Overview of Upgrade Packs for The Legend of Zelda on Switch 2
- The upgraded packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom launched for the Switch 2 are priced at $9.99 each.
- A vast majority of Nintendo Switch titles will be backwards-compatible with the new Switch 2, with certain games boasting enhanced performance capabilities.
- Subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can access the Zelda upgrade packs at no additional charge.
Nintendo has unveiled the pricing structure for two anticipated game upgrade packs slated for the Switch 2, focusing on the iconic titles The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its 2023 sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. These enhancements, first introduced during the recent Nintendo Direct event, are designed to elevate gameplay experiences by allowing improved frame rates and resolutions on the new console. Additionally, players can expect the introduction of new features in certain cases.
While the Switch 2 does present some technical discrepancies with its predecessor, Nintendo has guaranteed that most existing games will maintain backwards compatibility, with very few exceptions. Beyond just maintaining playability, select major titles will offer paid “upgrade packs.”These packs are intended to leverage the upgraded hardware of the Switch 2 for enhanced performance, providing players higher frame rates and improved visuals. However, it’s important for fans to note that not all upgrade packs will deliver the same enhancements. Although performance improvements will generally be consistent, some may even introduce new game modes or functionalities.
During the recent Nintendo Direct, the specifics on pricing for these upgrade packs were not disclosed. However, in a recent interview with Bill Trinen, the Vice President of Product and Player Experience at Nintendo of America, further details emerged regarding the Zelda upgrade packs. Players who already possess the base versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be able to purchase the respective upgrade packs for $9.99 each. This pricing, while reasonable, falls below some fans’ expectations but above the hopes of others. As for international pricing, it remains to be seen if global costs will align with the $9.99 USD mark.
Pricing Variability of Switch 2 Upgrade Packs
It is crucial to recognize that not all upgrade packs for other games have been officially priced as of now. Titles slated to receive paid upgrade packs include Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The latter two are expected to launch on both the original Switch and the Switch 2 later this year. As for the pricing for these newer titles, it remains undetermined whether they will be bundled with their respective Switch 2 upgrade packs upon release.
According to a recent official Nintendo announcement, subscribers of the Switch Online + Expansion Pack will receive the upgrade packs for both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at no extra cost. Initial previews of these titles on the Switch 2 have been largely positive, indicating notable improvements in performance and visual fidelity, thereby enhancing the gaming experience significantly.