Zelda Botw 160 Update Better [2021] May 2026

You're referring to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) and its updates. As of my last update in April 2023, the game had received several updates, with the most significant being version 1.6.0, also known as the "160" update by fans, though officially it's referred to as version 1.6.0 or simply part of the series of patches leading up to that.

Here's a rundown of some key improvements and additions that came with the notable updates up to and including version 1.6.0:

Paper Title: The Definitive Era: An Analysis of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Update v1.6.0

Date: November 9, 2017 Platform: Nintendo Switch Subject: Analysis of Patch Notes and Long-term Impact

For Speedrunners:

No. The Speedrun.com leaderboards require original hardware (Switch/Wii U) or emulation locked to native 30 FPS. Running at 160 FPS is considered a "different category" (Unrestricted) because the movement physics change slightly, making wind bombs and BTBs easier to execute.

Verdict: Is 1.6.0 better?

✅ Yes – if you:

❌ Not really – if you:

Final rating: 🌟 8.5/10 – not a remaster, but the most polished BOTW has ever felt.

What’s your experience with 1.6.0? Notice any other changes? Let me know below! 👇

The version 1.6.0 update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

(BotW) significantly improved the technical performance of the game on Nintendo Switch, primarily by addressing long-standing hardware limitations. Core Improvements in Version 1.6.0 The most notable changes introduced in this update include:

Drastically Faster Load Times: This update introduced "Boost Mode," which increases the Switch CPU's clock speed specifically during loading screens. This reduces wait times by 21% to 37% when teleporting or entering shrines. zelda botw 160 update better

Nintendo Labo VR Support: Players can now experience the entire game in VR using the Toy-Con VR Goggles. This feature can be toggled on or off via the in-game "Options" menu.

Increased Stability: General fixes were implemented to provide a smoother gameplay experience, particularly during performance-heavy segments. Subsequent Enhancements (Switch 2 Edition)

While 1.6.0 was a major update for the original hardware, the later Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade (released around June 2025) offers even more dramatic improvements:

Visual Fidelity: Resolution is bumped from the original 900p (docked) to 4K or 1440p, with added HDR support.

Enhanced Performance: The frame rate is doubled to a locked 60 FPS, eliminating the lag previously found in dense areas like the Korok Forest. You're referring to The Legend of Zelda: Breath

Graphical Detail: Improvements to draw distance, textures, and shadow quality make the world feel more immersive than the original version.

For the best experience on modern hardware, users often prefer the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack, which is available for purchase or as part of a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

Stability and Performance

5. Conclusion

Update 1.6.0 is objectively better. It represents the transition of Breath of the Wild from a "launch title" to a "mature platform." It solved the immediate problem of social sharing, fixed critical audio bugs, and provided the technical stability required for the game to become a long-term staple of the Nintendo Switch library.

For the average player, it offers a smoother, shareable experience. For the technical enthusiast, it offers a stable foundation for exploration beyond the intended game design. Therefore, it is the recommended version for all users.

For Completionists (900 Koroks):

Absolutely. Hunting Koroks requires scanning large areas of grass. The high refresh rate reduces eye strain significantly. You will find Koroks faster at 160 FPS than 30 FPS purely due to visual clarity in motion. Play on Switch OLED / Lite Transfer saves

3. The Visual Fidelity Leap

We aren't just talking about "smoothness." The 160 update usually accompanies high-resolution texture packs.

You can see the stitching on Link’s tunic. You can count the individual scales on a Farosh. The "bloom" effect that blurred the Wii U version is removed, leaving crisp, cel-shaded art that looks like a Ghibli film.