Although the prospect of new games for The Legend of Zelda on the Nintendo Switch 2 is incredibly compelling, it might not be the biggest boon for the series when the new console launches. Being one of Nintendo's most popular franchises, it is inevitable that The Legend of Zelda will have a strong presence on Switch 2, including new titles. However, it should also be considered that the Switch 2 will likely have a significant impact on other aspects of the franchise as well.
Considering all the Zelda games on the Switch, it's easy to imagine an equally large range being released for the Switch 2. Considering it will build on the capabilities of its predecessor, the upcoming console will offer many new opportunities in future game development. In fact, it's easy to see the Switch 2 launch catalog including a Zelda game. Furthermore, even if this is not the case, it is easy to see that the console will influence The Legend of Zeldadirection going forward. However, the Switch 2 will also offer other positives.
Zelda games don't play well on the Switch
Console features mean they have undeniable performance issues
Although games like Breath of Nature and Tears of the Kingdom feature vast worlds with an incredible level of detail, it cannot be denied that these Zelda Games don't run perfectly on Switch. BOTH and TOTKas well as the remake of Link's Awakening and Echoes of Wisdomcannot maintain a consistent 1080p while docked, with the first two simply unable to reach this resolution. While the actual resolution of these games is more than adequate for many, the fact that it could be even better may still lead to some dissatisfaction upon reflection.
An even more surprising fact about the Switch's ability to play these games is that the console can't even run them at a stable framerate. Naturally, it can be frustrating that gameplay is noticeably affected by such issues, especially in high-intensity combat; If the frame rate starts to slow down, it can easily distract from the action on screen. Of course, that said, there are arguably bigger problems with TOTK and his companion Zelda titles, but the console's technical limitations still have a noticeable impact on the fun of playing a game.
The fact that this is a consistent issue for the most recent Zelda games is disappointing as it means they consistently underperform on their native console. It also indicates that the software is constantly pushing the hardware to its limits, even in what should be simpler games like Link's Awakening. While the implications of this can be impressive from some perspectives, the fact that it can distract from the game and break immersion is still a significant drawback.
The Switch 2's expected power jump could change things
Its improved hardware should offer smoother gameplay for Switch games
From what is known about the Switch 2, it's easy to assume that it will be significantly more powerful than its predecessor. While this naturally leads to Nintendo being able to produce bigger games than ever before, it also means that the Switch 2 should be able to play the original Switch Zelda games better than the last one can alone. The performance issues that can arise in these titles are undoubtedly rooted in the console itself, and therefore a more powerful console offers the perfect way to eliminate these problems.
Given your shared performance issues, the switch Zelda all titles seem to have been destined for a slightly better console than what it really is. The Switch 2 should be more than capable of fulfilling this role, as it should make these same issues a thing of the past. It's almost guaranteed that the frame rates and resolution it can deliver, in both docked and handheld modes, will be drastically improved. This would finally allow these games to be experienced effortlessly on the hardware, resulting in noticeably smoother gameplay.
Ultimately, the performance of the Switch's existing catalog of games Zelda Unfortunately, games are hampered by the console's inherent limitations. However, the same issue does not apply to the Switch 2, allowing the incredible art and gameplay of these titles to be experienced without drawbacks. Although they are far from being unplayable, this is still undoubtedly the state in which these games have always deserved to be played, and yet they never were.
What it could be like to play Zelda games on the Switch 2
Zelda games on Switch 2 could easily look better than ever
It's entirely reasonable to expect the Switch Legend of Zelda games will finally be playable at 1080p and a stable frame rate on the Switch 2, preferably 60fps. However, it is also worth noting that the Switch 2 could go even further to improve the gaming experience. For example, it is possible that the console will give the option to play in 4K resolution at 30fps. But regardless of the specifics, gameplay stability should still be much better on the new hardware than on the Switch.
Of course, the benefits of Switch 2's enhanced features will be applied to new Zelda games toowhich could easily include some long-awaited remakes. Many people have long hoped that ports of The Wind Awakener and Twilight Princess on Switch, and these games could receive similar treatment to that enjoyed by Sword to the Sky HD if they are released for the Switch 2. The latest title plays at 1080p and 60fps on the Switch, so an updated console should be fully capable of delivering other Zelda games with the same quality of performance.
The Nintendo Switch played a pivotal role in what is arguably the greatest era of gaming. Zelda franchise yet, and its successor should build on this with ease. However, while there are countless new possibilities and directions for future games to explore, the Switch 2 should also provide the best way to play its predecessor's titles. As a result, not only The Legend of ZeldaNintendo's future will be brightened with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, but its previous titles will also enjoy some incredible benefits.