Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

What’s New in the Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions

Nintendo’s Zelda Switch 2 editions add performance and visual improvements, with upgrade packs for existing Switch owners and ZELDA NOTES support.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Nintendo’s Switch 2 editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom launched on June 5, 2025, alongside Nintendo Switch 2. They add enhanced resolution, higher frame rates, HDR support and faster loading; the Tears of the Kingdom edition also lists enhanced textures and a second manual save file. Owners of the original Switch games can buy an upgrade pack instead of buying the game bundle, while active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members receive the upgrade pack at no additional cost. The edition-specific features require Nintendo Switch 2.

What’s new in the Switch 2 editions?

Nintendo’s announcement describes enhanced resolution, increased frame rates, HDR support and faster loading for both games. These changes apply to the Switch 2 editions; the original Nintendo Switch versions remain playable on their original platform. Nintendo’s Tears of the Kingdom support information also specifies enhanced textures and the option to keep the original manual save data while starting another game in a second manual save file.

The second-save detail is documented for Tears of the Kingdom; Nintendo’s announcement does not establish an equivalent feature for Breath of the Wild. A second save created in the Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 edition cannot be transferred to the original Switch version to play.

What is ZELDA NOTES?

ZELDA NOTES is a game-specific service in the Nintendo Switch App for the two Switch 2 editions. It offers navigation assistance for shrines and Koroks, stories from characters, and a way to share Autobuild blueprints. It is separate from the games themselves and uses a compatible smart device.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#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
  • A Nintendo Account and a persistent internet connection are required; data charges may apply.
  • Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required to use ZELDA NOTES.
  • Nintendo identifies ZELDA NOTES as exclusive to these Switch 2 editions.

Do you need to buy the game again?

Not necessarily. The right option depends on whether you already own a Switch copy and whether you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

Your situation Purchase route What to know
You do not own the original Switch game Buy the Switch 2 Edition bundle Nintendo defines the bundle as the original Switch game plus its upgrade pack.
You own the original Switch game Buy its upgrade pack The original game must also be available on the Switch 2 system, physically or as a virtual game card, when the pack is purchased separately.
You own the original game and have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership Access the included upgrade pack through the membership Nintendo says the included upgrade is available at no additional cost to active members. Access through the membership is not treated as a virtual game card, and only active members can play the Switch 2 edition this way.

How much is the upgrade pack?

Nintendo’s US support page lists the Tears of the Kingdom upgrade pack for $9.99 USD through the Nintendo eShop on Switch 2 and Nintendo Store. That is the price of that upgrade pack in the United States, not the full game; it should not be assumed to apply to Breath of the Wild or other regions. Check Nintendo’s store for your region’s current price and availability.

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.***

The available price information does not establish the current full-game prices for both editions, the price of the Breath of the Wild upgrade pack, or prices outside the United States.

Which version can you play on each console?

The original Switch versions remain playable on Nintendo Switch. Features and content specific to the Switch 2 editions require Nintendo Switch 2; buying an upgrade does not make those edition-specific features available on the original console. For Tears of the Kingdom, the second manual save created in the Switch 2 edition also cannot be transferred to the original Switch version for play.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When did the editions launch?

Nintendo of America announced the editions on April 2, 2025, with a launch date of June 5, 2025—the same day Nintendo Switch 2 launched. That date has passed; these are available editions, not an upcoming announcement.

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

Official details

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.