The load times of the original Zelda: BOTW and the Nintendo Switch 2 version are compared, and the result is incredible

Among the highlights of this week’s Nintendo Direct, one of the most exciting moments for fans was the presentation of the optimized versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch 2. These new editions not only take advantage of the improved power of the console, but also include extra content to renew the exploration experience in Hyrule.

How much will these optimized versions change?

During the Treehouse Live segment, Nintendo demonstrated in real time how the Switch 2’s new hardware significantly reduces load times, allowing for a smoother experience when navigating the vast world of Hyrule. The improvement is immediate: areas that used to take several seconds to load now load almost instantly, as shown in the official benchmark.

What other improvements will the Nintendo Switch 2 versions have?

In addition to optimized wait times, Nintendo has confirmed that both Zelda installments will benefit from a significant graphical upgrade. In docked mode, the games will be playable at 4K resolution, while in handheld mode, they will be playable at 1080p. It has also been confirmed that the refresh rate will reach 60 frames per second in both configurations, resulting in smoother animations and more accurate responses.

Users will be able to purchase these versions as standalone titles for Nintendo Switch 2, or opt for a discounted upgrade if they already own the versions on the original console. In addition, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers will be able to access these upgrades at no additional cost as long as they have the games in their library.

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