Tag: The Legend of Zelda

  • Nintendo Offers Free Switch 2 Upgrades for 12 Switch 1 Games

    Nintendo Offers Free Switch 2 Upgrades for 12 Switch 1 Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Pokémon Titles: Pokémon Crimson and Pokémon Violet will receive graphical improvements and higher frame rates on the Switch 2.

    2. Upgrades to Mario Games: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury will have enhanced graphics and new GameShare capabilities, with HDR support for both games.

    3. Other Game Improvements: Super Mario Odyssey will feature HDR support and GameShare functionality, while The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom will also be optimized with HDR.

    4. ARMS and Big Brain Academy Updates: ARMS will get improved frame rates and HDR support, while Big Brain Academy will support up to four players and include a new GameChat function.

    5. Captain Toad and Clubhouse Games Enhancements: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will have optimized visuals and GameShare capabilities, and Clubhouse Games will support 4-player gameplay for 34 games along with GameChat.


    In addition to the paid expansion packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, which are priced at $9.99 each, as well as Kirby and the Lost Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree, both available for $19.99, Nintendo is also improving well-known Switch 1 games at no extra cost for the upcoming Switch 2. A total of 12 titles will be ready for the console’s release on June 5, 2025:

    Enhanced Pokémon Titles

    Pokémon Crimson and Pokémon Violet are set to receive graphical improvements on the Switch 2, offering a higher frame rate that ensures smoother gameplay than before.

    Upgrades to Mario Games

    New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe will get an update that enhances the graphics for both handheld and connected TV play. Furthermore, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury will also be graphically upgraded, featuring HDR support and GameShare capabilities, making it possible for four players to join in Super Mario 3D World and for two players to enjoy Bowser’s Fury together (one as Mario and one as Bowser). Bowser’s Fury will benefit from HDR support as well.

    Other Game Improvements

    Super Mario Odyssey will see similar graphical upgrades with HDR support and GameShare functionality, allowing two players to experience the game simultaneously (one as Mario and one as Cappy). Both The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will be optimized for the Switch 2, gaining HDR support to enhance their visual experience.

    ARMS will get a boost in frame rate and graphics, along with HDR support. Big Brain Academy will also feature GameShare support for up to four players, plus a new GameChat function.

    Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will have optimized visuals, HDR support, and GameShare capabilities, enabling two players to tackle all courses together. The 51 games of Clubhouse Games will provide 4-player support for 34 of the games included, along with GameChat.

    Lastly, Game Builder Garage will receive graphical enhancements and will support mouse controls on the new Joy-Con 2.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2: Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Costs $80

    Nintendo Switch 2: Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Costs $80

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Game Pricing: Nintendo Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World will cost $79.99 for physical copies and $69.99 for digital versions.

    2. Older Game Pricing: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will also be priced at $79.99, while Breath of the Wild is $10 less than that, maintaining a higher price than its original Switch 1 version.

    3. Upgrade Option: Players who own Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for $10, which includes improved graphics and smartphone app integration.

    4. Variable Pricing Strategy: Not all new games will have a $79.99 price tag; pricing will vary based on what Nintendo believes is appropriate for each title.

    5. Example of Lower Pricing: Donkey Kong Bonanza is priced lower at $59.99 for digital and $69.99 for physical, showing that Nintendo has flexibility in game pricing.


    Just a few days ago, Nintendo made an announcement about prices for certain Nintendo Switch 2 games. For instance, Mario Kart World will be available for $79.99 if you buy the physical game cartridge. The digital version, on the other hand, will cost $69.99. Interestingly, this new pricing strategy also affects older games. Nintendo confirmed that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in its physical form for the Nintendo Switch 2 will be priced at $79.99 or €89.99 in Europe.

    Pricing Details

    In comparison, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is priced $10 less, making it still $10 more than the original price for the Switch 1. Other titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree will also see a price tag of $79.99 for the Nintendo Switch 2. For gamers who already possess The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, there’s an option to get an upgrade pack for $10. This upgrade gives access to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which features improved graphics and better integration with the Nintendo Switch smartphone app.

    Upgrade Fees and Game Pricing

    It’s still a bit unclear if the same upgrade cost will apply to games that have new gameplay features, such as Kirby. Nevertheless, Nintendo points out that not every new game will carry a price of $79.99. Instead, the cost of each title will be individually determined based on what Nintendo thinks is suitable. This pricing method is already shown with Donkey Kong Bonanza, which has a price of $59.99 for the digital version and $69.99 for the physical one, making it $10 cheaper than Mario Kart World.

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  • Nintendo Reveals Switch 2 Upgrade Packs for Enhanced Game Performance

    Nintendo Reveals Switch 2 Upgrade Packs for Enhanced Game Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo is focusing on Switch 2 Upgrade Packs for select games, enhancing them with improved specs.
    2. Many gamers are unhappy about needing the original Switch game to access Upgrade Packs.
    3. Free updates will be available for some titles, including Super Mario Odyssey and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
    4. Upgrade Packs will offer benefits like better frame rates, resolutions, and loading times, as well as extra content for certain games.
    5. There is uncertainty about how original Switch games will function without paid upgrades, raising concerns among players.


    One of the main topics before the Nintendo Direct was the speculated Switch 2 Edition games. Thanks to the new console’s backward compatibility, a lot of Switch games should be usable. Nonetheless, Nintendo seems to be concentrating more on Switch 2 Upgrade Packs. Certain games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Party Jamboree will feature this choice. These games would enjoy the full advantages of the improved Switch 2 specifications, possibly allowing for visuals with higher frame rates.

    Mixed Reactions from Gamers

    Many players aren’t taking the news of Switch 2 Upgrade Packs very well. It’s important to note that gamers will also need to have the original Switch game, either in physical or digital format. On a brighter note, free updates will be accessible for a number of titles, such as Super Mario Odyssey and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can get no-cost upgrades for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

    Benefits of Upgrade Packs

    Nintendo has introduced a page that outlines the perks of the newly announced Switch 2 Upgrade Packs. These benefits consist of improved frame rates, better resolutions, and quicker loading times. In certain situations, players can also gain access to extra content. For instance, those playing Kirby and the Forgotten Land will be granted an expansion to its story mode. Other games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Civilization 7 will utilize the Switch 2 Joy-Cons mouse mode to enhance gameplay.

    Uncertainty Surrounding Compatibility

    It remains uncertain how well the original Switch games will run without the paid upgrades. Nintendo has already put out a list detailing backward compatibility issues but only talks about startup problems. Charging players for the ability to play games they already own on the Switch 2 with basic features would likely not be popular.

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  • Insider Questions Release of New Zelda or Metroid Prime Remasters

    Insider Questions Release of New Zelda or Metroid Prime Remasters

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo fans are disappointed by the lack of remakes for Metroid Prime and The Legend of Zelda games on the Switch.
    2. Insider NateTheHate suggests that players may only receive emulated versions of classic games through Nintendo Switch Online.
    3. The strategy for Metroid Prime releases has shifted, causing confusion among fans awaiting remakes of earlier titles.
    4. Nintendo is likely focusing on enhancing the Nintendo Switch Online service, potentially including GameCube classics.
    5. Upcoming announcements during the Switch 2 Direct on April 2nd may provide updates on remasters or the Nintendo Switch Online library.


    In today’s gaming world, remakes are everywhere, but Nintendo’s approach to some of its classic games is leaving players feeling let down. Many fans are particularly upset about the absence of Metroid Prime and The Legend of Zelda games on the Switch. Bad news is on the horizon for those who are hoping for remakes of Metroid Prime 2, Metroid Prime 3, The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess. Insider NateTheHate, known for his accurate predictions about Nintendo, suggests that fans might have to settle for emulated versions through Nintendo Switch Online instead.

    The Confusion Over Metroid Prime Releases

    The absence of new Metroid Prime games for the Switch or the anticipated Switch 2 is quite strange. In 2023, Metroid Prime Remastered was released, giving a fresh look to the first game in the beloved franchise. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond scheduled for release in 2025, one might think that remakes of earlier titles would be on the way. However, both NateTheHate and journalist Jeff Grubb recently indicated that Nintendo seems to have shifted its strategy, contradicting what was previously reported.

    Nintendo’s Plans for Online Expansion

    The delays in releasing Metroid Prime games could be due to a plan to enhance the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. This platform already features games from the original NES era. Typically, players can download these games and play them using official emulators. There’s hope that the NSO might expand to include GameCube classics like Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess. Meanwhile, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is from the Wii era, adding to the complications.

    The Future of Gaming with Nintendo

    It makes sense for Nintendo to focus more on NSO, especially with the increasing trend toward digital gaming. An FCC filing suggesting a new GameCube controller for the potential Switch 2 hints at a renewed focus on retro games. However, for many players, Nintendo Switch Online isn’t the best platform to relive Metroid Prime or The Legend of Zelda experiences. The Switch 2 may launch soon, offering improved performance and better graphics. Even if remastered versions of Zelda or Metroid Prime come with a high price tag, gamers could enjoy enhanced visuals.

    Fans of Metroid Prime and Zelda should keep an eye on the upcoming Switch 2 Direct scheduled for April 2nd for any updates. Even if remasters aren’t announced, there might be exciting news about the expanding Nintendo Switch Online library.

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