Published on: April 26, 2025
The eagerly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 is just six weeks away, and Nintendo fans worldwide are gearing up for a new era of gaming.
Alongside exciting upcoming releases such as Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Nintendo has announced an enhanced version of a modern classic: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
This new edition not only marks a significant technical upgrade but also offers several innovative features designed to maximize the capabilities of Nintendo’s latest hardware.
Developed by Nintendo’s celebrated in-house team, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom originally wowed critics and players alike on the Nintendo Switch for its expansive sandbox gameplay, allowing players to explore the sky, surface, and subterranean depths of Hyrule.
Building upon the groundbreaking foundation laid by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom seamlessly extended its open-world innovation, earning widespread acclaim and numerous Game of the Year awards in 2023.
Fans who experienced performance bottlenecks in the original release will be pleased to learn that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition delivers "smoother framerates, faster load times, and enhanced resolution and textures," according to details showcased at the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Experience: London event.
The improved hardware provides a more fluid gameplay experience as Hyrule’s detailed environments now load in quickly, encouraging exploration and fast travel without lengthy delays.
Even with the retail Nintendo Switch 2 model featuring an LCD display, support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) ensures that the vibrant color palette of Hyrule is fully realized in both Handheld and Docked modes.
One of the standout updates is the introduction of a new "Zelda Notes" feature, accessible via the Nintendo Switch app—which will be rebranded from the Nintendo Switch Online app in late May.
Zelda Notes offers convenient navigation tools reminiscent of Google Maps, guiding players to hidden Korok Seeds, secret caves, and the numerous Shrines of Light scattered across the world.
Additionally, new voice memories from iconic characters such as Princess Zelda will be unlockable, further supporting dedicated players in their quest for 100% completion.
Players who already own The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack for £7.99, or access it as part of a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
This inclusive approach ensures that returning adventurers can experience the technical advancements without repurchasing the entire game.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be available at retail and digitally via the Nintendo eShop worldwide on 5 June 2025.
As Nintendo continues to enhance its celebrated library, this release stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation, providing new and returning players alike with a polished, immersive Hyrule adventure on Nintendo Switch 2.
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