Is It Worth Preordering Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?
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The question of whether to preorder a highly anticipated game like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) is a common one for gamers. The short answer is: it depends on your priorities. Preordering can offer some benefits, but it’s crucial to weigh them against potential drawbacks and determine if those advantages align with your individual gaming needs and preferences. This article will break down the perks and pitfalls of preordering TOTK, along with answers to common questions, to help you make the best decision for your gaming journey.
The Pros of Preordering Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
One of the main reasons to preorder any game, especially a title as hyped as TOTK, is to guarantee access on launch day. Popular games like this can sell out quickly, leaving you waiting for restocks if you don’t secure your copy beforehand. Preordering can eliminate that anxiety and make sure you have the game in your hands the moment it becomes available.
Furthermore, many retailers offer preorder incentives. These bonuses are designed to sweeten the deal and can include physical items like:
- Wall scrolls (Walmart)
- Pin sets (GameStop)
- Wooden plaques
- Art prints
These kinds of bonuses add extra value, especially for dedicated fans looking to enhance their collection. In the case of TOTK, while some retailers only offered the physical disk, others offered more unique goodies. Preordering ensures you receive these special items.
Another potential benefit of preordering, especially if you’re a bit late to the party, is the possibility of locking in the original price. Many retailers offer a pre-order price guarantee. For example, if you preordered Tears of the Kingdom at the initial $60 price point, you likely avoided the post-launch $70 price increase. For those who did not preorder, the $70 price tag became standard after the game’s release.
The Cons of Preordering Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
While preordering has its advantages, it’s not without potential drawbacks. One common issue is paying a higher price if the game’s price drops after launch. While most retailers are pretty good at guaranteeing pre-order prices, there is always a slight chance of this happening, however unlikely it may be. Another major con is the potential of getting locked in to a purchase you may not ultimately want, especially if reviews come out post-preorder that are less than stellar or if you decide you’re not as interested in the game as you were originally. This can lead to buyer’s remorse.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the availability of preorder bonuses can vary wildly by retailer and can even sell out before the game’s launch. So, don’t bank too heavily on those extra items and be sure to check availability, especially if you are set on one or more bonus items.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to preorder TOTK comes down to individual needs and priorities. If you are a massive Zelda fan, prioritize having a physical copy on launch day, and appreciate preorder bonuses, then preordering is likely the right move. If you are price-sensitive, prefer to wait for reviews, or have no need for extra items, then it might be best to wait until the game’s release or purchase it later if the price drops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tears of the Kingdom
To help you further decide on preordering, here are the answers to 15 related FAQs:
1. What was the Target preorder bonus for Tears of the Kingdom?
The Target preorder of Tears of the Kingdom only included the physical game disk. No additional bonus features or add-ons were included.
2. Where could you get a unique wall scroll for preordering Tears of the Kingdom?
Walmart offered a unique wall scroll for preordering Tears of the Kingdom. This was a relatively unique incentive within the video game space.
3. Which retailer offered a pin set as a preorder bonus?
GameStop offered a free pin set for those who pre-ordered and purchased The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
4. Was Tears of the Kingdom cheaper if you preordered it?
Retailers offering a pre-order price guarantee protected early adopters from post-release price increases. Preordering at $60 meant avoiding the $70 price tag that became standard after the launch. Those who did not preorder it ended up having to pay the higher price after launch.
5. Will Tears of the Kingdom ever have DLC?
According to Aonuma, the developers were able to implement all of the elements that they wanted to achieve in the game. For that reason, there will be no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom.
6. Is Breath of the Wild required to play before Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you don’t necessarily need to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom. The controls are the same and veterans will get up to speed quickly. However, it is an excellent game that you should try playing at some point.
7. Was Tears of the Kingdom larger than Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is larger, coming in at 16.3 GB, while Breath of the Wild was only 14.4 GB. This larger size reflects the increased amount of content in the sequel.
8. How did the original price of Tears of the Kingdom compare to the price increase?
Many who preordered Tears of the Kingdom locked in the original $60 price, while those who missed preordering had to pay the higher $70 price at launch.
9. What was the price of Tears of the Kingdom at Super Shop?
You can still get Tears of the Kingdom for $60 if you buy from Super Shop using the promo code GMSPTZLDA.
10. How could you get Tears of the Kingdom for $20?
GameStop had a deal where you could get Tears of the Kingdom for only $20 when trading in two eligible games.
11. How could you get Tears of the Kingdom for $50?
By purchasing a pair of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers in the US, you can get Tears of the Kingdom as well as another Switch title such as Pikmin 4 for roughly $50 each when you buy the pair.
12. Why was Tears of the Kingdom more expensive than Breath of the Wild?
Nintendo stated that the price reflected the type of experience fans could expect, implying that Tears of the Kingdom was an especially large and content-filled game, more so than its predecessor.
13. Is Tears of the Kingdom worth the price?
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a must-have for any Switch owner, building on its predecessor’s open-ended gameplay with a staggering level of creativity and player freedom.
14. How many hours does it take to complete Tears of the Kingdom?
When focusing on the main objectives, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes about 59 Hours in length to complete. Completionists who try to see all aspects of the game are likely to spend around 236 Hours for 100% completion.
15. How many shrines are there in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 152 Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom. The surface of Hyrule contains 120 of them, and the other 32 are scattered throughout the Sky Islands above.
Conclusion
Preordering The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offered potential benefits like securing a copy on launch day, receiving exclusive preorder bonuses, and locking in a lower price. However, it also carries the risk of price drops after launch and getting locked into a purchase you may not fully want after release. By carefully considering these factors, as well as your own individual gaming preferences, you can make an informed decision on whether preordering is the right path for you and your gaming needs.