Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom Receive Major Performance Boosts on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 Elevates Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom with Substantial Performance Upgrades Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, 2025, opening a new chapter for flagship titles and popular franchises.

Early adopters across global markets are witnessing firsthand how the company’s hybrid home console continues to evolve, especially in performance and visual fidelity.

Among the most talked-about improvements are for The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom—two titles previously known for their technical struggles on the original Nintendo Switch. At the midnight launch, video producer Felix conducted a side-by-side analysis comparing Link’s Awakening’s gameplay on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

In the newly published video, Felix demonstrates remarkable synchronization of footage, revealing an experience on Switch 2 with notable visual and performance enhancements.

Where the 2019 original was sometimes criticized for its stuttering frame rate, the latest hardware delivers a much smoother and more consistent presentation.

Felix’s careful demonstration makes it clear: the leap between the two systems is significant, especially for players sensitive to performance hitches. Correspondent reporting from VGC also provided one of the first direct looks at Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom on Switch 2.

Historically, both titles suffered from performance limitations on the original model.

According to the hands-on preview, the games now run dramatically better on Nintendo Switch 2.

Some brief frame rate dips persist—especially noted in Echoes of Wisdom—but the overall gameplay experience is vastly improved.

While minor hiccups remain, especially in more demanding scenes, the difference compared to the Switch 1 is described as “night and day.” Beyond Zelda, several first-party games have benefited from free performance and visual updates for Switch 2, including Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and ARMS.

These updates aim to take full advantage of the new hardware’s capabilities, ensuring that major titles in the Nintendo eShop and physical catalog age gracefully.

In addition, titles like 51 Worldwide Classics are receiving feature additions, such as GameShare, expanding the value proposition of these performance updates. The Nintendo Switch 2 is rolling out worldwide, with regions like the UK and Ireland seeing midnight launches at all Smyths retail locations.

As of June 5, 2025, limited stock remains available for walk-in customers, despite high pre-order demand.

Nintendo’s push for backward compatibility and free performance enhancements demonstrates a continued commitment to its legacy titles and player base, ensuring that veterans and newcomers alike experience beloved games at their best on the latest platform. For those debating a return to Koholint Island or ready to embark on the latest Zelda journey, the improved performance on Nintendo Switch 2 might be the most compelling reason yet.

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