Legend of Zelda News

Nintendo has officially confirmed that U.S. retail pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24, 2025, with the console’s launch date set for June 5. The base model will retail for $449.99, while a bundle including Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99. Prices for both physical and digital versions of Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) remain unchanged at launch. ​

However, Nintendo has announced price adjustments for several Switch 2 accessories due to changing market conditions. Notably, the Pro Controller is now priced at $84.99, up from $79.99, and the Joy-Con 2 pair has increased to $94.99 from $89.99. The Switch 2 Dock Set has also seen a price increase to $119.99, up from $109.99. ​

These adjustments follow a delay in pre-orders, initially set for April 9, as Nintendo assessed the impact of newly imposed tariffs from the Trump administration’s “Liberation Day” policy on manufacturing nations. While the console and game prices remain unaffected, accessory prices have been adjusted to reflect these market changes. ​

For Zelda fans, the upcoming release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is set to launch this winter as a Switch 2 exclusive. Additionally, select GameCube titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, will become available to Switch Online subscribers. ​

As the June 5 launch date approaches, fans are encouraged to secure their pre-orders starting April 24 to ensure access to the new console and its accessories.

Great news for all Legend of Zelda enthusiasts! Nintendo has announced that players who already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom can upgrade to the enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 editions for just $9.99 each. For newcomers, the Switch 2 versions are priced at $69.99 and $79.99, respectively. Bill Trinen, Nintendo of America’s VP of Product and Player Experience, explained that these upgrade packs are also included at no additional cost for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. These enhanced editions offer improved resolution, frame rates, and HDR support, ensuring a smoother 60fps gameplay experience on the new console.

In addition to the Zelda upgrades, Nintendo is introducing the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an educational mini-game designed to familiarize players with the console’s features. This title is priced at $9.99, a decision that has sparked some debate among fans who believe it should be included with the console, similar to Astro’s Playroom for the PS5.

While these game upgrades are reasonably priced, the cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself has raised some concerns. The console is priced at $449.99, and there is uncertainty about how tariffs, including a 24% tariff on Japanese goods imposed during President Trump’s administration, might affect this price in the U.S. Pre-orders have begun in other countries, but American consumers are awaiting further details.

For dedicated Zelda fans, the affordable upgrade options for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom present a fantastic opportunity to experience these beloved titles with enhanced performance on the latest hardware. Stay tuned for more updates as Nintendo releases further information.

Nintendo may not be releasing a brand-new Legend of Zelda installment alongside the Switch 2, but fans can look forward to enhanced versions of both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. One exciting new feature, Zelda Notes, will allow players to store items outside the main game and share them between the two titles—or even send them to friends.

During a recent Nintendo Treehouse: Live session, viewers were shown exactly how item-sharing works. Link squared off against a rock monster, but before entering the fight, he received a war hammer sent via Zelda Notes from another user’s inventory. With the aid of the Nintendo Switch mobile app, Zelda Notes lets players deposit and withdraw items as needed.

That said, there are some restrictions on the items that can be transferred. For instance, certain gear that’s specific to Tears of the Kingdom will be altered if it’s moved into Breath of the Wild. Meanwhile, players in Tears of the Kingdom can share Autobuild blueprints through QR codes, and Zelda Notes also provides navigation tools for tricky-to-reach areas.

Beyond these in-game conveniences, new Tears of the Kingdom Amiibo figurines are on the horizon. They include Tulin, Yunobo, Sidon, Riju, and Mineru’s Construct—offering fans even more ways to interact with the series. Both enhanced Zelda titles will launch on the Switch 2’s release day, June 5. Gamers who already own the original Switch versions can pick up the updated editions as a digital upgrade—or get them at no extra cost if they have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Notably, using Zelda Notes does not require any additional subscription.

Nintendo has officially announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch worldwide on June 5, 2025. The base model is priced at $449.99, while a bundle including a digital copy of Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99. Pre-orders are set to begin on April 9, 2025.

The Switch 2 introduces several hardware enhancements:

• Display: A larger 7.9-inch screen with 1080p resolution and support for up to 120 frames per second (fps).
• Docking Station: The new dock supports 4K output and includes a built-in fan for improved cooling.
• Controllers: Redesigned Joy-Con controllers now connect magnetically and feature a new “C” button, which activates the “GameChat” function for in-game communication. Additionally, the controllers can function similarly to a computer mouse, enhancing gameplay versatility.
• Storage: Internal storage has been increased to 256GB, with expansion possible via microSD cards.

The Switch 2 maintains backward compatibility with original Switch games, ensuring players can continue enjoying their existing libraries. Nintendo has also announced “Switch 2 Edition” releases of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, featuring enhanced resolution, smoother frame rates, and HDR support.

For those eager to experience the new console firsthand, Nintendo will host “Switch 2 Experience” events in major cities, including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris, allowing gamers to try out the Switch 2 before its official release.

These developments highlight Nintendo’s commitment to advancing its hardware while continuing to support and enhance beloved game titles.

Enhanced Editions of Iconic Zelda Titles

Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are set to receive “Switch 2 Edition” releases. These enhanced versions will feature improved resolution, smoother frame rates, and HDR support, offering a more immersive experience. Notably, during the recent presentation, both games demonstrated seamless 60fps gameplay, highlighting the performance enhancements enabled by the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware.

Visual and Performance Enhancements

• Higher Resolution and Frame Rates: Both titles will support higher resolutions and smoother frame rates, providing a more immersive and visually appealing experience.
• High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support: The inclusion of HDR support will offer richer colors and improved contrast, enhancing the overall visual quality of the games.

Introducing the ‘Zelda’s Notes’ Feature

A new addition exclusive to the Switch 2 Editions is the ‘Zelda’s Notes’ feature. Accessible via the updated Nintendo Switch app for Android and iOS, this tool assists players by displaying their in-game location on a map and guiding them to undiscovered shrines and Korok seeds. This enhancement aims to enrich the exploration experience within these expansive game worlds.

GameChat and GameShare Features

A notable addition is the GameChat feature, accessible via the new “C” button on the Joy-Con 2 controllers. This function allows players to engage in voice and video chats during gameplay, fostering a more interactive gaming environment. Complementing this is the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, an accessory designed to facilitate video communication among players.

Another innovative feature is GameShare, which permits local sharing of games with up to three other Switch 2 or original Switch consoles. This enables multiplayer experiences using a single copy of a game, promoting communal play. However, GameShare compatibility is limited to select titles.

Upgrade Availability and Costs

Players who already own these titles on the original Switch will need to purchase an upgrade pack to access the enhanced versions on the Switch 2. These enhancements aim to provide both new and returning players with a richer and more engaging experience in the world of Hyrule.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Announced

Expanding the Zelda universe, Nintendo announced Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, slated for release this winter on the Switch 2. This installment delves deeper into the series’ lore, focusing on Princess Zelda’s alliance with King Rauru in their battle against Ganondorf. Players will have the opportunity to embody both Zelda and Rauru, engaging in dynamic combat against formidable Hylian adversaries.

GameCube Classics Join Nintendo Switch Online

In a nod to nostalgia, Nintendo is expanding its Nintendo Switch Online service to include select GameCube titles, playable exclusively on the Switch 2. Among the initial offerings are The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur II, each enhanced with improved image quality and higher resolution. This initiative allows both longtime fans and new players to experience classic titles with modern enhancements.

These announcements underscore Nintendo’s commitment to both honoring the rich history of The Legend of Zelda series and embracing technological advancements to enhance gameplay experiences. Fans can look forward to both revisiting beloved adventures and embarking on new quests as these titles roll out in the coming months.