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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIf you already own The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 Edition upgrade is worth considering if you plan to keep playing and care about smoother performance, quicker loading, sharper visuals, or its extra features. Nintendo lists the upgrade at $9.99 USD in the US; active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can access it at no additional charge while their membership is active. The improvement is described qualitatively, not backed by published frame-rate or load-time figures.
What changes in the Switch 2 Edition?
Nintendo describes the Switch 2 Edition as improving frame rates, loading times, resolution and textures, and adding HDR support. These are qualitative claims: Nintendo does not publish a target resolution, frame rate, or measured reduction in loading time on the cited product pages. Nintendo of America lists the edition’s release date as June 5, 2025. Nintendo’s product page and its Switch 2 games feature page describe the upgrades.
- Performance: Improved or smoother frame rates and faster loading, with no numerical before-and-after comparison published on those pages.
- Visuals: Higher resolution and improved textures. HDR is supported; HDR output in TV mode requires a compatible display.
- ZELDA NOTES: The Nintendo Switch App feature offers voiced navigation and character insights. It requires a compatible smart device and a persistent internet connection; data charges may apply.
- Second manual save: The edition supports two manual save data files, so you can keep your existing progress and start another adventure. A second save created in the Switch 2 Edition cannot be transferred to the original Switch version to play.
Nintendo presents these as performance, display, save, and app enhancements; the cited feature pages do not describe a change to the story or additional main-game content.
How much does the upgrade cost, and who can use it?
Nintendo Support lists the upgrade pack at $9.99 USD in the US. The pack requires the full game and can only be used on Nintendo Switch 2. Check Nintendo’s store for your region’s price and terms; the listed US price should not be assumed to apply elsewhere. Nintendo Support’s upgrade-pack details explain the price and eligibility.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore the land and skies of Hyrule—now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system!
- Unleash your imagination by using your abilities in surprising and creative ways
- Support your journey with ZELDA NOTES on the Nintendo Switch app
- Already own the Switch game: Buy the digital upgrade pack, or access the edition at no additional charge if you are an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack member.
- Expansion Pack access: The benefit depends on an active membership. Nintendo says only active Expansion Pack members can play the edition obtained through the membership.
- Separately purchased upgrade: Nintendo treats it as a virtual game card. The original Switch game must also be present on the Switch 2 system, either as a physical game card or a virtual game card.
- Upgrade obtained through membership: Nintendo says it is not treated as a virtual game card, and only active Expansion Pack members can play it.
- Do not own the game: Nintendo also sells a physical Switch 2 Edition as a separate product. Compare its price with the cost of buying the original game and the upgrade pack before choosing.
Is the paid upgrade worth $9.99?
For an existing owner, the decision comes down to how much you expect to play and which improvements matter to you. Nintendo’s pages do not provide independent benchmark data or quantified performance comparisons, so there is no published figure here to tell you how many frames or seconds you gain.
| Your situation | What makes sense |
|---|---|
| You have an active Expansion Pack membership | Access the edition through the membership at no additional charge while the membership is active; there is no need to pay for the upgrade pack during that period. |
| You own the game, plan to revisit Hyrule, and value the improvements | The $9.99 USD US upgrade is worth considering for its performance, loading, visual, HDR, app, and extra-save features. |
| You are satisfied with the Switch version and will not use the new features | The paid upgrade is less compelling; the cited Nintendo pages do not present new story content as a reason to buy it. |
| You do not own the game | Compare the physical Switch 2 Edition price with the combined cost of the original game and upgrade pack in your region. |
The practical dividing line is not whether the edition is universally “better,” but whether its qualitative improvements and extra features are worth paying for in your circumstances. If you are unsure about paying, the active-membership route may provide access without an additional upgrade charge for as long as that membership remains active.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Legend of Zelda - Tears of the Kingdom
Rank #4
![The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41i3ez7HjYL._SL160_.jpg)
- Persistent internet and compatible smart device required. Data charges may apply.
- QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
Rank #3
![The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ub2x-BbRL._SL160_.jpg)
- Persistent internet and compatible smart device required. Data charges may apply.
- QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.
Rank #2
- Enhanced performance and visuals exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore the skies, caves, and vast lands of Hyrule in a massive open-world adventure.
- Wield new and returning abilities to craft solutions, vehicles, and weapons.
- Discover the mystery behind the spreading gloom threatening the kingdom.
- Use the ZELDA NOTES app to share, compare, and earn daily bonuses.
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.
