Major Update 1.6.0 for Breath of the Wild: VR Support and Performance Boosts The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
received a significant software update, version 1.6.0, on April 25, 2019, primarily targeting the Nintendo Switch version. This update introduced a brand-new way to experience Hyrule while simultaneously delivering technical improvements that enhanced the core gameplay experience for all users. Key Features of Update 1.6.0
The Breath of the Wild 1.6.0 Update: Labo VR and Faster Load Times
The Version 1.6.0 update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) was a notable milestone in the game's post-launch history, specifically tailored for the Nintendo Switch version. Released on April 25, 2019, this update introduced long-awaited hardware integration and unexpected performance boosts. Major Feature: Nintendo Labo VR Support
The primary addition in update 1.6.0 was compatibility with the Toy-Con VR Goggles from the Nintendo Labo VR Kit.
Immersive Exploration: Players can experience the entire game through the VR headset, offering a new perspective on Hyrule's scale. botw update 160 work
Toggle Options: The VR mode can be switched on or off at any time via the System/Options menu under "VR Goggles".
Limitations: While the entire open world is playable in VR, pre-rendered cutscenes remain in standard 2D format. Performance Boost: Drastic Loading Time Reductions
One of the most significant "hidden" benefits of the 1.6.0 patch was a massive improvement in loading speeds.
Faster Fast Travel: Technical tests revealed that teleporting between locations became up to 37% to 50% faster. For instance, certain loading screens that took 26 seconds in version 1.5.0 were reduced to just 14 seconds in 1.6.0.
CPU Overclocking: This improvement is attributed to a "Boost Mode" where the Switch’s CPU is temporarily overclocked during loading screens to process data more quickly. Bug Fixes and Stability Major Update 1
As with most Nintendo patches, version 1.6.0 included several smaller adjustments to refine the experience:
Lizalfos Glitch: Fixed a Switch-exclusive bug at the Dako Tah Shrine where pushing a Lizalfos could cause the physics engine to break.
UI Updates: Layouts and message prompts were updated to accommodate the new VR settings.
General Stability: "Several other issues" were addressed to improve overall gameplay, a standard part of Nintendo's patch routine. Is 1.6.0 the Final Version?
While not adding content, BotW 1.6.0 improved stability and cloud save reliability. It represents a model for post-support technical patching. Future research should examine whether similar updates exist for Tears of the Kingdom. Adds support for The Champions’ Ballad DLC (if purchased)
⚠️ This update does not include new shrines, gear, or quests unless you also buy the DLC (Expansion Pass).
Let’s break it down by use case.
| Question | Answer | |----------|--------| | Does update 1.6.0 improve graphics? | No. It improves stability, not visuals. | | Can I downgrade from 1.6.0 to 1.5.0? | On Switch, no (without a hack). On Cemu, yes (reinstall old update). | | Does 1.6.0 work with Linkle mod? | Yes, with the latest version of the mod. | | Is 1.6.0 required for BOTW 2? | No. TotK is a separate game. | | Does it fix the Master Cycle fuel bug? | No. That remains a design feature. |
Have you installed BOTW Update 1.6.0? Share your experience in the comments below. And for more Zelda tech deep-dives, stay tuned.
If you want to update your Cemu setup to 1.6.0, follow this guide:
0005000E101C9400 meta folder (subreddits like r/CemuPiracy can help, but legally you should dump your own update via a Wii U).File → Install Update or DLC and select the meta.xml.Verdict for Cemu users: Yes, 1.6.0 works, but unless you specifically want the memory leak fixes, stick with 1.5.0 for maximum mod compatibility.