How The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is better on Switch than Wii U

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild looks pretty good on Wii U, but what are you missing if you don't upgrade to Switch?

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is coming out on both Wii U and Switch, which is very important, since Wii U owners have been waiting for a new Zelda game for pretty much the entire console's lifetime.

However, if you are tempted to jump onto the new hardware, Nintendo has formally outlined the benefits. In a list provided to IGN, the platform holder detailed how Switch build of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild improves on the Wii U version. Here are the relevant points:

• On a TV, the Nintendo Switch version of the game renders in 900p while the Wii U version renders in 720p.
• The Nintendo Switch version has higher-quality environmental sounds. As a result, the sound of steps, water, grass, etc. are more realistic and enhance the game’s Open-Air feel.
• Some icons, such as onscreen buttons, differ between the two versions.
• A Special Edition and Master Edition of the Wii U version are not available.

Otherwise, the two builds of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are identical - same content, same release date, same frame rate of 30fps.

Since they're largely the same, if you are hoping to pick up The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild when it releases in early March, you might want to consider grabbing the Wii U version, since the Switch itself is largely sold out for now.

Nintendo also revealed retail copies of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild require 3GB install space on Wii U, which might be an issue if you've filled up with digital titles.