After months of rumors and speculation, Nintendo has officially confirmed that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition will launch on June 5, 2025, the same day the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 hits shelves. Fans of Hyrule’s sweeping landscapes and daring adventures now have a fresh reason to return: a fully enhanced version designed to showcase the new console’s power.
This isn’t just a re-release. Nintendo promises significant upgrades that breathe new life into the modern classic — with technical improvements, new features, and a few surprises aimed at both first-timers and veterans.
What’s New in the Switch 2 Edition?
Nintendo has reworked Breath of the Wild to take advantage of the Switch 2’s upgraded internals, offering an experience that feels genuinely new rather than a simple port.
- Improved Performance: Say goodbye to frame drops. Players can expect a consistently smooth 60fps experience, significantly reducing the minor stutters that occasionally affected the original Switch version. Load times have also been dramatically shortened thanks to the Switch 2’s faster NVMe storage.
- Enhanced Visuals and HDR Support: The new edition supports dynamic 4K upscaling and full HDR (High Dynamic Range), making Hyrule’s open world even more breathtaking. Lighting effects, foliage density, and distant object rendering have all been improved, delivering a more immersive environment.
- Zelda Notes Companion App: A brand-new feature, Zelda Notes, integrates with the Nintendo Switch Online app. It offers voice-assisted hints, location tracking, and lore explanations while you play — a first for the series.
- Minor Content Tweaks: Sharp-eyed players have noticed subtle enhancements to textures, environmental interactions, and even a few tweaked enemy behaviors, making exploration feel fresh without fundamentally altering the beloved gameplay.
Pricing and Upgrade Options
Nintendo is offering several flexible ways for players to experience the Switch 2 version:
| Option | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full Game Purchase | Available for preorder at Target, Walmart, GameStop, and other major retailers. | $69.99 |
| Upgrade Pack (for original owners) | Digital upgrade if you already own Breath of the Wild on Switch 1. | $10 |
| Free Upgrade | Available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. | Included with subscription |
This approach mirrors the upgrade paths seen with other major franchises transitioning to next-gen hardware, giving both new and returning players affordable access.
Early Access Achievement: A Speedrunner’s Dream
During a special demo event in Tokyo, renowned Japanese speedrunner Ikaboze stunned attendees by completing Breath of the Wild on the Switch 2 in under 10 minutes — before the console has even hit the market. His run showcased the upgraded load times and improved responsiveness, giving the speedrunning community a glimpse of the possibilities the Switch 2 version will offer.
Expect leaderboards and speedrun categories to be updated to reflect the Switch 2’s performance boost soon after launch.
Availability and Preorder Status
Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 opened on April 24 and sold out within hours at major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon. Demand for the console has been fueled by excitement for Breath of the Wild’s return alongside other launch titles.
Fortunately, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition remains available for standalone preorder at most retailers. Gamers who already own a Switch 2 preorder will be able to pick up the new Zelda release in stores or digitally on launch day.
If you’re planning to upgrade your adventure, it’s a good idea to lock in your preorder soon — Nintendo has hinted that initial supplies may be limited, especially for physical copies featuring collector’s steelbook packaging.
Key Takeaways
- The Switch 2 Edition is out June 5th, 2025.
- It’s getting technical upgrades and some exclusive features.
- It’ll be one of the tentpoles for Nintendo’s Switch 2 lineup.
What Is The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition is basically a souped-up re-release of the award-winning original, now tailored for Nintendo’s next-gen console. It’s not just a visual facelift—there are performance tweaks, plus some new features that actually take advantage of the Switch 2’s extra horsepower.
Release Date and Launch Details
Mark your calendars: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition lands on June 5, 2025—the very same day the new Nintendo Switch 2 hits shelves. So, if you’re planning to upgrade your console, you can snag both the hardware and this enhanced Zelda at launch. It’s pretty clear Nintendo wants this to be the showpiece title for their new system.
You can grab the Switch 2 Edition as a standalone game. If you already own Breath of the Wild on the OG Switch, there’s an upgrade pack you can buy to unlock the new stuff on your Switch 2. It’s not free (yeah, a bit of a bummer)—the fee is $10, according to major gaming outlets. Both physical and digital versions are expected, so take your pick.
Nintendo’s making a statement here—this isn’t just another port, but a core title to show off what Switch 2 can really do. Launching both at the same time kind of says it all.
Overview of New Features
So, what’s actually new? The Switch 2 Edition brings a bunch of improvements: way better graphics, sharper textures, higher resolution, and a much smoother frame rate. All that’s thanks to the Switch 2’s beefed-up hardware.
There are also some new gameplay bits. For starters, in-game achievements are finally a thing—nice for anyone who likes chasing challenges. There’s also this “Zelda Notes” service, which lets you access guides, hints, and tips straight from your Switch 2 or the Nintendo Switch Online app.
If you’re upgrading from the original, the upgrade pack nets you all these enhancements. But heads up: the expansion pass DLC isn’t included, as IGN points out. If you want the extra content, you’ll have to buy it separately.
Compatibility With Nintendo Switch 2
This edition is built from the ground up to take advantage of the Switch 2’s new hardware. You’ll get higher resolution and smoother frame rates, especially compared to the first Switch.
If you own the original game, you can buy the upgrade pack to unlock the new features—but only on the Switch 2. Both digital and physical owners are eligible, so no worries there.
Just so you know, the upgrade isn’t automatic. You’ll need to buy the pack to get the Switch 2 Edition features, as Nintendo’s official info makes clear. It’s all designed specifically for the new hardware, so you’re getting the best experience only on Switch 2.
Technical Improvements and Enhanced Gameplay Experience
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition isn’t just about shinier graphics—it’s a full-on technical upgrade. Performance is up, visuals are crisper, and the new hardware unlocks features you just couldn’t get before. You’ll notice better sound, way faster load times, and yeah, the game just feels more responsive.
Performance Upgrades: Resolution, Frame Rate, and Graphics
Let’s get into the weeds. The Switch 2 Edition runs at a higher native resolution. That means everything—landscapes, characters, even the grass—looks sharper, whether you’re playing handheld or on your TV.
On top of that, there’s a big bump in frame rate. The original version was capped at 30 FPS, but now you’re looking at a much steadier 60 FPS. Combat, exploration, all of it just feels way smoother.
The Switch 2’s faster processor helps out too—better lighting, richer colors, deeper shadows. Hyrule’s never looked this alive, honestly.
And with the new HDMI and USB-C ports, visuals really pop on modern TVs. Even the little things, like wind in the grass or distant mountains, stand out.
Faster Load Times and Smoother Frame Rates
The hardware upgrades here are no joke. Thanks to faster microSD Express cards and an internal SSD, load times are way down. Fast travel? Practically instant. Booting up or moving between big areas? You’ll barely notice a pause.
Menus, weapon swaps, shrines—they all load super quick. It’s subtle, but it makes the whole game flow better.
And with the improved framerate, action scenes and crowded battles don’t bog down. It just feels… right. No more waiting around for the game to catch up.
Put simply: the Switch 2 Edition keeps you in the game, not staring at load screens.
Support for 4K, HDR, and Spatial 3D Sound
Dock the system and you unlock 4K resolution through the upgraded HDMI. Edges are sharper, details pop, and Hyrule looks more epic than ever.
HDR support is in, too. Colors are brighter, sunsets and fire effects look wild, and shadows have real depth. It’s a big step up from the old Switch’s visuals.
Spatial 3D sound is now a thing. Rain, footsteps, and wildlife shift around you as you move, making the world feel more alive. The new audio options over USB-C are a nice touch for anyone with good headphones or a sound system.
All these upgrades combine for a more cinematic vibe. If you’ve got a decent TV and speakers, you’ll definitely notice.
New Joy-Con 2 and Hardware Features
The Joy-Con 2 controllers have gotten a facelift. Rumble is more nuanced—you’ll feel the tension of a bowstring or the thud of a big hit.
There’s a new Switch 2 camera for motion-based puzzles and gameplay. Plus, motion tracking is better, so aiming and moving around feels more precise.
The Switch 2 dock is sturdier, and ports charge faster and connect more reliably—especially if you’re using high-speed storage.
All in all, these hardware tweaks make this easily the comfiest and most immersive way to play Breath of the Wild. For the nitty-gritty on hardware features, check Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Edition page.
New Content and Exclusive Features
The Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild isn’t just about prettier graphics. New integrations and some exclusive features make this version stand out. You get the technical upgrades, sure, but also a few extras that add real value.
Additional Expansion Packs and Upgrade Packs
The main draw here is the visual and technical leap—higher resolution, HDR, and all the rest make exploring Hyrule feel new again. You’ll probably spot hidden Koroks you missed before.
But, fair warning: the original expansion packs (The Master Trials and The Champions’ Ballad) aren’t bundled with the Switch 2 Edition. If you want that DLC, you’ll have to buy it separately. Game Informer backs this up.
Right now, there aren’t any exclusive expansion or upgrade packs announced for this version. Still, Nintendo has hinted that more upgrades could come down the line, so keep an eye out.
Game-Specific Service Integrations
One of the coolest new perks is the Zelda Notes service, integrated right into the Switch 2 Edition and the Nintendo Switch app.
With Zelda Notes, you can jot down discoveries, track side quests, and pin locations of rare items or secret Koroks. It’s a simple way to keep your adventure organized—and sharing tips is a breeze.
Amiibo support is in, too. Scan your figures to unlock special gear, including themed outfits for characters like Princess Zelda. These integrations give the Switch 2 Edition a few tricks the old versions didn’t have.
Here’s a quick table for what’s new:
| Feature | Switch 2 Edition | Previous Editions |
|---|---|---|
| HDR support | Yes | No |
| Zelda Notes app | Yes | No |
| Amiibo features | Yes | Yes |
Integration With Nintendo Switch Online and Game Ecosystem
Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition is built to work hand-in-hand with Nintendo’s online features and digital services. You’ll find new ways to share, access content, and manage your game—plus some handy safety tools.
Compatibility With Nintendo Switch Online and Game Sharing
This version taps into everything Nintendo Switch Online offers. You get cloud saves to back up progress, and there are multiplayer features where they’re available.
Game sharing is still straightforward for families and friends. The Switch 2 lets you link multiple Nintendo accounts and share digital libraries. Only one person can play a shared game at a time, but switching is easy thanks to cloud syncing.
Features include:
- Cloud save backups
- Online leaderboards
- Access to digital rewards and special promos
Digital Version and eShop Availability
You can buy Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition as a physical cartridge or a digital download from the Nintendo eShop. The digital version is available day one, and you can even pre-load before launch.
If you’ve got digital purchases on your account already, you can move them over and re-download games on the new device. Updates, patches, and all the new features roll out through the eShop.
A few quick points:
- Works with all major eShop payment options
- Supports pre-loading before release day
- Digital version tied to your Nintendo account
Voice Chat and Advanced Parental Controls
Voice chat is handled through the Nintendo Switch app, which links up with compatible devices for in-game talk. Messaging, friend invites, and managing sessions all run through the app, so it’s a bit safer and less chaotic than open chat.
Parental controls are better than ever. Parents can monitor play time, block purchases, and restrict online features using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. You can set custom rules for each user, which is great if you’ve got kids of different ages playing on the same system.
Here’s what stands out:
- Safe voice chat via the official app
- Adjustable parental controls for time, features, and social stuff
- Notifications and reports to keep track of activity
Frequently Asked Questions
With The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild dropping on Switch 2, there are a few things folks are wondering about—like the price, what’s new, and how it plays with older saves or bundles.
What is the price for ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ on the Switch 2?
The Switch 2 Edition is set at $70. That’s $10 more than the original Switch release, which, yeah, stings a bit. You’ll find it at Nintendo and most big retailers. More on the Switch 2 Enhanced Edition price here.
Will there be an upgrade option available for players who already own the original version of ‘Breath of the Wild’?
So far, Nintendo hasn’t announced any free upgrade or discount for owners of the original on Switch. If you want the Switch 2 Edition, you’ll have to buy it again.
What are the technical improvements in ‘Breath of the Wild’ for the Switch 2 Edition?
The Switch 2 version brings higher-res graphics, better frame rates, and much faster loading. All that’s possible thanks to the Switch 2 hardware.
How does the Switch 2 Edition enhance the gameplay compared to its predecessor?
Gameplay just feels better—smoother, quicker, and with sharper visuals. The core content hasn’t changed, but the experience is noticeably improved.
Are there any special editions or bundles of ‘Breath of the Wild’ for Switch 2 planned for release?
No word yet from Nintendo on special editions or bundles for Breath of the Wild on Switch 2. Standard editions will be out at launch, and if any bundles or extras get announced, it’ll probably come straight from Nintendo.
Can previous save files from the original ‘Breath of the Wild’ be transferred to the Switch 2 Edition?
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed whether original Switch save files will work with the Switch 2 Edition. We’ll likely get more info on this closer to launch.
