Recent rumors suggest that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild may be getting a remastered edition as part of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 launch announcements. Preliminary leaks indicate that Nintendo could be developing a revamped version of this acclaimed game, although official confirmation is yet to be received. This raises questions about why Nintendo is prioritizing a revival of Breath of the Wild instead of introducing a brand new installment in the Zelda franchise, similar to their approach with the Wii U and Switch.
It’s worth noting that Breath of the Wild originally launched on the Nintendo Wii U before its subsequent release on the Nintendo Switch. If these remaster rumors are accurate, it might reflect Nintendo’s heavy reliance on the remarkable success of BOTW, as opposed to innovating with fresh narratives. Instead of revisiting the familiar tale of Calamity Hyrule, a more fruitful direction might be to explore a new realm set either before or after BOTW. Thus, a remaster appears to be an unnecessary endeavor at this time.
Why Breath of the Wild Stands Strong
A Stellar Success Story
Breath of the Wild has consistently ranked among the top-performing titles in Nintendo’s portfolio, with sales surpassing 32 million copies by September 2024. Its enduring acclaim, coupled with an impressive 4.8 to 5-star rating, persists nearly a decade after its release. Even years after its debut, BOTW represents a unique evolution in the Zelda franchise, especially notable before the release of its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.
Breath of the Wild exemplifies remarkable game development, with very few critiques beyond minor bugs and the perception of horses being underutilized. The DLC, Champions’ Ballad, further enriched the storyline without feeling like mere profit-driven content. The upcoming Switch 2 presents an ideal opportunity for Nintendo to establish a new foundation for the Zelda universe, similar to their groundbreaking approach with the Wii U. Rather than revisiting BOTW, a different title could be more fitting for a remaster.
Switch 2 Speculation: Enhancing BOTW
The Possibility of 60 FPS
As it stands, little official information about the Switch 2 is available, leaving many details uncertain. While Nintendo has indicated a confirmation for 2025, the actual launch appears to be aimed for late that year. Current leaks suggest that the new console may not match the performance standards of even the PlayStation 4 Pro, leading to skepticism regarding the potential power of this handheld device.
Yet, elite graphics have not traditionally defined the appeal of Nintendo Switch games. This calls into question the necessity of a remaster for Breath of the Wild. While achieving 60 FPS could enhance gameplay, the essence of BOTW lies in its rich storytelling, immersive atmosphere, and deep-rooted nostalgia within the franchise. If Nintendo were to take into account community feedback, choosing to remake a different title such as Zelda: Twilight Princess might generate greater enthusiasm for necessary visual improvements.