We Don't Need Another Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

According to a new rumor circulating, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild might be getting a remastered version to mark the start of the Nintendo Switch 2 announcements. Due to some recent leaks surfacing, a revitalized version of the acclaimed title is reportedly in development stages for the upcoming next-generation Nintendo console. There has been no actual confirmation of the return to Calamity Hyrule by Nintendo, but why is Nintendo choosing to spotlight Breath of the Wild compared to a new Zelda ​​​​​​franchise addition as they did with the Wii U and Switch?

Many people forget that Breath of the Wild debuted as a Nintendo Wii U release and was then announced for the Nintendo Switch a few years later. If these Breath of the Wild leaks turn out to be true, then Nintendo seems to be relying too hard on the critical success of BOTW instead of exploring new avenues. Instead of continuing to use the story of the Calamity, it seems that Nintendo would be better off focusing entirely on creating a new world before or after that. A remaster of Breath of the Wild seems unnecessary.

Breath Of The Wild Is Almost Perfect As-Is

A Critical & Commercial Success For Nintendo

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Breath of the Wild has continuously been one of the highest-performing games that Nintendo has released for the Switch console. As of September 2024, over 32 million copies of BOTW have been sold, and it maintains a 4.8-5 star rating, still just short of a decade after its release. Years since launch, Breath of the Wild maintains a near-perfect rating and provides a wholly unique take on the Zelda franchise (at least until its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, was released).

Related After Nearly 8 Years, Breath Of The Wild Still Has The Best Version Of Zelda Even with two mainline entries following it in the last eight years, Breath of the Wild has the best depiction of the eponymous Princess Zelda.

Breath of the Wild is a perfect example of developmental progression, as few flaws were ever truly critiqued outside some bugs and somewhat useless horses. Even the Champions' Ballad DLC progressed the story in a unique way that shouldn't be replicated just for profit when there are new things that could be done to expand the franchise. The Switch 2 is a perfect opportunity to showcase a new foundation for the Zelda franchise as Nintendo did with the Wii U. If anything, a different title should have been chosen for a Switch 2 remake or remaster.

Switch 2 Leaks: How Could The Hardware Improve BOTW?

BOTW In 60 FPS Could Be Great

Custom Image by: Tom Wilson

There is very little official news about the Switch 2, so no one is sure what the console will be like. Although it was discussed officially and said that it would be confirmed in 2025, there probably won't be any rollout of the console until at least late 2025. However, from current leaks, the new generation console isn't up to the same power standards as even the PlayStation 4 Pro. The design and power spec leaks that have been announced don't leave many players particularly hopeful for an ultra-powerful handheld console, either.

However, the elite graphics aren't what many turn to the Nintendo Switch for, so why would the upgraded graphics affect why Breath of the Wild should be remade or remastered? 60 FPS would be great, but for a game like BOTW, it is the storytelling, atmosphere, and nostalgia around the title that make it such a touchstone for the franchise. Perhaps if Nintendo considered more community feedback and chose another title like Zelda: Twilight Princess to remake, there would be a lot more interest in necessary graphics upgrades.