Is Tears of the Kingdom Worth Getting a Switch? A Deep Dive
Unequivocally, yes. If you’ve been on the fence about purchasing a Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) is the game that should finally push you over the edge. It’s not just a game; it’s an experience, a sprawling epic that showcases the Switch’s capabilities while delivering a level of player freedom and creative problem-solving rarely seen in modern gaming. While it may not be the last significant game for the Switch, it is one of the most significant ones ever released.
The Switch, despite its age, remains a fantastic console, and Tears of the Kingdom is its crown jewel. It elegantly highlights the console’s strengths: its portability, intuitive controls, and the shared joy of playing with friends and family. Getting a Switch just for this game isn’t simply a purchase; it’s an investment in countless hours of exploration, wonder, and unforgettable moments.
Why Tears of the Kingdom is a System Seller
Tears of the Kingdom is more than just a sequel; it’s a significant evolution of the Breath of the Wild formula. It takes everything that made its predecessor great – the open world, the physics-based puzzles, the sense of discovery – and expands upon it in ingenious ways. The addition of new mechanics like Fuse, Ultrahand, and Recall fundamentally alter how you interact with the world, encouraging experimentation and rewarding creativity.
The sheer scale of the game is staggering. As the article points out, Tears of the Kingdom is clearly bigger than Breath of the Wild. Beyond the familiar Hyrule, you now have the skies above and the depths below to explore, each offering unique challenges and rewards. This expanded world isn’t just bigger; it’s denser, filled with secrets, side quests, and memorable encounters that will keep you hooked for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. Our fastest player finished it in 60 hours, but completionists could spend upwards of 112 hours exploring every nook and cranny.
Moreover, the narrative is more engaging and emotionally resonant. The characters are compelling, the stakes are high, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you invested from beginning to end. While Breath of the Wild offered a sense of quiet solitude, Tears of the Kingdom provides a more hopeful and adventurous narrative.
Switch Considerations: OLED vs. Original
The question of whether to get an OLED Switch versus the original is a valid one. As the article mentions, there is no difference between the original Switch’s performance and the Switch OLED through TV play. The main advantage of the OLED model lies in its handheld experience. The vibrant colors and deeper blacks of the OLED screen make the game look richer and more immersive. If you primarily play in handheld mode, the OLED Switch is definitely worth the upgrade. However, if you mostly play on your TV, the original Switch will provide a perfectly enjoyable experience.
It’s also important to consider the rumors surrounding a potential Switch 2. While there’s no guarantee, some suggest it might feature an enhanced version of Tears of the Kingdom. However, even if this is true, the current version of the game on the existing Switch is still an incredible experience. Don’t let the possibility of future upgrades prevent you from enjoying this masterpiece today.
Addressing the “Last Major Game” Rumors
The report that Tears of the Kingdom is the Switch’s last significant game should be taken with a grain of salt. While Nintendo is undoubtedly working on its next console, the Switch still has plenty of life left. Even if Tears of the Kingdom is the last major first-party title, there will still be plenty of excellent indie games and third-party releases to enjoy on the system.
Ultimately, getting a Switch for Tears of the Kingdom is a worthwhile investment, regardless of future releases. It is something that has been called “a must-have for any Switch owner“. The game itself is a masterpiece, and the Switch offers a versatile and enjoyable platform to experience it on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Tears of the Kingdom better than Breath of the Wild?
Yes, many believe so. The sequel improves on the flaws of Breath of the Wild, such as the irritating rain and limited travel options, while offering a more hopeful and adventurous narrative. The game also introduces more intricate side quests and visually stunning graphics.
2. Does Tears of the Kingdom run better on Switch OLED?
The performance is identical when playing on a TV. However, the OLED Switch offers a superior handheld experience due to its vibrant screen.
3. How long is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?
Playtime varies greatly. For the main story alone, expect around 52.5 hours. Completing the main story and side quests takes around 70.5 hours, while completionists can spend over 112 hours exploring everything.
4. Do weapons break in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, weapons still break in Tears of the Kingdom. However, the Fuse mechanic allows you to create more durable and versatile weapons, extending their lifespan.
5. Is Tears of the Kingdom bigger than Breath of the Wild?
Absolutely. With the addition of the Skies and the Depths, Tears of the Kingdom is over twice as large as Breath of the Wild in terms of content.
6. Should I play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
While not strictly necessary, playing Breath of the Wild first is highly recommended. It will familiarize you with the world, characters, and basic gameplay mechanics, allowing you to appreciate Tears of the Kingdom even more.
7. Is Tears of the Kingdom the last Zelda game ever?
No. While Tears of the Kingdom might be one of the last big exclusive titles for the Switch, the Zelda series will continue on future Nintendo consoles.
8. Why is Tears of the Kingdom so hard?
Tears of the Kingdom can be challenging due to tougher enemies that can defeat Link in one hit and the introduction of Gloom, which damages your maximum health. Careful planning and resource management are crucial for survival.
9. Is The Master Sword Unbreakable in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Master Sword cannot break, but it does require a recharge period after extended use.
10. How many hearts can you have in Tears of the Kingdom?
The maximum number of hearts you can have is 38.
11. How much time passes between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
The general consensus is that Tears of the Kingdom takes place roughly five to six years after the events of Breath of the Wild.
12. Will Tears of the Kingdom have a DLC?
Nintendo has stated that there will be no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. They believe they implemented everything they wanted into the game.
13. Is TOTK the prequel to Skyward Sword?
No. Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild and takes place at the end of the Zelda timeline.
14. Has anyone 100% completed Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, many players have achieved 100% completion. Recently, Twitch streamer SmallAnt did it in just over 139 hours.
15. Is Tears of the Kingdom better than Elden Ring?
While both are excellent open-world RPGs, they offer different experiences. Elden Ring excels in its challenging combat and optional side quests, while Tears of the Kingdom shines with its creative gameplay mechanics and focus on exploration. The choice depends on your personal preferences.
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure
Tears of the Kingdom is a landmark achievement in game design and a testament to the power of the Nintendo Switch. If you’ve been looking for a reason to join the Switch family, this is it. Prepare to lose yourself in a world of adventure, creativity, and endless possibilities. You might even learn something new along the way; after all, learning through gameplay is a well-documented phenomenon, and organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to studying its effects. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more about the educational aspects of gaming. It is a gaming experience that you are not going to want to miss out on.