Should I Play Tears of the Kingdom Docked or Handheld? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether to play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in docked or handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch is a common one, and for good reason. Both modes offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that can significantly impact your gameplay experience. The short answer is: generally, docked mode provides a slightly superior experience for Tears of the Kingdom, primarily due to its more stable frame rate and slightly improved loading times. However, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
This article will delve into the specifics of each mode, compare their performance in detail, and offer a comprehensive guide to help you decide whether to play Tears of the Kingdom docked or handheld.
Docked Mode: The Power User’s Choice
When the Nintendo Switch is docked, it unleashes a bit more of its processing power. This translates to a few key benefits for Tears of the Kingdom:
Enhanced Performance
The primary advantage of docked mode is a more stable frame rate. While the game generally aims for a consistent 30 FPS in both modes, testing by players indicates that docked mode tends to maintain this target more consistently, leading to a smoother and less jarring experience, especially during intense combat or exploration in complex environments.
Improved Loading Times
While not a dramatic difference, loading times in Tears of the Kingdom are generally marginally faster in docked mode. This may not be immediately apparent, but it can contribute to a more seamless and enjoyable overall experience, especially during frequent transitions between areas.
Better Visuals
Although the base resolution for Tears of the Kingdom is 900p when docked, it will output at a maximum resolution of 1080p on your TV. While this is not a significant upgrade, the larger display of a television can make the game appear more immersive, and the more consistent performance helps maintain a sharper image.
The Benefits of Continuous Power
Docking allows the Switch to draw power directly from the mains, which means it’s not limited by battery life. This is a major plus for extended gaming sessions. Furthermore, because the system isn’t relying on battery power, it can allow the GPU to operate at a higher capacity, improving performance.
Accessing a Comfortable Setup
The docked mode allows you to enjoy Tears of the Kingdom on a larger screen, usually a television. This can make it much easier to play with friends, or simply enjoy a comfortable and immersive experience on a bigger display. This allows for better posture than playing in handheld mode for extended times.
Handheld Mode: Portability and Convenience
The Nintendo Switch’s handheld mode offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility. Here’s why you might prefer playing Tears of the Kingdom on the go:
Unmatched Portability
The most obvious advantage is the ability to play anywhere. Whether you’re on a commute, traveling, or simply relaxing in bed, handheld mode lets you dive into Hyrule wherever you are. This is the mode for busy gamers who value flexibility.
Visual Clarity on the Integrated Screen
While the resolution is lower than on a TV, the smaller, built-in screen of the Switch can still make the game look very good, particularly with the crispness of the OLED screen. The 720p resolution is optimized for the screen size.
No Need for Additional Setups
Handheld mode is hassle-free. You can pick up and play the game instantly without needing to connect to a TV or worry about wires, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions.
Accessibility
Handheld mode allows for a much wider variety of sitting and playing positions. For some, this provides a more ergonomic experience. It also allows you to play privately without taking up a TV.
The Battery Life Factor
While the battery life of the Switch can range between 2.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on usage and model, it’s enough for a considerable amount of uninterrupted play. Battery packs and advancements in microchips have also improved battery life.
The Verdict: A Matter of Priorities
Ultimately, the best way to play Tears of the Kingdom depends on what you value most:
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Choose Docked Mode If: You prioritize performance, a more stable frame rate, and slightly faster loading times. You also value the bigger display and prefer to play for longer sessions without having to worry about battery life.
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Choose Handheld Mode If: You prioritize convenience, portability, and the ability to play anywhere. The built-in screen and accessibility of this mode might be ideal for your play style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch, addressing both docked and handheld modes:
1. Does Tears of the Kingdom Run at 60 FPS?
No, Tears of the Kingdom aims for a consistent 30 FPS on the Nintendo Switch, in both docked and handheld mode. While there are some instances of frame drops, this is the target performance.
2. Does Docked Mode Really Improve Performance?
Yes, while both modes aim for 30 FPS, docked mode tends to provide a more stable frame rate. This is because the docked Switch runs its GPU at a higher clock speed, due to not needing to use battery power.
3. Is the Visual Difference Between Docked and Handheld Noticeable?
While the docked mode offers a higher output resolution (1080p max) on your TV, Tears of the Kingdom’s base resolution is the same as Breath of the Wild, 900p. The difference in visual fidelity is not extreme, however the smoother performance in docked mode helps maintain the quality of the visuals.
4. Are Loading Times Faster in Docked Mode?
Yes, loading times in docked mode are marginally faster compared to handheld mode. This isn’t a huge difference, but it contributes to a more streamlined gaming experience.
5. Does the Switch OLED Improve the Docked Experience?
The Nintendo Switch OLED has the same graphical output when docked as the standard model. The OLED model’s main upgrade is its better built-in screen. There is no difference in resolution or performance when docked.
6. Does the Switch Get Hot When Docked or Handheld?
The console may get hot when charging or in use, regardless of the mode. This is normal and not a defect. Docking may result in increased heating due to the higher clock speed of the GPU.
7. Does Docking the Switch Ruin the Battery?
No, leaving your Switch docked overnight or when fully charged will not harm the battery. It is designed to handle continuous charging.
8. Does the Nintendo Switch Run Better on an SD Card?
No, the type of storage medium does not affect the game’s performance. However, faster SD cards may lead to slightly improved loading times compared to the Switch’s internal memory.
9. Is Tears of the Kingdom Larger than Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is larger than Breath of the Wild, both in terms of file size (16.3 GB vs. 14.4 GB) and in overall game content.
10. How Long Does the Switch Last in Handheld Mode?
The battery life of the Nintendo Switch varies depending on the model and the software being used. It can range between approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours.
11. Does the Switch Run Worse in Handheld Mode?
Yes, the Switch runs slightly worse in handheld mode, as the GPU clock speed is downclocked to around 50% compared to docked mode. This is primarily done to conserve battery power.
12. Is Tears of the Kingdom Too Big for the Switch?
While Tears of the Kingdom requires a large storage capacity, it is designed to run on the Switch. Players can add SD cards for additional storage to accommodate the game’s large file size.
13. What is the Resolution of Tears of the Kingdom Docked?
The base resolution of Tears of the Kingdom is 1600 x 900 (900p). While docked, it outputs a max of 1080p.
14. Will Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Have Better Graphics?
Tears of the Kingdom has improved draw distances over Breath of the Wild, making places far away look better, however the base visuals are largely the same as Breath of the Wild.
15. What are the Pros and Cons of Handheld Gaming?
Pros: Unmatched portability, accessibility, no need for additional setups. Cons: Battery life limitations, potential damage, smaller screen.
Final Thoughts
The decision of whether to play Tears of the Kingdom docked or handheld ultimately depends on your personal preferences and play style. Both modes offer a fantastic gaming experience. Consider where and how you typically play, and choose the mode that best fits your needs. Whatever mode you choose, you are sure to have a great time in Hyrule.