Legend of Zelda News

As the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch on June 5, 2025, approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the enhanced “Switch 2 Editions” of iconic titles. Among these, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands out, not only for its groundbreaking gameplay but also for its substantial file size in the new edition.

Nintendo Switch 2 game download sizes

Cyberpunk 2077 – 59.8 GB
Yakuza 0 – 53.7 GB
Mario Kart World – 23.4 GB
Bravely Default – 11 GB*
Donkey Kong Banaza – 10 GB*
Zelda BOTW – 24.2 GB
Zelda TOTK – 19.9 GB
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – 13 GB
Super Mario Party Jamboree – 13 GB pic.twitter.com/aPF46tN3qd

— Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) April 27, 2025

File Size Comparison: Breath of the Wild vs. Tears of the Kingdom

The Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild requires a total of 24.1GB of storage—14.4GB for the base game and an additional 9.7GB for the upgrade pack. In contrast, Tears of the Kingdom comes in at 19.9GB, with 16.3GB for the base game and a 3.6GB upgrade pack.

This discrepancy may be attributed to Breath of the Wild‘s original development for both the Wii U and Switch, necessitating more extensive updates to leverage the Switch 2’s capabilities. These enhancements include improved resolution, frame rates, and HDR support.

Upgrade Options and Pricing

Players who already own these titles on the original Switch can access the Switch 2 upgrades for €9.99 each. Alternatively, subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will gain exclusive access to these enhanced editions at no additional cost.

Introducing Zelda Notes

Enhancing the gameplay experience, Nintendo introduces “Zelda Notes,” a companion app available on compatible smart devices. This feature offers voice-assisted navigation, insights from characters like Princess Zelda, and additional support for your adventures in Hyrule.

Storage Considerations

With the Switch 2 offering 256GB of internal storage, accommodating these enhanced titles should be manageable for most users. However, considering the size of other launch titles—such as Mario Kart World at 23.4GB and Donkey Kong Bananza at 10GB—players may want to consider expanding their storage with compatible microSD cards.

For fans eager to revisit Hyrule with enhanced visuals and performance, these Switch 2 Editions offer a compelling reason to upgrade

With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on June 5, 2025, excitement is building for the re-release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild alongside Tears of the Kingdom. But while fans eagerly wait, one player has already pulled off something incredible—beating Breath of the Wild on the new hardware in just seven minutes!

How Is That Even Possible?

At a special Tokyo preview event, Japanese speedrunner Ikaboze got his hands on a demo of Breath of the Wild running on Nintendo Switch 2. Loading up a save file stationed just outside Hyrule Castle, he immediately sprang into action. Rather than rely on powerful gear, Ikaboze challenged himself by stripping down to basic equipment and rushing straight for Calamity Ganon.

The result? An astonishing seven-minute sprint from castle gates to final blow—well within the event’s time limits. It’s a jaw-dropping showcase of skill, strategy, and deep familiarity with the game’s mechanics. Speedrunners have long been known for breaking games wide open, but pulling it off on early Switch 2 hardware is something truly special.

What’s New with the Re-release?

The Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom promise improved graphics and smoother frame rates, giving these modern classics an even sharper look and feel. However, it’s been confirmed that DLC won’t be bundled with the re-releases. Players who want the full experience—including the Master Trials, Champion’s Ballad, and exclusive treasure chests—will need to shell out an extra $20 on top of the $70 base price, unless they’re part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

While the pricing has sparked some frustration, the enhanced versions and DLC additions could open the door for new speedrun categories and even bigger community challenges once the games are officially out.

A New Record, A New Era?

With this impressive feat, Ikaboze may go down as the first to defeat Calamity Ganon on the Nintendo Switch 2. His performance not only hyped up the Tokyo event, but also amplified excitement across the Zelda fan community for what’s to come.

Could this be just the beginning of a fresh wave of speedrunning records? With the re-releases and added content on the horizon, it’s only a matter of time before the race to rewrite the leaderboards kicks into high gear.

Stay tuned—Breath of the Wild on Switch 2 might just usher in the next golden age of Zelda speedrunning!

Alright Hylians, we have an important clarification regarding the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that we’ve been talking about. Nintendo has now officially confirmed to IGN exactly how the Expansion Pass DLC will be handled, and it might not be what some fans were hoping for.

The DLC is NOT Included

Nintendo has stated clearly: “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does not include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass DLC. That DLC is available as a separate purchase.”

This means both The Master Trials and The Champions’ Ballad will need to be bought separately if you want them for this new edition, even if you buy the full-priced game. The Expansion Pass containing both packs remains listed at $20.

Quick Recap: What Is Included & Pricing

Just to refresh everyone’s memory on this upcoming edition:

• Enhancements: It promises improved visuals and performance, the addition of achievements, and integration with a “Zelda Notes” mobile app.
• Price: The standalone Switch 2 Edition is priced at $70.
• Upgrade Option: For those who own the original Switch version, a $10 “upgrade pack” will be available to get the Switch 2 Edition’s features.

So, if you’re planning on upgrading via the $10 path and want the DLC (and don’t already own it tied to your account somehow), you’ll need to budget for that separate $20 purchase as well.

Part of a Wider Rollout

As we know, this approach isn’t unique to Breath of the Wild. Nintendo is also preparing similar Switch 2 Editions for Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Super Mario Party Jamboree.

Final Thoughts

While we’re still eager to see those performance and visual improvements in action, this confirmation on the DLC might adjust how some fans view the overall value, especially compared to “Game of the Year” editions we often see from other publishers.

Now that this is confirmed, how do you feel about the pricing structure and the separate DLC? Does the $10 upgrade path make it worthwhile? Share your updated thoughts in the comments below!