The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch)

Well packaged, quick delivery. Great game. After spending dozens of hours back in Hyrule, I can confidently say that Tears of the Kingdom isn't just a sequel; it’s a complete reimagining of what an open-world game can be. If you thought Breath of the Wild was the peak of the series, this game will prove you wrong within the first two hours. Key Gameplay Observations: Ultrahand & Fuse Mechanics: These are the absolute stars of the show. The ability to stick almost any object together to build vehicles, bridges, or elaborate contraptions is incredibly intuitive. The "Fuse" system also completely fixes the weapon durability complaints from the first game—now, finding a "decayed" sword is just an excuse to attach a powerful monster horn or a boulder to it. Vertical Exploration: The world has literally tripled in size. You aren't just exploring the surface; you are diving from floating Sky Islands and venturing into the eerie, pitch-black Depths. The seamless transition as you dive from the clouds all the way to the ground is a technical marvel for the Nintendo Switch. Shrines & Puzzles: The puzzles feel much more "open-ended" this time. There isn't just one way to solve a Shrine; the game rewards you for being clever (or even "breaking" the puzzle with a ridiculous flying machine). Performance: Despite the aging hardware of the Switch, the game runs remarkably well. The art style remains breathtaking, and the physics engine manages to keep track of complex machines without the frame rate tanking. Pros: Infinite Replayability: The building mechanics mean no two players will have the same experience.Meaningful Side Content: The side quests feel more integrated into the world-building, making Hyrule feel alive and worth saving.Quality of Life Improvements: Travel is faster, the map is more detailed, and the new "Ascend" ability makes vertical traversal much less tedious. Cons: Learning Curve: The new controls (especially the building menus) can feel a bit "fiddly" at first, but it becomes second nature after a few play sessions. The Verdict: Tears of the Kingdom is a rare 10/10 experience. It’s a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your curiosity at every turn. Whether you’re a long-time Zelda fan or a newcomer, this is the definitive reason to own a Nintendo Switch. It is quite possibly the most creative "sandbox" ever built.

EDIT: This edit is made 2 years after the review, July 2025. There is an optional £8 DLC that upgrades it for the Switch 2, including a frame rate boost to 60fps, resolution boost up to 1440p and HDR. While the controls weren’t sorted, the game is absolutely stunning and has no issue on the new hardware, so I’m bumping my review up to 5 stars. A must have game for any Switch 2 owner, nevermind Zelda fan. Quick note about spoilers: As of writing this review I have 100+ hours in it. I have not finished the game and as a result no end game spoilers will be in this. However, there might be some things mentioned that while not massive spoilers, may constitute this warning. So, 6 years came and went. What was the longest wait between Zelda games felt like the shortest. I’m sure many people like myself were hesitant to see the same map being used and questioned how much you could really do. The answer is: a lot to justify it as the best sequel game I have ever played. It is very open to new players and doesn’t require you to have played the last game: if anything it’s very loosely connected. Gameplay feels more or less the same as Breath of The Wild, which isn’t a bad thing! You will start from scratch (3 hearts/1 stamina wheel). You will get powers, some feeling very similar (ultrahand is like an upgraded magnesis) and some original (ascend). There is a massive creative aspect to the game with the new building mechanics, but you don’t need to be a pro, nor does the game force you to build things in a specific way. You’re very quickly fired into the story, which feels a lot more present than BoTW. However, the game feels very similar in that regard (again, not a bad thing!) You’re given a brief overview of the story, talk to NPCs to find out more, and there are memories you collect to unravel the past and find out why everything is happening. That, along with the typical Zelda dungeon layout will lead you to the final boss. There are parts where the gameplay feels massively different however. Those who criticised BoTW’s weapon system are either gonna love the new system or hate the new system: weapons are a lot more brittle, and the higher damage weapons in ToTK are similar to that in the lower tier of BoTW. But the new fuse mechanic increases durability and inspires creativity; You can fuse a mushroom to a sword to send an enemy flying, or a certain type of flower to make an enemy a friend. The geography of the world too feels different. Aside from simple terrain differences, which threw me off (as a person with 300+ hours in botw), there is the sky layer (which has some interesting history) and the depths; a desolate field which is only occupied by strong monsters and rare materials. It’s a place you’ll want to avoid early game. Graphically it’s seen a boost; longer render distances, better reflections and better lighting are noticeable from the start. What is also noticeable is their new dynamic resolution system, which will apply when the camera is being moved in even slightly busy places. I couldn’t notice it much on my 50” TV but on the Switch tablet it was noticeable. Still, after playing Age of Calamity anything above 540p is a blessing. All in all, this game is almost perfect, after all it succeeds an almost perfect game. But I would give it 4/5 for two reasons. 1. Sage controls; throughout the game you will unlock sages, which are little avatars to help you in battle. They can grant you powers - if you can catch them. In actual gameplay they will run away from you and are next to useless; I often disable them. How this got past QA I do not know. A wheel system would’ve been better, similar to the main powers you get in the game. Maybe mapped to holding the down dpad button, considering that’s how you summon them in dungeons. 2. The frame rate. Admittedly, it’s not bad at the start, but once you get all sages in a fight the frame rate tanks in the most desolate of places. I had a lynel fight in an empty field where the frame rate was in the 20s essentially the whole time. I highly recommend dumping this game and playing it on an emulator for even a stable 30fps. Aside from those 2 issues, it would be the perfect game. And who knows, maybe they’ll be fixed upon. If the game’s ending changes my mind, I’ll update this review.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch is pretty good, I have had it for a while now and put so many hours into it. It builds perfectly on the last game, mainly the exploration and open world, though I did not try to rush through the main story and just focused on exploring all the new areas. But yeah, it does the job, and the map feels way bigger than expected as well with all the sky islands and underground areas. My only complaints are that the weapon durability system can still be a bit annoying, maybe the building mechanics can be a bit clunky when you are trying to attach things together quickly, and maybe the frame rate can drop a bit when there is too much happening on the screen at once. But is Amazing to have the full game on carthridge (no key card nonsense) . Overall, it's a solid game, and the new fusion abilities are very cool you can basically build whatever vehicles or crazy weapons you want, lol.

So. I did a thing today. I completed TOTK after about 250 hours of adventure, despite breaking my thumb approximately 120 hours into my playing. I had to learn a different way of using the controller without the use of a very painful right thumb. Character building... I've played and finished every 3d-world Zelda game since Ocarina of Time on the N64. I've enjoyed every single one for the familiarity - the look and the music especially - but also the new aspects of gameplay each one has offered. So, my thoughts... I'll try and avoid spoilers. 1. The purchase of a professional controller made the game way more playable than the weeny controls that come on the stock switch controllers. I recommend... 2. The fact it was a mostly familiar world was kind of nice. There were lots of moments where it was like 'yep, been here before, i know where I'm going.' But there was enough new and fresh to keep the curiosity high. 3. The shrines were probably on balance a bit easier than BOTW but not totally a bad thing. 4. At some point you have to say, yep, I've done enough now let's go and pay Mr Ganon a visit. There's way too much to complete! 5. The whole autobuild thing is a good idea if not over used. The stuff people have been making is hilarious but you've already rinsed the game if you're at this level. For me, the most adventurous i got with it was the two fan and steering stick hover bike thingy. Was great for getting round the depths and finding all but one light root. I knew where abouts it was (top right of the map) but just ran out of steam... good for getting round the sky too. 6. Not a lot of use/point for the horses this time. Travelling better achieved by using shrines, towers and medallions. 7. There's a great arc for learning combat skills and resourcefulness. The shrines where you go in with no armour and fight the constructs were great fun i thought. It really showed the value of collecting, fusing and throwing. Very reminiscent of the sword trials in BOTW. 8. I left the Lynels and Gleeoks until i was well practised and used to having a thumb out of action! They became great fun. Also showed how valuable collecting all though Keese and Aerocuda eyes and wings had been. Shield parrying and dodging became essential too. With a bit of practice i went from Red to Blue to White to Silver Lynels with no bother. I found wearing decent armor (Soldier armor set plus diamond headpiece from Gerudo town gave great defence (84) plus slight attack up, and then lots of fused weapons from previous kills). Then i collected Fleet lotus seeds for cooking as i found having a high level speed up potion was the best tactic. Allowed me to escape the flame and melee attacks from the Lynels and get 'round the back' and hack away or mount if he kneels. Good fun. Puffshroom use was also fun but probably too easy if done perfectly. 9. The end Boss was perfectly manageable with my Lynel killing skills fully honed and a bunch of Keese and Aerocuda eyes and a x5 Lynel bow for assistance. 10. The story was decent and quite tragic too. Just enough to pull the heart strings. 11. Koroks. Why? I collected fewer than 150. Just enough to expand a band band my weapons stash to a decent level. You only need to hear so many ya ha ha's All in all very enjoyable and as usual way more to do than actually needed. But how many single player games out there give you 250+ hours of genuine gameplay (or less if you want to check out early)? Thank you Shigsy once again.

Very typical Nintendo, the quality of this game is awesome, and the controls are really fluid. the frame rates in general are great at 30FPS. the graphics are stunning on its own style. i would recommend this game to anyone. even kids under the age of 12.

It's a good game but be prepared to spend hours running about to the hardcore Zelda fans they will love it and it plays really good on a switch oled which I currently have

It’s a great sequel to botw. However it’s not far removed. It’s the same map with a new sky and underground area to explore. The new abilities are great. The new puzzles are amazing especially with new sticking ability. But the graphics and art style haven’t changed. They are the same as 5 years ago and could use a new console to power them. They are quite muddy and uninspiring. The Zora kingdom should be jaw dropping but it’s like a dvd after you’ve watched Blu-ray. I’d have liked to beg able to swim under water in this game but nope. Same as botw. The shrines in this game out do botw. They are so imaginative with different ways to do them. Story I won’t spoil but I’ve found myself skipping text on side stories as some are pointless. Doing a side quest for twenty rupees isn’t tempting. I’m almost finished the main game and whilst I did every corner of botw I feel a lack of desire to do it here. Maybe I’m eventually tired of open world games. The music is stunning Id love a soundtrack. Very mournful in places. Overall it’s a good game. Frame rate is solid. But the textures and graphics could have used an overhaul

"The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" for Nintendo Switch is an absolute masterpiece that will captivate both longtime Zelda fans and newcomers to the series. As a dedicated fan, I couldn't wait to dive into this latest installment, and it did not disappoint! The game takes players on an epic adventure filled with intriguing quests, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable characters. The story is engrossing, pulling you into the Kingdom of Hyrule and immersing you in its rich lore. The attention to detail is remarkable, making every moment feel like a true journey through a living, breathing world. The gameplay mechanics are polished and intuitive, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the experience. Whether you're solving puzzles, engaging in intense combat, or exploring the vast open world, the controls are responsive and satisfying. The addition of unique abilities and items adds depth to the gameplay, keeping it fresh and exciting throughout. Visually, "Tears of the Kingdom" is a visual feast. The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and breathtaking environments that truly bring the world of Hyrule to life. From lush forests to treacherous mountains, each location is meticulously crafted, making exploration an absolute joy. The soundtrack is another standout aspect of the game. The beautiful melodies perfectly complement the gameplay and enhance the overall atmosphere. It's an auditory treat that adds to the immersive experience of the game. With its engaging story, captivating gameplay, and breathtaking visuals, "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. It's a true testament to the legacy of the Zelda franchise and will provide countless hours of enjoyment. In conclusion, "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" is an epic addition to the Zelda universe on Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this game is an absolute must-play. Immerse yourself in the world of Hyrule, embark on a thrilling adventure, and discover the tears of the kingdom. You won't be disappointed!

Package was in good condition...and the game was fantastic

I consider myself a relatively new fan of the franchise, having only played The Minish Cap and Breath of the Wild before diving into Tears of the Kingdom. While I loved BotW, TotK managed to completely eclipse it for me in almost every single way. The new building mechanics add a whole new layer of creativity and freedom that I didn’t know I needed. It essentially turns the game into an engineer’s playground. What I love most is that so many puzzles have multiple solutions to them, which is great and makes it incredibly fun when I discuss my playthroughs with friends—everyone seems to solve things in completely different, chaotic ways! The sense of discovery is also unparalleled—finding out about the massive, dark underground world for the first time was a genuine jaw-dropping moment that expanded the game exponentially, offering a perfect, eerie contrast to the breathtaking sky islands above. What amazed me most is how the overworld feels so much more vivid, energetic, and alive this time around. The side quests feel more meaningful, the NPCs have more personality, and the world feels truly populated. Paired with a fascinating story that beautifully connects the ancient past to the present day—alongside much more epic, traditional boss fights—this game is an absolute triumph. It takes the brilliant foundation of BotW and perfects it. I had an absolute blast playing it!

The best Zelda game ever , 9.5/10

Very fun game. Nintendo is amazing

This is a superbly designed game that keeps me engaged. It's not very easy to play, nor it is very difficult. The most important thing is this game makes you think before every fight. The weapon and vehicle designs are most lovable things here. And finally the music and animation is so good that the price is really worth it. I can probably keep playing it for a year and still cannot complete it.