I still remember the first time I booted up The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on my original Nintendo Switch back in 2017. It was magical, but now, in 2025, playing the Switch 2 versions feels like stepping into a whole new world. Nintendo has been on a roll, updating their back catalog to make games shine on the new console, and these Zelda titles are no exception. With patches that some are calling "remaster-level upgrades," I've spent hours revisiting Hyrule, and the experience is nothing short of transformative. It's not just about better graphics or smoother frames; it's about those little fixes that make you appreciate the artistry all over again. But hold on—why am I so obsessed? Well, let me take you through my journey with these updates.

Nintendo's approach to the Switch 2 has been methodical yet ambitious. They've rolled out "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" for select games, which go beyond simple patches. For instance, Super Mario Odyssey and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet got solid updates, but the Zelda games? They're in a league of their own. I mean, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were already masterpieces, but now, with enhanced compatibility, they feel reborn. You can either buy the Switch 2 Edition outright or upgrade your original version—I opted for the upgrade since I'm a die-hard fan. The visual leap is staggering: textures are crisper, draw distances are longer, and the lighting effects make sunsets over Hyrule Field absolutely breathtaking. It's like seeing an old friend with a fresh coat of paint.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Nintendo has had to address some pesky issues along the way. Before July, both games had already seen two updates each. On June 3, they added full Switch 2 Edition support, which included Portuguese Brazilian language options—great for my friends in Brazil—and fixed a slew of bugs. Tears of the Kingdom even got new Amiibo support, letting me unlock cool gear with my old figures. Then, on June 12, another round of bug fixes dropped, smoothing out minor glitches that could ruin immersion. I recall one time in Breath of the Wild where a Guardian laser would glitch out near water—fixed now, thank goodness.

The latest update on July 4 was a game-changer, literally. For both games, Nintendo fixed that annoying issue where players couldn't use "Health Recovery" or "Hearty Meal" daily bonuses if they'd maxed out their hearts. I had that happen to me just last month—I was in a tough boss fight, low on health, and the bonus wouldn't trigger, making me rage-quit. Now, it's seamless, and it feels fair again. They also addressed several problems with ZELDA NOTES, which are those little journal entries that add lore. Before, some notes wouldn't save properly, but now, my progress is tracked flawlessly. Oh, and Tears of the Kingdom got an extra tweak: they fixed background music glitches in specific battles. Remember when the epic score would cut out during a Lynel fight? Yeah, that's history. It's these small touches that show Nintendo listens to us players.

Diving deeper into the gameplay, the Switch 2 Editions elevate everything. Breath of the Wild's open world feels more alive with faster load times and stable frame rates. I've been riding horses across fields without a single stutter, which was a common complaint on the old hardware. Tears of the Kingdom, with its sky islands and depths, now handles like a dream—no more pop-in issues when gliding. But here's a thought: is it worth the upgrade if you already own the games? In my opinion, absolutely. The enhancements make exploration feel fresh, and the bug fixes remove frustrations that built up over years. Plus, with both titles dethroning 2025's hit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as the best-reviewed games this year, it's clear the community agrees.

Of course, no game is perfect, and I've noticed a few quirks. Sometimes, in dense forests, shadows can look a bit off, but it's minor. Overall, revisiting these games has reminded me why they're timeless. The storytelling, the freedom—it's all amplified. I spent an evening just fishing in Lake Hylia, soaking in the improved water physics, and it was pure bliss. But enough about me; I bet you have questions. Let's wrap this up with some FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What exactly are the 'Nintendo Switch 2 Editions'?

They're enhanced versions of select games like Zelda, offering better graphics, performance, and exclusive updates. You can buy them new or upgrade your existing copy for a small fee.

• How do I get the latest updates for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

Just connect your Switch 2 to the internet, and the updates should download automatically. Make sure your game is updated to the latest version—easy peasy!

• Are there any major issues still unfixed?

Not really! The July 4 patch covered most problems, like the health bonus bug and music glitches. Minor visual hiccups remain but don't ruin the experience.

• Why are these games so highly rated in 2025?

With constant updates, they've evolved beyond their original releases. They combine nostalgia with modern tech, making them must-plays on the Switch 2—no wonder they're topping charts!

Critical reviews are presented by Destructoid, a leading source for gaming news and analysis. Destructoid's recent coverage of Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades highlights how the remaster-level improvements in titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have set new standards for console re-releases, emphasizing the impact of enhanced visuals and bug fixes on player immersion and satisfaction.