When the Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017, it launched with only ten available games. Among them, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stood out, transforming an otherwise unspectacular lineup into a memorable experience. This game was initially planned as a keystone title for the Wii U but was delayed multiple times during development and ultimately fell into the launch strategy for the Switch. Its release proved pivotal, not just for the console but for Nintendo’s legacy in gaming.
Breath of the Wild has since achieved impressive sales figures, topping over 30 million copies globally, establishing itself as the best-selling title in the esteemed Zelda franchise. Critics universally celebrated the game, with many awarding it near-perfect scores. Its outstanding reception enabled it to secure the number two spot on OpenCritic’s prestigious “best games of all time”list. Such accolades solidify its position as one of the greatest console launch titles in gaming history, comparable to classics like Halo: Combat Evolved and Super Mario 64. Excitingly, reports indicate that Nintendo is considering a remastered edition for its next-generation console, hinting at the game’s lasting impact.
Is a Breath of the Wild Remaster Heading to Switch 2?
Rumors about a remastered version of Breath of the Wild for the successor of the Nintendo Switch began to surface late in 2023. Notably, Eurogamer was one of the first to reveal this information. After Gamescom 2023, anonymous sources informed Eurogamer that developers were given a sneak peek of the Switch 2, including a “souped-up version”of Breath of the Wild as part of the showcase. However, it was noted that this enhanced version was merely a technology demonstration, leaving the potential for a public release unclear.
By mid-2024, the rumor mill cranked up again, with reliable insider Midori, now known as RyanFromTheBronx, tweeting about a new project at Nintendo under the codename “U-King-O.”Initially dismissed as meaningless, sharp-eyed fans recognized that “U-King”was a previous codename for Breath of the Wild during its development period. The addition of “-O”led many to speculate that a new iteration of the game might be in the works, a sentiment later echoed by fellow insider Samus Hunter in December 2024.
A Smart Move: Bundling the Rumored Remaster with Tears of the Kingdom
Given the limitations faced by Breath of the Wild on the original Nintendo Switch hardware, a remaster could make significant enhancements to its performance and graphics. To maximize its appeal and sales potential, Nintendo might consider bundling this remastered classic with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the 2023 sequel. Such a package could entice collectors and newcomers alike, particularly if both titles were optimized to run at stable 1440p and 60 frames per second.
That said, there are concerns about Nintendo’s pricing strategies. Historically, while other franchises offer discounts on their titles, major first-party titles often remain at a premium price point. A hypothetical bundle of both games priced at $80-$100 may be unlikely considering the company’s trend of conservative pricing. Therefore, it’s probable that if remasters of both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are developed for the Switch 2, they may be available as separate releases or in an overpriced package.
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