Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Switch 2 Edition review
We're very jealous of anyone who's playing the two most recent Zelda games for the first time on Switch 2. As we've already explored, with the Switch 2 Edition of Breath Of The Wild, these are essentially just remasters, with no substantial new content, but given both games had issues with performance on the original Switch, enhanced versions are very much welcome.
The original version of Tears Of The Kingdom didn't have quite as infamous a problem with its frame rate as Breath Of The Wild but it was still obvious that the original Switch was only just able to run the game at a satisfactory level. On the Switch 2, everything seems a lot more effortless, and it's immediately obvious that this is by far the best way to play the game.
Both are 10/10 classics, so really the only question here is which to start with and whether they're worth the price of an upgrade, if you've already played them. One thing to note is that Tears Of The Kingdom is an even bigger game than its predecessor, so the chances are you probably haven't 100%-ed it, and so the new Zelda Notes mobile app will come in extra handy here.
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As with the Switch 2 Edition of Breath Of The Wild, we're not going to pretend we've completed the whole game again from scratch. It's far too long for that (at least 60 hours if you ignore every possible diversion – which no one ever does) but we've explored the game again in all its glory by using both a new save file and our old one from the Switch 1.
Our original review covers everything in detail but, in short, Tears Of The Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath Of The Wild – a real rarity for any Zelda game. It uses the same map as Breath Of The Wild but altered to account for the passage of time and with the addition of a gloomy underworld and a series of islands in the skies. It's not quite three times as big as before, but it's not far off.
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One of the few criticisms of the original version of Tears Of The Kingdom is that while the visual storytelling is clear, in terms of showing a world recovering from the calamity of the previous game, the narrative barely acknowledges the fact, with many returning characters not even seeming to recognise Link.
There was also some disappointment, following the original release, that the sky islands and underworld depths are involved in relatively few of the story missions. There's lots of optional side quests involving them, and they're tons of fun to explore, but the existing overground is still the main story focus. Which surprised many given that's not necessarily what the marketing implied.
You could also complain that the combat, arguably the weakest element of the original game, hasn't changed significantly but the major focus of Tears Of The Kingdom, in terms of new features, is the Ultrahand ability, which allows you to manipulate objects as if Link has telekinesis.
This is used to fuse weapons into stronger forms, increasing the amount of time before they break, but primarily to create complex constructions and vehicles. Most puzzles and obstacles can be overcome in multiple different ways, as you use raw materials like wood and specialist items like items and steering wheels, to create all kinds of Heath Robinson style devices.
The only restriction was the limited amount of time that some vehicles, particularly flying ones, had before they automatically fell apart. We're not sure what technical limit it was that was forcing this, but it hasn't changed in the Switch 2 Edition, no doubt because it would unbalance the rest of the game.
All the changes in the remaster are essentially the same as with Breath Of The Wild, including higher resolution visuals, 60fps gameplay, and HDR support. There are also the same flaws, in that these improvements make obvious the rather basic textures in some areas, as well as the pop-up for smaller objects like bushes and rocks. But then this is just a remaster, not a remake.
Other changes include an extra save file, if you want to start again from scratch, and access to the Zelda Notes app. This is used in an almost identical way to Breath Of The Wild, with an array of mildly useful features, such as the ability to share items with other players, edit photos that you take along the way, and check player data. With Tears Of The Kingdom you can also create a QR code for any of your Ultrahand builds and share them with other people.
Tears Of The Kingdom also has new commentary from Princess Zelda, which is just as inessential as in Breath Of The Wild, while the most useful option by far remains a live map which shows you nearby Koroks and shrines, for those that are trying to see and do everything in the game. More Trending
There's no question that Tears Of The Kingdom is a great game or that this is anything but a very welcome remaster. The only real issue is whether this or Breath Of The Wild is the better game. That will be argued about for many years to come, as while Tears Of The Kingdom is better overall – fixing a few minor quibbles with its predecessor – Breath Of The Wild is more approachable and the one responsible for all the initial innovation.
As much as we'd love to play both games again for the first time, we're not sure we'd advise anyone doing so one after the other, in quick succession. But that's up to you, all we can say is that the Switch 2 now has the definitive versions of two of the best games ever made, and that's not bad going for any console launch.
In Short: The definitive version of one of Nintendo's most astounding technical and design achievements, that expands and refines the world of Breath Of The Wild in new and unexpected ways.
Pros: The Ultrahand system is an incredible achievement and allows even more freedom in how you approach the game. Immense game world, with a new secret or encounter around every corner. Higher frame rate and resolution are a big help.
Cons: As with Breath Of The Wild, some of the texture work is showing its age and the weak storytelling still feels like a missed opportunity.
Score: 10/10
Formats: Nintendo Switch 2Price: £66.99 or £7.99 upgrade pack*Publisher: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo EPDRelease Date: 5th June 2025
Age Rating: 12
*free with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
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MORE: Stellar Blade's story is 'weak' admits director but there's a reason why
MORE: The Witcher 4 designed for PS5 and not PC after 'so many problems' scaling down
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