Nintendo had a big challenge after The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — how do you follow up a game that redefined open-world design without spending another decade building something completely new? The answer: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, a bold sequel set in the same Hyrule, on the same map — but, like its signature gameplay mechanic, with a whole lot more cleverly fused onto it.
Ultrahand, Underground, and Sky Islands: Bigger and Bolder
Tears of the Kingdom introduced the complex yet astonishingly smooth Ultrahand building mechanic, letting players assemble flying machines, weapons, and bizarre contraptions from everyday objects. Alongside this innovation came two entirely new layers to the world — one soaring above the clouds, and another buried in the dark depths below. The game was not only larger but significantly denser than its predecessor, pushing the original Nintendo Switch hardware to its breaking point.
You could almost hear the Switch wheeze as it rendered massive builds or tracked frantic battles alongside your companions. But now, in the Switch 2 Edition, that strain is gone.
A Transformational Upgrade on Switch 2
On the Nintendo Switch 2, Tears of the Kingdom achieves a mostly consistent 60fps with HDR support, delivering stunning visuals. Loading times are significantly faster, making transitions smoother, though not instantaneous. The result? A smoother, sharper, more immersive experience. Whether you’re snapping together flying machines or whipping objects around with gyro controls, the improved frame rate makes everything feel faster, cleaner, and far more responsive.
Released on June 5, 2025, alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, this edition offers a second save slot, though note that its save data cannot be backed up via Nintendo Switch Online’s cloud service or transferred to the original Switch version.
Yes, some textures and areas still show their age. But with HDR-enhanced lighting and buttery-smooth gameplay, those minor blemishes fade into the background. Sunrises, sweeping vistas, and glowing underground caverns feel magical once more. If you skipped Tears of the Kingdom because the building mechanics felt overwhelming, this is the time to give it another shot.
Zelda Notes: A Second-Screen Companion for Completists
Exclusive to the Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, the new Zelda Notes feature is accessible via the Nintendo Switch app on your phone. It includes newly recorded voice memories that add lore and context to in-game locations, plus a suite of tools: detailed gameplay stats, amiibo tracking, item and photo sharing, and more.
One standout tool is the Navigation feature, which tracks progress across Shrines, quests, and hidden content — a godsend for returning players. When the game first launched, many fans had already exhausted Breath of the Wild’s map and didn’t fully dive into exploration again. Now, with clear goals and tracking, the world feels fresh and rewarding to revisit.
Is it something you should use on your first playthrough? Probably not — it strips away the joy of discovery. But if you’re chasing 100% completion, Zelda Notes is the perfect digital companion.
A Bittersweet Bonus: Ephemeral Extras
One caveat: Zelda Notes relies on an internet connection and cloud services, which may become unavailable if Nintendo eventually discontinues support, as seen with past online services. It’s a shame this functionality isn’t built directly into the game, especially considering how integral it feels to modern completionist play.
Final Verdict: Now Is the Time to Play
Tears of the Kingdom sold fewer copies than Breath of the Wild (over 21 million vs. 31 million), possibly due to factors like sequel fatigue, the $70 price tag, or divisive crafting mechanics. But if you’ve never played it, or if you bounced off the original release, the Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is the definitive version. It runs beautifully, plays better than ever, and makes Hyrule feel alive all over again.
In short, if you’re diving back into Zelda or exploring it for the first time, there’s never been a better time to explore a kingdom in tears, now fully realized on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Official Page.
