Breath Of The Wild 2 Theory Hints At Nintendo Switch Pro Release
Is that the clip-clop of Epona's hooves and the dulcet tones of an ocarina we can hear? With Zelda fans rightly disappointed that the long-awaited Nintendo Direct didn't have even a hint that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is on the way, a wild theory claims the next-gen title will be coming to the Nintendo Switch Pro. 2021 will mark two years since the sequel was announced at E3 2019, meaning that even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we were expecting more of an update by now.
For those who've been keeping up on their Nintendo developments, the aftermath of the Direct has arguably been more interesting than the presentation itself. As well as The Pokemon Company announcing the long-rumoured Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remasters, there's been even more proof that a Nintendo Switch Pro (working name) is on the way. More than just a souped-up system, there are reports the new Switch will have its own exclusives. Could Breath of the Wild 2 really be one of them?
What is the Breath of the Wild 2 theory?
When news that the upgraded Nintendo Switch would come with a 1440p screen and use Nvidia DLSS 2.0 AI tech started doing the rounds on ResetEra, it quickly led to speculation about what this could mean for Nintendo software moving forward. Going against the most recent leaks, there's a suggestion the new Switch won't release until 2022. If this is the case, Breath of the Wild 2 could come with it as a flagship title.
In response to the upgraded Switch news, one gamer mused, "My best guess is that they will re-reveal BotW 2 running on the Switch Pro with DLSS 4K functionality. It will launch alongside the Switch Pro in Q1 2022. This gives us a nice and steady stream of Zelda releases for the 35th anniversary, starting with SS HD in July and TP and WW HD in Q3 2021. If we're super lucky, they will have OoT and MM 3D HD for Christmas".
Remembering when the OG Switch released back in 2017 with Breath of the Wild as its shining star, this is one crackpot theory that isn't as batsh*t crazy as it sounds. Diving deeper down the rabbit hole, a different ResetEra thread contained an interesting claim from "insider" NateDrake. We recently covered NateDrake's speculation on what Bethesda is doing with Starfield.
Does the Breath of the Wild 2 theory mean it will release on the Switch Pro?
NateDrake discussed the prospect of games coming exclusively to the new Switch, which makes sense to promote the console as more than just a graphical boost. "There will be some select exclusives, especially from third-party partners”, said NateDrake. Maintaining that they've got the inside track, they wrote, "May not be a big number of them, but I know of at least one". ResetEra soon exploded with theories about what some of the exclusives could be. Dare we hope for Red Dead Redemption 2 on the Switch Pro?
As we continue to try and guess what Nintendo is planning, the concept of Breath of the Wild 2 releasing on the new Switch is an interesting one. In theory, the Switch is only about halfway through its presumed life cycle, suggesting it's a little early to start shifting everything to a new console. We just can't see Nintendo making BotW 2 an upgraded Switch exclusive (just imagine the uproar), however, it's easy to imagine it launching alongside the new and improved console with a port that runs even better on the bigger and better Switch.
ResetEra has a sketchy track record at best, so let's wait and see what the rest of the year's big gaming showcases have to offer. Either way, we're left waiting with bated "breath" for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
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