The 1.6.0 update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, released on April 25, 2019, is primarily recognized for introducing Nintendo Labo VR support and implementing a "boost mode" that significantly improves loading speeds across the game. Core Update Features
Nintendo Labo VR Support: Players can experience the entire game in VR using the Toy-Con VR Goggles from the Nintendo Labo VR Kit.
Drastic Load Time Reduction: The update utilizes a "boost mode" that increases the Switch's CPU clock speed during loading screens, resulting in roughly 30-50% faster loading.
Fast Travel: Loading times dropped from approximately 26 seconds to 14 seconds in some tests.
Entering Shrines: Loading times decreased from about 8 seconds to 6 seconds. Technical & Performance Impact
While the faster loading was universally praised, community reports on general gameplay performance were mixed:
Boosted Loading: The CPU overclocking specifically targets loading screens to save time when warping or entering new areas. zelda botw 160 update better
In-Game Performance: Some users reported increased frame dips in dense areas like Kakariko Village or the Great Plateau following the update, though these were not officially confirmed by Nintendo.
Bug Fixes: A specific Switch-exclusive glitch was fixed where pushing a Lizalfos at the Dako Tah Shrine could break the game's physics engine. Comparison: Is Version 1.6.0 "Better"?
The consensus is that 1.6.0 is the superior version for general play due to the massive quality-of-life improvement in loading times. However, some niche players may have reservations:
The official version update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
was a minor stability update released in 2019, primarily adding VR support via Nintendo Labo. However, if you are referring to the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade
(often discussed in 2025/2026 contexts), the experience is significantly improved with several "better" features. Top Enhancements in the Modern Upgrade The 1
To prepare for the "better" version of the game, here are the key features and how they improve the experience: Higher Performance & Frame Rate : The game now runs at a locked 60 FPS
, making combat and parrying significantly more fluid and responsive. Visual Fidelity Boost Resolution : Increased from 900p to 1440p (or 4K) when docked, and up to in handheld mode. Lighting & Shadows
: Includes improved draw distance, better shadow quality, and HDR support Faster Loading Times
: Warp times and initial load speeds are substantially faster, reducing downtime between exploring different regions. Zelda Notes Feature
: A new integration that allows you to track shrines, quests, and materials directly on your device, replacing the need for external companion apps. New "Quest for Each Goal" (Randomizer/Updates)
: Some recent community-driven or official updates include a real-time progress counter and map markers for every objective, clarifying what needs to be done next. How to Get the Best Version After completing The Master Trials , visiting a
If you already own the original game, you can typically access these "better" features through a dedicated Upgrade Pack
Just got a switch 2 and want to know is the BOTW upgrade worth it?
Since you asked if the update is "better," the short answer is yes. Version 1.6.0 is widely considered the definitive version of the game because it introduced the "Capture" feature, which enabled the creation of the official Video Capture and the Internet Browser exploit (used for homebrew), effectively extending the game's lifespan indefinitely.
Below is a structured "Good Paper" style analysis of the 1.6.0 update, covering its technical impact, quality of life improvements, and why it is superior to previous versions.
They patched the famous durability transfer glitch… but added an intended mechanic: