Note: This review focuses on the updates and enhancements introduced in the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game. For insights into gameplay and our broader thoughts, be sure to explore our original review of the game!
When it comes to iconic legacies, few titles face the monumental challenge of following The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. After a wait that stretched six long years, the hype for its sequel was palpable. Tears of the Kingdom has risen to the occasion, providing an experience that many deem comparable, if not equal, to the monumental original. It may seem premature for a re-release, considering the game debuted on Switch only two years ago, but playing on Nintendo’s latest hardware reveals just how essential these upgrades are.
While the core gameplay experience of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remains reminiscent of its predecessors, the Switch 2 Edition brings notable enhancements. If you weren’t captivated by the game before, this edition may not sway your opinion. Conversely, if your critiques were rooted in the game's performance on the original system, the Switch 2 may offer the newfound glory you’ve been waiting for. For those returning players wishing to keep their progress intact, transferring your saved data is a breeze, and a new save file option is thoughtfully included for those eager to start fresh.
Where Breath of the Wild tested the boundaries of the Switch, Tears of the Kingdom boldly transcends them. Despite its visual brilliance, inventive gameplay, and engaging narrative, it struggled with performance hiccups that often detracted from the overall experience. Nintendo worked tirelessly to resolve these issues, but maintaining a steady 30FPS proved difficult, accompanied by prolonged loading times. These technical drawbacks didn’t diminish the game’s quality, yet they highlighted the limitations of the hardware. The upgraded power of the Switch 2 significantly amplifies Tears of the Kingdom, finally allowing it to be experienced as the developers intended.
If you played Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch, you will likely notice immediate performance improvements in the Switch 2 Edition. Targeting a solid 60FPS, this version offers fluid movement through Hyrule’s expansive landscapes, whether you're traversing by foot or soaring through the skies. Manipulating objects with the Ultrahand feels effortlessly smooth, and combat feels quicker, only slowing momentarily when Link aims an arrow mid-flight or unleashes a Flurry Rush. Fast travel times are slashed to mere seconds, and the loading when shifting between layers is nearly imperceptible. The Ascend feature, which could previously see players waiting up to a minute for loading, is now instantaneous.
Elevated by Breath of the Wild’s striking aesthetics, Tears of the Kingdom achieves its visual peak on Switch 2. Players with access to a 4K TV will experience the utmost visual clarity, and even handheld mode at 1080p shows significant enhancements with improved resolution and HDR. Occasionally, this brightness escalates to an almost surreal level, especially under clear skies, but it enhances exploration, particularly in the Depths. While the draw distance can still feel somewhat limited, the atmosphere benefits from these shadows, enriching immersion rather than detracting from it.
The game also boasts the enhanced Zelda Notes app, mirroring features from Breath of the Wild’s Switch 2 version. New Voice Memories, fully voiced by Patricia Summerset, enhance Princess Zelda's presence throughout the game world. Daily spins offer players randomized bonuses, and amiibo rewards add layers of excitement. The improved Navigation feature is especially handy for tracking elusive Korok seeds or Shrines, becoming an essential tool for completionists. However, the Medals you can earn—essentially achievements—remain rather uninspired, especially considering the vast creative potential unlocked by the Ultrahand mechanic.
A standout feature in Zelda Notes is the Autobuild Sharing, enabling players to turn their creations into QR codes for sharing. This is a fun addition, but it feels lacking without an in-app search function to create a dedicated, global community. Instead, finding shared codes requires players to turn to social media, which detracts from the app’s social capabilities. It also includes global gameplay data, presenting comprehensive statistics such as enemy kills and deaths, enriching community engagement and competition.
The Switch 2 Edition of Tears of the Kingdom can be purchased in several formats: physical cartridge, digital download from the eShop, or as an upgrade pack if you already own the Switch version. Players with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription can download the upgrade for free. While its file size is notably smaller than Breath of the Wild’s, the improvements made are no less impactful.
In essence, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom feels like it has finally found its rightful place on the Switch 2. This game has always been a masterpiece, and now, unshackled from the constraints of previous hardware, it shines brighter than ever. Even if you weren’t a fan before, this reimagined version warrants a second look—perhaps even a fresh start on this exciting new platform.
Rating: 10/10