David Bridges
With Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo has successfully enhanced the Zelda series, delivering a captivating game that offers players an abundance of new features to explore and interact with, including a fantastical LEGO kit. As players navigate through the game, Link encounters the innovative Ultrahand mechanic, which empowers him to grab and attach various objects such as batteries, engines, weapons, and food to one another. This feature stands out as a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor, providing a versatile creative toolbox that enables players to devise unique solutions for puzzles, engage in thrilling battles against formidable beasts, and uncover every hidden corner of Tears of the Kingdom.
The Switch 2 version introduces a range of enhancements and upgrades that many gamers may find justifies the investment in an upgraded console. For instance, during my recent gameplay experience, I found it nearly impossible to induce frame rate drops, which were a common issue on the original Switch. In the past, the breathtaking landscapes of Hyrule would frequently experience stuttering and lag, particularly when transitioning between the sky, surface, and underground environments. Previously, the game’s frame rates would peak at a mere 30fps, and during busy moments or extensive custom building, performance would significantly deteriorate.
In stark contrast, the Switch 2 allows ToTK to run seamlessly at a locked 60fps. This consistent smoothness enhances the gameplay experience, making it a notable improvement over what was already an aesthetically stunning adventure. The new hardware also incorporates HDR technology, which dramatically enhances the graphic quality. This expanded dynamic range is particularly beneficial in the darker underground sections, where visibility is improved, making navigation far more manageable. Additionally, players will notice significantly faster loading times, whether they are fast-traveling across the map or initially loading the game.
Moreover, the gameplay quality-of-life upgrades further enhance the overall experience, introducing features such as audio logs that players can find and listen to via a companion smartphone app. The ability to store and share items, weapons, and ingredients adds another layer of convenience. For those who delight in crafting elaborate contraptions, like spinning laser death machines using Ultrahand, the option to save creations as QR codes and share them with friends is an exciting feature, even if its immediate utility is somewhat limited. Unfortunately, players will need to manually search the internet to find creations from individuals who are not on their friends list.
Despite this minor limitation, the Switch 2 edition offers exceptional value for the $10 upgrade fee, particularly since subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass can access both ToTK and BoTW upgrades at no additional cost. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief
Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
