Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Review – A Masterpiece Enhanced
▼ Summary
– The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition significantly improves performance with 60fps, higher resolution, and HDR, making it the definitive version of the game.
– The original Switch version’s performance issues, like 30fps and lower resolution, hindered the experience for some players, which the Switch 2 upgrade resolves.
– The game includes no new content but offers a paid upgrade for existing owners or a free option for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscribers.
– The Zelda Notes companion app adds features like real-time map navigation, Voice Memories, and Daily Bonuses, enhancing the gameplay experience.
– The Switch 2 Edition is highly recommended for new players or those who disliked the original due to hardware limitations, but won’t appeal to those who disliked the core gameplay.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch 2 elevates an already legendary game to new heights, delivering the definitive version of this modern masterpiece. For players who found the original release held back by hardware limitations, this enhanced edition transforms the experience with buttery-smooth performance and stunning visual upgrades that breathe fresh life into Hyrule’s vast landscapes.
When Tears of the Kingdom first launched in 2023, it was universally praised for its ambitious mechanics and expansive world. Yet, some players, myself included, struggled to fully immerse themselves due to the Switch’s aging hardware. The inconsistent frame rates and lower resolution often disrupted the magic that made Breath of the Wild so groundbreaking. Fast forward to the Nintendo Switch 2, and those technical hurdles are gone. The game now runs at a rock-solid 60fps, with crisp resolution and vibrant HDR that makes every sunset and mountain vista breathtaking.
What makes this version special isn’t just the technical polish, it’s how those improvements enhance the core experience. Exploration feels more fluid, combat is more responsive, and the world itself feels more alive. Whether playing docked on a 4K display or in handheld mode at 1080p, the difference is night and day. For those who skipped the original due to performance concerns, this is the perfect opportunity to dive in.
Beyond the visual and performance upgrades, the Switch 2 edition introduces Zelda Notes, a companion app that adds depth to the adventure. With real-time map navigation, unlockable lore through Voice Memories, and even daily bonuses that reward exploration, it enriches the journey without altering the core game. While some may wish these features were integrated directly into the game, they provide a fresh layer of engagement for returning players.
Is this version worth it? Absolutely, if you’ve never played Tears of the Kingdom or want to revisit it in its best form yet. The improvements make it feel like a brand-new experience, justifying a second playthrough for fans and a must-play for newcomers. That said, if the original game’s open-world structure or mechanics didn’t resonate with you, the upgrades won’t change that.
For those on the fence about upgrading to the Switch 2, this edition alone makes a compelling case. Few games benefit as dramatically from hardware enhancements as Tears of the Kingdom does here. It’s not just a remaster, it’s the way the game was meant to be played, finally realizing its full potential. Whether you’re soaring through the skies or delving into Hyrule’s depths, every moment feels more immersive, more polished, and more magical than ever before.
(Source: techradar)
