As we step deeper into 2025, The Legend of Zelda franchise continues to thrive, even as the Nintendo Switch transitions to its successor, the rumored Switch 2. The original Switch saw an impressive lineup of Zelda titles, from the industry-defining Breath of the Wild to its critically acclaimed sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, and the recent Echoes of Wisdom. While Breath of the Wild alone would have been enough to cement the Switch’s legacy, the console also delivered multiple Zelda remasters and remakes, such as Link’s Awakening.
With the Switch 2 on the horizon, now is the perfect moment to revisit the title that helped define an entire gaming generation. Breath of the Wild set new standards for open-world gameplay, and a fresh playthrough in 2025 can provide a new appreciation for its groundbreaking mechanics and world design.
Revisiting a Classic with a Fresh Perspective
For many players, it has been years since their last journey through Hyrule in Breath of the Wild. While starting over a game of this scale might seem daunting, its size is actually an advantage. Many players who first explored Hyrule back in 2017 likely don’t remember every shrine, Korok seed, or hidden secret. That element of discovery makes a replay feel almost like a brand-new adventure, even with prior knowledge of the game’s mechanics. As Breath of the Wild approaches its eighth anniversary, replacing forgotten memories with fresh experiences could be a rewarding trip down nostalgia lane.
The Nintendo Switch 2 May Enhance the Experience
One of the biggest incentives for revisiting Breath of the Wild in 2025 is the impending arrival of the Switch 2. Nintendo has confirmed that its next console will be backward compatible with most Switch titles. While Breath of the Wild will undoubtedly be playable on the new hardware, the real question is whether it will see performance improvements. Even as a first-party title, Breath of the Wild suffered from frame rate dips and resolution drops, particularly in areas like Korok Forest. If the Switch 2’s hardware boosts its performance, a new playthrough could provide a smoother and more immersive experience than ever before.
A Unique Contrast with Tears of the Kingdom
While Tears of the Kingdom built upon Breath of the Wild’s foundation, replaying the original highlights what made it truly special. Both games share the same Hyrule overworld, but subtle differences in design, mechanics, and world-building make each feel distinct. Tears of the Kingdom introduced Zonai technology, sky islands, and the Depths, while Breath of the Wild remains a masterclass in survival-based exploration with its Sheikah Runes and Divine Beasts. For players who enjoyed Tears of the Kingdom, revisiting Breath of the Wild can offer a nostalgic yet refreshing comparison.
What Makes Breath of the Wild Stand Out?
Despite Tears of the Kingdom pushing the series forward, Breath of the Wild retains several unique strengths that make it worth revisiting:
- Sheikah Runes: Unlike the more construction-focused Ultrahand abilities in TotK, the Sheikah Runes provide a more puzzle-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Divine Beasts & Champions: The Divine Beasts serve as a different take on dungeons, offering a mix of puzzle-solving and combat that contrasts with Tears of the Kingdom’s more traditional temples.
- DLC & Endgame Content: The Champions’ Ballad DLC expands upon the base game’s narrative and endgame content, providing additional depth for returning players.
- The Purest Sense of Exploration: With no sky islands or Depths to explore, Breath of the Wild encourages players to focus entirely on the Overworld, making exploration feel more grounded and intimate.
A Timeless Adventure Worth Revisiting
As Nintendo prepares for the Switch 2 era, there’s no better time to dust off Breath of the Wild and experience its magic again. Whether it’s to relive cherished moments, experience potential performance improvements on new hardware, or simply rediscover what made this game a masterpiece, 2025 is the perfect opportunity for a fresh journey through Hyrule. No matter how many times a player has completed Breath of the Wild, its vast world and intricate mechanics ensure there’s always something new to uncover.
