Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a substantial Switch 2 action game, but it is not a new mainline Legend of Zelda adventure. Its biggest technical talking point is a reviewer’s report that single-player battles ran at 60fps; that is a hands-on impression, not an official performance guarantee or a controlled benchmark.
What is the “new Zelda game”?
The game is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, released for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 6, 2025. Nintendo describes it as a story about Demon King Ganondorf’s invasion and the Imprisoning War, an event briefly shown in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The game puts players in control of Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and other heroes. Nintendo’s product page identifies Switch 2 as its platform.
Despite the setting and story connection, this is a Zelda-themed Warriors spin-off, not a mainline Zelda game. Its core loop is fighting large enemy groups across battlefields and taking on bosses, rather than the exploration and puzzle-solving associated with games such as Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo highlights playable heroes, Sync Strikes with allies, Unique Skills for countering enemy attacks, and Zonai Devices as parts of its combat system.
What does it say about Switch 2 performance?
Max Freeman-Mills, a T3 staff writer, reported that the game ran at 60fps during the early hours he played, including in large fights. He wrote: “The new game is a 60fps coaster, sailing along with great performance even in the middle of fights, in my experience.” His qualification matters: this is one reviewer’s hands-on observation, not a Nintendo frame-rate specification or an independently verified benchmark. It does not establish that every scene or session holds 60fps.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Battle hordes of enemies in the untold story of the Imprisoning War Fight the war for Ancient Hyrule! Step on to the battlefield as Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and other legendary heroes as you fight to reclaim your homeland—and live the story of Demon King Ganondorf’s invasion that was only briefly alluded to in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game.
- Fight alongside new and familiar heroes to defend Hyrule from the Demon King Princess Zelda is not alone in this war! Join Mineru, the Sages, and even some brand-new heroes in battles against Ganondorf’s forces. Combine powerful Zonai Devices with your heroes’ signature abilities to take down powerful bosses and their legions of minions.
- Use save data from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to get additional weapons If you have save data from the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity game on your system when you play, you’ll receive a Eminent Guard’s Claymore. If you have save data from the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, you receive a Eminent Guard’s Sword. These weapons can be redeemed after returning to the Hyrule map upon completion of The Howling Tempest mission.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Freeman-Mills also reported 30fps in split-screen co-op. Those figures offer a useful example of how one reviewer experienced the Switch 2 version, but they do not provide a controlled comparison with another game. He recalled smoother performance than in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, but the report did not include a reproducible side-by-side test or technical capture. It is best read as an impression of a Switch 2-only game, not proof of a platform-wide performance ceiling.
How does co-op and GameShare work?
Nintendo lists local two-player split-screen on one system and GameShare options. For local play, each player can use a single Joy-Con 2, a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, or a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller; compatible original Nintendo Switch controllers are also listed. The Pro Controller is sold separately, but Nintendo does not make it a requirement for playing.
Rank #2
- Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare session.
- Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the software during the session in which it was shared.
- Shared game will not be playable after the session ends.
- Nintendo Switch 2 and GameChat required for each user engaging in GameShare via GameChat. Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. During the GameChat open-access period, GameChat can be used without a membership.
- Not available in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. support.nintendo.com.
Nintendo says online GameShare uses GameChat. Online features require an internet connection, a Nintendo Account, and a Nintendo Switch Online membership; availability and terms vary. Check Nintendo’s product page for the current feature and availability details.
What has been added since launch?
Nintendo announced two free updates on December 18, 2025. They add battles and rewards, new enemies and weapons, and a new difficulty option. Some listed features unlock only after completing the main story. The update announcement gives the details.
Rank #3
- Relic Expedition Cycle – Throughout their journey in the kingdom of Norgan, the Arisen must unearth and appraise forgotten relics to unlock powerful new weapons and skills.
- New Dungeon Challenges – The 12 freshly uncovered Lost Rites dungeons house trials designed by the Pathfinder to sharpen the Arisen’s skills and recover rare equipment once held by past Arisen that now lay dormant.
- Deeper Character Customization – New tattoo and hair options have been added to the already robust character creation tool in Dragon’s Dogma 2 so Arisen and Pawns can have even deeper personalization.
- Now on Nintendo Switch 2 – Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen brings the classic fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 and the Dark Arisen Expansion to the Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time.
- Pre-order Bonuses – The Norgan Fashion Set - Northern Attire will be available as a pre-order bonus, which can be accessed via in-game storage at launch.
What else should players know before buying?
Nintendo’s November 6, 2025 launch announcement listed a regular US price of $69.99; that is the launch price, not a confirmation of today’s price. The current digital product listing shows a 43.5 GB download, a figure that may change and applies to the digital listing—not a stated storage requirement for the physical cartridge. Nintendo’s launch announcement confirms the release date and launch price.
Compatible amiibo can provide in-game items such as crafting materials. Nintendo also lists save-data bonuses for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and Tears of the Kingdom. These are optional extras, not prerequisites for playing.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Play as eight different characters, each with their own stories to uncover and side quests to complete.
- Explore the enchanting yet perilous world of Orsterra, spanning 8 vast regions and discover each character’s full story as their journey unfolds.
- Use each character's distinctive abilities (Path Actions), skills and talents in frenetic battles.
- Enjoy the accessible yet deep turn-based combat battle system and break through enemy lines by identifying and targeting their weaknesses.
- Solve side quests and story scenarios in a few different ways and take decisions that shape your path.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.




