Though omitted from Nintendo's brief official patch notes, the most impactful change in version 1.6.0 was a total overhaul of the . Technical community testing by outlets like GameXplain confirmed that loading barriers were significantly reduced: In-Game Action Pre-Patch (Ver 1.5.0) Post-Patch (Ver 1.6.0) Performance Boost Fast Traveling to Shrines ~26-28 seconds ~14-15 seconds ~45% Faster Entering Shrines ~13-14 seconds ~10-11 seconds ~25% Faster Booting from Main Menu ~31 seconds ~21 seconds ~32% Faster
: This update includes technical optimizations—often referred to as "overclocking"—that increase the CPU's clock speed during loading screens. Tests show that loading times for teleporting or entering shrines are roughly 20–37% faster than in previous versions. Physics & Glitch Fixes
Fixed a specific Switch-exclusive glitch where pushing a Lizalfos in the Dako Tah Shrine would break the game’s physics engine. zelda botw 1.6.0 update
The headline feature of the 1.6.0 patch notes is official support for the . This addition allowed players to step directly into the boots of the Hero of the Wild like never before.
. By toggling the "VR Goggles" option in the system menu, the game shifts to a stereoscopic view, utilizing the Switch's internal gyroscopes to allow for 360-degree observation of the world. While limited by the console's resolution, it offered a new, immersive perspective on the game's acclaimed art style and scale. Though omitted from Nintendo's brief official patch notes,
: Because the camera still follows Link’s movements, some players may experience vertigo during fast-paced combat or paragliding.
The most publicized feature of the patch was its integration with Nintendo's quirky cardboard crafting kit: Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit . This update made the entire world of Hyrule—from the grassy plains to the fiery peaks of Death Mountain—playable in virtual reality. Physics & Glitch Fixes Fixed a specific Switch-exclusive
So no, 1.6.0 gave you no new armor. No boss rush. No playable Zelda. But it gave you something rarer: proof that somewhere in Kyoto, an engineer still loved the 2017 version of Hyrule enough to dust its shelves one last time.
Switch the setting to and insert your Switch console into the Labo housing.
Most major gameplay glitches remained unpatched in this version, allowing speedrunners and glitch-hunters to continue using known tricks. Summary Table Description Release Date April 25, 2019 Main Addition Nintendo Labo VR Goggles support Key Improvement Faster loading times via CPU "Boost Mode" System Nintendo Switch exclusive
for detailed update history and instructions on how to manually trigger a software update. Consult the Zelda Wiki