Summary
The Switch’s biggestThe Legend of Zeldatitles,Breath of the WildandTearsof the Kingdom, are getting a weapon repair mechanic in their Switch 2 versions, but only through the Nintendo Switch app. As many expected, Nintendo revealed several upgrades tothese games in its April 2 Switch 2 Direct, but one of the most game-changing new features wasn’t apparent until reviewers got to demo the new console. Switch 2 players will get a solution to one of the most controversial features in recentZeldagames, but it comes with a big asterisk.
The Zelda Notes function on the Switch’s accompanying mobile app will bring several new features toBOTWandTOTKon Switch 2. ItletsTOTKplayers share their Autobuild designs, offers voice navigation to help users find Koroks and other hidden goodies, and allows fans to uncover new bits of game lore as they explore these titles' vast open worlds. While Nintendo didn’t highlight it in its presentation, Zelda Notes can also give people a way around these games' infamous weapon durability.
Zelda YouTuber Zeltik got a chance to demoTears of the Kingdomand Switch 2 and pointed out how the Zelda Notes function includes weapon repairs, albeit to a limited extent. Through the app, players can roll for a random “Daily Bonus,” many of which are meals or stat boosts, such as recovering Link’s health or recharging Zonai energy cells. As Zeltik noted, though, one of these seems more useful than the others: an option labeled “Equipment Repairs.” WhileTOTKmakes it possible to increase weapon durabilitythrough the Fuse ability, breakable weapons and shields remain a contentious topic inBOTWandTOTK.This new bonus finally gives players to option to extend equipment life spans after weakening them, which many have called for since the first game’s release.
Switch 2 Zelda Titles Offer Equipment Repairs, But Only Through a Random Daily Bonus
The extent to which this new option repairs players' equipment is unclear, and if there are any limits to it. Some fans may also find it frustrating that the feature is only available through the app and is not a guarantee, as rewards are drawn at random each day. Switch 2 versions of these games require a paid upgrade, whichdoes not includeBOTW’s DLC, so some may expect to get something a little more after paying the $9.99 necessary to play these titles on the new system in the first place.
Weapon repairs aren’t the only new feature constrained to the Zelda Notes function. Players canunlock achievements inBOTWandTOTKon Switch 2, but only on the app, not in-game. Still, these features do offer some new content for fans to enjoy after paying for the next-gen upgrade. Whether they’re enough to convince more people to get the Switch 2 versions of these games will only be clear when the console comes out.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
WHERE TO PLAY
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the sequel to the beloved open-world adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This installment once again sees Link and Zelda battling to protect Hyrule from falling to Ganondorf. This new adventure takes place in the same land of Hyrule as Breath of the Wild but sees something called the Upheaval, which allows link to travel to Sky Islands, as well as deep into the Depths beneath Hyrule. Players can use special abilities to fuse together weapons, and build items to help them progress through the release.
