For the Switch 2, Zelda, in all its versions, has become the ideal in-between game

Zelda games on Switch 2 offer expansive in-between gameplay with stunning upgrades.

: The Switch 2, despite not launching with a new Zelda game, is viewed as the 'Zelda-est' console due to its extensive Zelda offerings via Nintendo Switch Online. This includes classics from the NES era up to GameCube titles like The Wind Waker, along with recent hits like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have received upgrades that enhance their graphics and performance on Switch 2, running at 60 fps and offering sharper visuals. The games are expansive and open-ended, prompting players to explore vast landscapes without strict objectives, making them ideal as in-between games.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has become a haven for Zelda fans, despite not launching with a new entry in the series. Nintendo's online service offers a comprehensive catalog of Zelda games, ranging from the original on the NES to hits like The Wind Waker from the GameCube. These classics, along with recent titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, create a rich tapestry of Zelda gameplay that has come to define this console.

For players revisiting these beloved games, the Switch 2 editions offer significant upgrades. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now run at a constant 60 frames per second, with enhanced graphics that sharpen the visuals and clear up the previously grainy distances. The improvements are described as transformative, akin to receiving a new prescription for glasses, bringing the world into clearer focus while maintaining a dreamy, faded watercolor aesthetic.

The design philosophy behind these Zelda titles breaks from tradition, offering Hyrule as a vast, open world to explore at the player's pace. This freedom, giving players access to a full set of skills early on, marks a shift from the structured path between dungeons of earlier games. The sprawling landscapes encourage exploration, making players feel like ants on a page of newsprint, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of Hyrule.

Zelda's role as an 'in-between game' on the Switch 2 emphasizes its ability to captivate players for short bursts of play. This flexibility aligns with a genre of games that don't demand continuous engagement with a linear storyline. Instead, players can dip in and out, exploring new areas or experimenting with game mechanics without the pressure of completing objectives.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Zelda on the Switch 2 represents a unique bridge between nostalgia and innovation. The franchise's adaptability to offer both a compelling main quest and enticing side experiences ensures that Zelda remains a staple for gamers who appreciate both the thrill of discovery and the joy of returning to familiar adventures.

Sources: Eurogamer, Nintendo

Console GaminggamingEntertainment