possible to share items, including cooked meals, weapons, and materials, along with builds. This introduces a light form of item trading that didn't exist before.
Medals, Milestones, and Bragging Rights
Zelda Notes introduces a medal system that acts as an achievement.
You'll earn them for things like defeating a set number of enemies, collecting tons of rupees, or traveling long distances.
Medals have fun names like "Monster's Bane" and "Treasure Hunter." You can check your daily trends in the app's My Play Data tab, while the Global Play Data leaderboard shows how you measure up to players globally.
Little Perks That Make Every Login Worth It
You can spin a digital bonus wheel inside Zelda Notes once a day.
The reward might range from faster healing and improved cooking effects to quicker energy recovery.
It's not much, but it gives a nice bit of variety to every login, especially if you're playing every day.
Photo Mode's Finally Got Some Personality
The Photo Studio in Zelda Notes allows you to take in-game screenshots and add your own stamps or decorations.
You can even attach items or build QR codes to your images before posting them online.
It brings a social aspect to your journey, allowing you to showcase not only what you achieved but also how you went about it.
Nintendo Gave Amiibo a New Reason to Exist
The app keeps track of Amiibo usage and includes a reward system.
Once you scan the same Amiibo five times, it gets upgraded and can be scanned twice a day instead of just once.
It keeps a record of which ones you've used and the bonuses they gave you.
Don't Worry, Your Progress Is Safe
If you have Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch, your save files will carry over to the Switch 2 editions seamlessly.
You'll also unlock a second manual save slot, allowing you to start a new playthrough without replacing your current one.
The upgraded editions and Zelda Notes app will launch on June 5, 2025. If you have a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the upgrade is included at no additional cost.
Otherwise, individual upgrade packs will be available for purchase. Zelda Notes is a smart addition that mixes modern mobile features with classic adventure gameplay.
It's part tracker, part guide, and part social hub, and it fits perfectly into the future Nintendo is trying to build.
Zelda Notes changes how you experience Hyrule, whether you're revisiting the story or hunting down every collectible.