Summary
The special-editionThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomNintendo Switch OLED is sure to catch the attention of manyZeldafans, but it may not be worth picking up. Even though this unique console boasts a pleasant designthat honorsTears of the Kingdomand its iconic art style, knowing more context about Nintendo’s plans is important before deciding to purchase it.
2023 is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s best years in a long time.Tears of the Kingdomis a strong contender for Game of the Year, but other titles likePikmin 4and the upcomingSuper Mario Wonderare sure to be remembered as notable releases as well. 2023 is also the second full year of the Switch OLED and as more players get their hands on the device, more have been appreciating its enhanced visuals, sound, and build quality. Plenty morenew games are coming to the Switch, so it seems like a great time to either invest in Nintendo’s hybrid console or upgrade from the base model, and theTOTKSwitch would be a perfect match forZeldafans. However, consumers may want to hold off on picking up the device when they consider Nintendo’s hardware aspirations.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 Will Likely Be Released in the Near Future
Nintendo has been tight-lipped about the successor to the Nintendo Switch, with even the official name of the console being a mystery. However, many signs point to the device launching relatively soon, possibly as early as next year. If this turns out to be true, it would certainly decrease the value of the special editionThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomSwitch OLED.
Nintendo has suggestedthat the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible, or at least allow players to carry over their Nintendo Online accounts. Given the immense success of the Switch, it’s also likely that the hybrid nature of the console will be making a return, only with improved technical performance. Since the main draw of the Switch OLED is its improved display, it might be better to wait for the Switch 2 before upgrading to the OLED, as it could become obsolete when the new device launches.
Zeldafans who like the design of the special editionTOTKSwitch OLED may want to pick up the device anyway, but even these customers may want to hold off. Credible rumors report that the Switch 2 will featurean enhanced version ofTears of the Kingdom, one that boasts a better frame rate and picture quality. If this turns out to be true, then it seems likely that Nintendo will simply release aTOTK-themed Switch 2, especially considering the company’s affinity for these sorts of special edition consoles. Those who wait for the Switch 2 could get the best of both worlds: a sleekZelda-themed console that is a considerable step-up in terms of power.
If someone doesn’t yet have a regular or OLED Switch, they may be more inclined to purchase theTears of the KingdomSwitch OLED. However, even these individuals might want to hold off for now. Nintendo tends to launchnew consoles alongside flagshipZeldaorMariogames, and these new games will often be bundled with the console. So, if an enhanced edition ofTears of the Kingdomis being developed for the Nintendo Switch 2, prospective buyers can potentially save a bit of cash on a new system and a newZeldagame, while possibly still getting the uniqueTOTKdesign. After all, if someone has gone this long without a Switch, they may as well wait a bit longer.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis currently available on the Nintendo Switch.
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