Zelda Botw 160 — Update Exclusive
If you somehow have version 1.5.0 or earlier, you can still perform famous exploits:
Important: Version 1.6.0 patches all of these. So if you love glitches, don’t update. If you want a stable, crash-free game – stick with 1.6.0.
Update 1.6.0 is a maintenance-focused patch that improves stability, fixes several progression blockers, and addresses exploitable behaviors. It preserves core gameplay while tightening edge-case bugs that affected saves, quests, and enemy AI.
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While there is no officially titled "1.6.0 Update Exclusive" in the traditional sense of a massive content drop, the Ver. 1.6.0 update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
(released in 2019) is famous for adding a specific technical exclusive: VR Mode support for the Nintendo Labo: VR Kit. Key Features of the Ver. 1.6.0 Update
Nintendo Labo VR Integration: The primary "exclusive" feature of this update was the ability to play the entire game in VR. Users could toggle "VR Goggles" in the settings to experience Hyrule with a sense of depth and 360-degree camera control.
Seamless Transition: Unlike some VR modes that are restricted to specific minigames, this update allowed players to switch to VR at any point during their existing save file.
Technical Refinements: The update included minor bug fixes and stability improvements typical of Nintendo's late-stage support for the title. Historical Context of Updates
Beyond 1.6.0, Breath of the Wild received several significant content updates and DLC packs that defined its long-term playability:
The Master Trials (DLC 1): Introduced "Master Mode" (a higher difficulty), the "Trial of the Sword," and "Hero's Path" mode to track player movement.
The Champions' Ballad (DLC 2): Added a major new questline, 16 shrines, and the Master Cycle Zero—an ancient Sheikah motorcycle.
Amiibo Exclusives: Ongoing updates allowed for exclusive gear, such as the "Nintendo Switch" branded t-shirt and armor inspired by previous Zelda titles like Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess. Future Upgrades: Switch 2
Recent reports and community discussions suggest that an "enhanced version" of Breath of the Wild may be an exclusive feature for Nintendo's successor console (referred to as the Switch 2). Anticipated improvements include:
Resolution & Performance: Upgrades from 900p to 1440p or 4K and a jump from 30fps to a stable 60fps.
Visual Fidelity: Enhanced draw distances, better shadow quality, and faster loading times.
Check out this overview of the major content additions and updates that have shaped the Breath of the Wild experience since its launch:
The Ultimate Glow-Up: Exploring the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild "Switch 2" Update Nearly a decade after its groundbreaking debut, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
(BotW) has received a massive revitalization. As of February 17, 2026, Nintendo released a significant software update specifically designed to leverage the power of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. While the base game remains a masterpiece, this "1.9.0" series update—often referred to by fans as the "Switch 2 Edition"—offers exclusive technical enhancements that redefine Link’s journey through Hyrule. Visual and Performance Overhaul
The most immediate change for players on the new hardware is the leap in technical performance. The update unlocks features that were previously the stuff of fan mods and high-end emulators:
60 FPS Gameplay: For the first time on official hardware, Link moves with "crispy" fluid precision at a stable 60 frames per second.
Enhanced Resolution & HDR: The game boasts a sharper native resolution and full HDR support, making the vibrant landscapes of Hyrule more immersive than ever.
Near-Instant Loading: Utilizing the Switch 2's improved architecture, loading times—a frequent hurdle in the original 2017 release—have been significantly slashed. Exclusive "Zelda Notes" and New Settings
Beyond raw power, the update introduces a new feature called Zelda Notes. Integrated directly into the gameplay experience, this tool allows for better tracking and interaction within the world, complementing the game's philosophy of exploration. Additionally, the update menu has been expanded to include:
Expanded Voice Options: Players can now choose from nine different language options for in-game voices, including Japanese, various dialects of French and Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian.
Visual "Glow-Up": Upon installing the upgrade, the game icon on the home screen receives a "fancy glow-up" and the title screen displays the new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition logo. How to Access the Exclusive Content
The "Switch 2 Edition" is available as an upgrade pack. If you are a member of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can download this upgrade at no extra cost. For other users, a digital upgrade is typically available via the eShop for approximately $9.99. Open the Nintendo eShop on your console. Navigate to the Nintendo Switch Online menu.
Under Expansion Pack Content, select the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack. zelda botw 160 update exclusive
Once downloaded, your existing save data will carry over, allowing you to experience your 160-hour completionist run with next-gen fidelity.
As Hyrule approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, this update serves as both a tribute to the game that redefined the open-world genre and a bridge to the future of the franchise.
Are you planning to start a new save file to experience the 60 FPS gameplay from the beginning, or will you jump back into your existing Master Mode save? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
While there is no "Version 160" for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW), the 1.6.0 update was a major milestone for the game, famous for adding Nintendo Labo VR support More recently, the game has been updated to Version 1.9.0 as of February 2026 to coincide with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda: Breath of the Wild — Version 1.6.0 Overview
Released on April 26, 2019, this update was exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version of the game and introduced the following features: Nintendo Labo VR Compatibility
: You can play the entire game (excluding cutscenes) using the Toy-Con VR Goggles Nintendo Labo VR Kit Significantly Faster Load Times
: Tests showed that fast travel and shrine loading times were nearly cut in half, dropping from roughly 26 seconds to 14 seconds in some areas. System Requirements : This mode is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch Lite , as the console does not fit into the VR Goggles. 2025–2026: The "Switch 2" and Version 1.9.0 With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. on June 5, 2025, Breath of the Wild
received further "exclusive" enhancements via later patches: Breath of the Wild – Play with the Nintendo Labo: VR Kit
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) stopped receiving major content updates after the release of The Champions' Ballad DLC in late 2017. Version 1.6.0, released in April 2019, was a specific technical update rather than a content expansion. 🎮 The VR Update (Version 1.6.0)
The headline feature of the 1.6.0 update was the introduction of Labo VR support.
VR Mode: Added an option in the "Settings" menu to toggle VR goggles on or off.
Compatibility: Designed specifically for the Nintendo Labo: VR Kit.
Perspective: The game remains in third-person, but the camera follows your head movements.
Availability: The entire game is playable in this mode; there are no "VR-exclusive" areas. 🛠️ Minor Changes
Beyond the VR integration, the update was very light on "exclusives":
Technical Fixes: Addressed minor stability issues to ensure the game ran smoothly while rendering for VR.
Menu Toggle: A simple UI addition allowed players to switch the VR view at any point during gameplay. ⚠️ Common Misconceptions
If you are seeing mentions of "exclusive 1.6.0 content" like new bosses, weapons, or dungeons, it is likely one of the following:
Fan-Made Mods: The "Second Wind" or "Relics of the Past" mods add massive amounts of content but require an emulator (like Cemu).
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: Many players confuse late-stage BotW "leaks" with features that eventually appeared in the 2023 sequel.
The Master Trials/Champions' Ballad: These were the only official expansions, often confused with version updates by newer players. 💡 Which Are you trying to set up the Labo VR goggles?
Major Surprise: Breath of the Wild Update 1.9.0 is Here! Hyrule just got a unexpected makeover! After nearly six years of silence, Nintendo has released a brand-new update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as we approach the franchise’s 40th anniversary. While most of us have moved on to Tears of the Kingdom
, this latest patch specifically targets the "Switch 2 Edition" of the game, bringing exclusive features and long-requested fixes. 🎮 Exclusive Switch 2 Edition Enhancements
The "Switch 2" version isn't just a simple port; it introduces several "Edition Exclusive" features that were never present in the original 2017 release: Zelda Notes & Voice Memories:
A brand-new feature where players can leave notes or record "Voice Memories" linked to specific locations. Performance Boosts:
Experience Hyrule like never before with enhanced resolution, HDR support, and improved frame rates. Voiced Directions:
For the first time, Link can follow voiced navigation cues during his travels. Item Sharing: If you somehow have version 1
A new system that allows for sharing items between players via the online service. Extra Save Slot: A second save file has finally been added to the game. 🛠️ Key Fixes in Version 1.9.0
The 1.9.0 update focuses on cleaning up lingering bugs and expanding accessibility: Thai Language Support:
Thai is now a fully supported text language (though audio remains English). The Hinox Medal Bug:
Fixed a notorious issue where the Black Hinox in Hyrule Castle wouldn't register as defeated, finally allowing completionists to earn the Hinox Monster Medal. Stability Improvements:
General "adjustments to improve the gameplay experience" have been made across both Switch and Switch 2 versions. 💰 How to Get the Update
If you already own the game on the original Switch, you can snag these "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades for a $10 upgrade fee if you have an active Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass
Are you planning to dive back into the Wild to grab that elusive Hinox Medal, or are you holding out for the live-action Zelda movie in 2027? Let us know in the comments! process for moving your progress to the Switch 2 Edition
This is the feature that gives the update its "exclusive" moniker. A traveling NPC named Hoston (a clear nod to The Misadventures of Tron Bonne) would spawn only on the 160th real-world minute of your play session. He sold Ancient Cores for 10 Rupees each and offered a Dark Link Cloak that silenced all footsteps.
If you are looking to experience everything BotW has to offer:
Did you find this clarification helpful? Let us know in the comments if you were looking for the Champion's Ballad or something else entirely!
The "1.6.0" update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
has historically been associated with Nintendo Labo VR support, but more recently, the "1.6.0" designation has resurfaced in reports regarding an Enhanced Edition for Nintendo's next-generation hardware. The "Switch 2" Enhanced Edition
Recent reports indicate that an updated version of Breath of the Wild is coming to Nintendo's successor console with significant exclusive technical upgrades:
Visual & Performance Overhaul: The update includes improved performance and updated visuals tailored for new hardware.
Achievement Support: A first for the series, this version reportedly includes achievement support to track your progress through Hyrule.
Zelda Notes Feature: A new exclusive integration with the Nintendo Switch Online app allows players to use a Zelda Notes feature for better quest tracking and exploration. DLC Exclusivity Details
Despite being an "Enhanced Edition," the 2017 Expansion Pass content—including The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad—is not included in the base price.
Separate Purchase: Players will likely still need to pay an additional cost for the DLC on the new platform.
Exclusive Items: The Expansion Pass remains the only way to access the three exclusive treasure chests on the Great Plateau containing unique clothing.
Check out this breakdown of what to expect from the new enhanced edition and its DLC pricing structure: 39s
Breath of the Wild 1.6.0 (often referred to as the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade
) is the definitive way to experience Hyrule, transforming a masterpiece into a modern technical marvel. While the core game remains the same legendary sandbox, the performance leap provided by this update—exclusive to the next-generation hardware—removes the technical shackles that occasionally held back the original release. Performance and Visuals: A Master Sword Sharpening
The most immediate impact of the update is the technical polish. The original game often struggled with frame drops in busy areas like Korok Forest, but the Switch 2 Edition resolves these long-standing issues. Resolution & HDR : The game now runs at a crisp 4K resolution when docked 1080p in handheld mode
. High Dynamic Range (HDR) support makes the vibrant landscapes of Hyrule "pop," especially during the atmospheric Blue Glow of Shrines or the ominous Blood Moon. Silky 60 FPS : The jump to a consistent 60 frames per second
is transformative. Combat and camera movement feel significantly more responsive and "buttery smooth" compared to the original 30 FPS cap. Lightning Loading : Traversing the map is far more efficient thanks to significantly reduced loading times
, making shrine hunting and fast-traveling feel nearly instantaneous. New Quality-of-Life Features
Beyond the visual overhaul, the 1.6.0 update introduces several exclusive functional upgrades that long-time fans have requested for years: Second Save Slot Important: Version 1
: Players can finally start a fresh playthrough without the risk of overwriting their primary 100% completion save. Zelda Notes Service
: Accessible via the Nintendo Switch app, this feature offers voice directions, audio logs from Princess Zelda, and detailed stat tracking. Social Integration
: You can now share item locations and findings via QR codes. The Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade? According to user reviews on and analysis from
, this update delivers the game as the developers likely intended from the start. Original Switch 1.6.0 / Switch 2 Edition Max Resolution 900p (Docked) 4K (Docked) / 1080p (Handheld) Frame Rate 30 FPS (Unstable) 60 FPS (Stable) HDR Supported Save Slots 1 Manual + Autosaves 2 Manual Save Slots Ultra-Fast
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, this upgrade is essentially "free" in Nintendo terms, making it an absolute must-have for both returning veterans and newcomers alike. to this new version?
1.6.0 update The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild , released on April 25, 2019, is a unique patch that focuses primarily on hardware integration and performance optimizations. While it does not add new story content, it introduced a significant new way to play Hyrule and technical improvements that were previously "exclusive" to this version. 1. Nintendo Labo VR Mode
The headline feature of version 1.6.0 is full compatibility with the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit Full Game Playability
: You can play the entire game in VR, with the exception of pre-rendered cutscenes. How to Enable : Pause the game, go to System > Options , and toggle the VR Goggles setting to "ON". Camera Controls
: In VR mode, you can move the camera by physically tilting your head and looking around, though this can be toggled off in favor of standard joystick controls. Compatibility : This mode is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch and is not supported on the Nintendo Switch Lite. 2. Drastic Load Time Improvements
Version 1.6.0 introduced a "boost mode" for the Switch CPU during loading screens, which significantly reduced wait times across the board. Fast Travel : Loading times for teleporting were reduced by roughly 30% to 50%
. Tests showed some loads dropping from 26 seconds down to 14 seconds. Shrine Entry
: Entering a shrine saw improvements of about 2 seconds, making the transition feel much smoother. 3. Switch-Exclusive Technical Fixes
This update addressed specific bugs that were unique to the Switch version of the game. Lizalfos Glitch : A specific physics-breaking glitch at the Dako Tah Shrine
—triggered by pushing a Lizalfos—was officially patched. Physics Modifications
: Minor internal adjustments were made to certain DLC objects and boss AI, specifically Monk Maz Koshia's teleportation behavior. 4. Technical Caveats & Performance BotW in VR: The good news and bad news. : r/NintendoSwitch
The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild stands as a landmark in gaming history, yet years after its release, rumors regarding a "160 update" continue to circulate within the community. While Nintendo has officially moved its primary focus to the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, the legacy of the original title remains so potent that fans are constantly hunting for exclusive hidden details or surprise patches. Here is the definitive look at the current state of Breath of the Wild and the truth behind recent update rumors.
The myth of a massive 1.6.0 update often stems from a misunderstanding of version numbers versus content expansions. Technically, Breath of the Wild reached version 1.6.0 on the Nintendo Switch primarily to implement VR support via the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. This exclusive feature allowed players to experience Hyrule in a pseudo-3D perspective, marking the final major functional update for the game. However, in the context of modern "exclusive" leaks, many players use the term to describe rumored "Pro" patches or next-gen enhancements.
Exclusive content in the later stages of Breath of the Wild’s lifecycle has largely been relegated to the expansion pass, featuring The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad. Any "new" 160 update content discussed today usually refers to community-driven mods or unofficial graphical overhauls that push the game to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on high-end hardware. These community "exclusives" have kept the game looking modern, even as the official hardware begins to age.
For those still searching for official secrets, Nintendo’s philosophy with Breath of the Wild was one of "multiplicative gameplay." This means that rather than adding new items through small patches, the game is designed for players to find exclusive interactions within the existing 1.6.0 framework. From "world-reset" glitches to hidden dialogue triggers found deep in the game's code, the real exclusive updates are often discovered by the players themselves through experimentation.
As we look toward the future, the prospect of a "1.6.0" style update for a potential Switch successor is the new focal point. While Nintendo has not confirmed a dedicated "Enhanced Edition," the precedent of the 1.6.0 Labo update shows they are willing to revisit the engine to showcase new hardware features. Until then, the version 1.6.0 remains the definitive official ceiling for the masterpiece that redefined open-world gaming. If you'd like to dive deeper into the world of Hyrule: Modding guides for 4K enhancements Glitch hunting tutorials for version 1.6.0 Comparison with Tears of the Kingdom's engine Tell me which area interests you most to get started.
The Zelda: Breath of the Wild version 1.6.0 update (released in late 2021) was exclusive to the Nintendo Switch (not on Wii U). Its main exclusive feature was support for The Legend of Zelda: Game & Watch pre-order bonuses and save data integration.
However, the single most notable exclusive feature added in the 1.6.0 update is:
Quest and progression fixes
Enemy and AI adjustments
Item and inventory fixes
World and physics
User interface
Performance
In the vanilla game, the Rito troubadour Kass leaves his teacher’s diary and vanishes after you clear all shrines. The exclusive update would have added a final cutscene where Kass plays a "Song of the Depths" at night on Satori Mountain, revealing a hidden cave behind the waterfall. Inside was a One-Hit Obliterator variant that recharged with every 160 seconds of perfect parries.