Nintendo is gearing up for a major release with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of two of its flagship titles, 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' and 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,' scheduled to hit the shelves on June 5, 2025. This highly anticipated launch promises significant upgrades and new features that could enhance the gaming experience for both new players and long-time fans.
Among the most exciting additions is a new linked app called 'ZELDA NOTES,' which will be available for both games. This app aims to provide players with various functionalities, including a feature that allows for the restoration of equipment durability, a mechanic that has sparked debate among fans due to its limited repair options in the original games.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will not only boast improved graphics, including enhanced resolution and frame rates, but it will also support HDR (High Dynamic Range) for richer color representation. Loading times during map transitions are expected to be significantly reduced, and players will enjoy an increased number of save data slots, allowing for more flexibility in gameplay.
In both 'Breath of the Wild' and its sequel, players have encountered a durability system for weapons and shields that has received mixed reviews. While some players appreciate the challenge of managing equipment wear, others have expressed frustration over the inability to repair most weapons easily. In the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, new repair methods will be introduced, providing a much-needed solution to this long-standing issue.
One of the standout features of the 'ZELDA NOTES' app is the 'Daily Bonus' function. Players can spin a slot machine once a day to receive various perks, including stamina recovery, health recovery, and even the chance to repair their equipment. This feature adds an element of luck to gameplay, as the restoration of durability will depend on the outcome of the slot spin.
For those who already own the original 'Breath of the Wild,' upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be possible for a fee of $10, which has led to some criticism among fans. The original game costs $60, with an additional $20 for the expansion content. Therefore, players who wish to upgrade will end up spending a total of $90. New players will have the option to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 'Breath of the Wild' for $70, but this price does not include the expansion content, which also costs $20, bringing the total to the same $90.
This pricing structure has raised eyebrows among the gaming community, with many labeling Nintendo's strategy as greedy. Fans argue that in 2025, they should not have to pay such a high price for an enhanced version of a game released in 2017, especially when it lacks a comprehensive, complete edition that includes all content.
In addition to the games, Nintendo will also release new amiibo figures related to 'Tears of the Kingdom.' The lineup will feature characters like Churi, Yunbo, Sid, and Rouge, with a Minel Golem amiibo also in development, though its release date remains undecided.
As excitement builds for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, many are also reflecting on the mixed messages coming from Nintendo regarding pricing. Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, made headlines when he suggested that if fans cannot afford the new console, they should stick with their existing Switch. This comment did not sit well with many, as it seemed dismissive of the financial concerns of loyal customers.
Despite the controversy, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be a hit, with many eager to see how the new features will enhance gameplay. The improvements in graphics, loading times, and the introduction of the 'ZELDA NOTES' app are all factors that could contribute to its success. However, the pricing issues and the perception of Nintendo as becoming anti-consumer may linger as a concern among fans.
Ultimately, the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' and 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' on June 5, 2025, will be a pivotal moment for Nintendo. As the gaming community awaits this launch, it remains to be seen whether the new features will satisfy fans or further fuel the ongoing debates about pricing and consumer value in the gaming industry.
