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Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrades: What Breath of the Wild Adds and Which Games Get Them

Breath of the Wild’s Switch 2 upgrade adds visual improvements, faster loading, another save and ZELDA NOTES. Here’s how it works and what other games add.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Nintendo’s Switch 2 Editions pair a Nintendo Switch game with an upgrade pack, but each pack is different and its edition-specific features require a Nintendo Switch 2. For The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the pack adds higher resolution, improved frame rates, HDR support, faster loading, an extra save slot and ZELDA NOTES support. If you already own the original game, you can upgrade that copy instead of buying the full edition.

How Nintendo Switch 2 Editions work

Nintendo describes a Switch 2 Edition as the original Nintendo Switch game bundled with an upgrade pack. Depending on the game, that pack can add visual improvements, new features or additional modes. Nintendo offers packs for select games, not every Switch title, and edition-specific features require Switch 2. Owners of a physical or digital copy of the original game can get an eligible upgrade pack through Nintendo eShop, the Nintendo Store or participating retailers. Some packs are included at no additional cost for active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members; eligibility varies by game. Nintendo’s upgrade instructions explain the process.

The distinction matters when choosing what to buy: the full Switch 2 Edition includes the base game and upgrade pack, while owners of the base game can obtain the upgrade pack alone. The pack does not make its Switch 2 features playable on the original Switch.

What the Breath of the Wild upgrade adds

Nintendo’s U.S. listing for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, released June 5, 2025, lists these changes: Breath of the Wild Upgrade Pack.

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#1 Best Overall
Nintendo Switch 2 System
  • The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
  • GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
  • Higher resolution and improved frame rates
  • HDR support
  • Faster loading
  • An additional save file
  • Compatibility with ZELDA NOTES in the Nintendo Switch app

The second save file created in the Switch 2 Edition cannot be transferred to the original Switch version, according to Nintendo. ZELDA NOTES requires persistent internet access and a compatible smart device; data charges may apply.

What you need to upgrade

The pack requires Breath of the Wild. An existing physical or digital Nintendo Switch copy qualifies, so you do not need to buy the base game again if you already own it. The Switch 2 Edition’s features can be played only on Nintendo Switch 2.

Rank #2
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
  • The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
  • Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***

Other announced Switch 2 Edition examples

Nintendo’s product pages show that the upgrades are not all performance patches: some also add modes, minigames or story content. These are verified examples, not a complete list of every edition.

Game Nintendo-listed changes U.S. product-page release date
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Higher resolution, improved frame rates and HDR, faster loading, a second save file and ZELDA NOTES. Nintendo product page June 5, 2025
Super Mario Party Jamboree Jamboree TV, additional minigames, Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, microphone features and compatible USB-C camera features. The camera is sold separately and applies to certain features. Nintendo product page July 24, 2025
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Improved graphics and frame rate, plus the Star-Crossed World story content. Nintendo product page August 28, 2025
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition plus Meetup in Bellabel Park; existing owners can obtain the upgrade pack. Nintendo product page March 26, 2026
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Price and membership depend on region and game

Nintendo Japan’s product information lists the full Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition at ¥8,678 including tax and the upgrade pass at ¥1,000 including tax, with both dated June 5, 2025. Those are Japan-specific suggested prices, not U.S. prices. Nintendo Japan product information. The U.S. product listing advertises the upgrade pack for active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members at no additional cost. Check the live Nintendo store for your region for current prices and membership eligibility.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nintendo Switch 2 System
Nintendo Switch 2 System
The next evolution of Nintendo Switch; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$499.00
Bestseller No. 2
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle
The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$568.00
Rank #3
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth
  • 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
  • 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
  • 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
  • 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
  • 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.

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.

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