The main feature of this update was adding compatibility for the then-upcoming Nintendo Switch OLED Model.
Update 1.6.0 (2021) is the most boring important patch for Breath of the Wild.
It didn’t fix frame drops or add a hard mode. But it quietly unlocked the original Japanese voice track for everyone — a genuine win for preservation and player choice.
If you’re modding BOTW or revisiting it before Tears of the Kingdom, you can safely install 1.6.0 without fear of breaking anything. Just don’t expect miracles.
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While there was no major content update released specifically in 2021, many players returning to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
that year were experiencing the effects of the final major performance patch, Version 1.6.0
. This update is best known for drastically improving technical performance rather than adding new quests. Technical Review: Version 1.6.0
The most significant impact of this version is a "hidden" optimization that makes the game feel much modern and fluid compared to its launch state. Drastically Faster Loading Times
: The standout feature of 1.6.0 is a massive reduction in loading screens. By utilizing a "Boost Mode" that temporarily overclocked the Switch's CPU during transitions, fast-traveling and entering shrines became nearly twice as fast—dropping from ~26 seconds to roughly 14 seconds in many cases. VR Mode via Nintendo Labo : This update officially introduced support for the Nintendo Labo VR Kit
. While it allows you to play the entire game in VR (except for cutscenes), it is largely considered a novelty due to the 720p resolution of the Switch screen, which can lead to eye strain during long sessions. Stability and Glitch Fixes
: Several minor physics bugs were addressed, including a specific glitch involving Lizalfos at the Dako Tah Shrine that could previously break the physics engine. Speedrunning Impact
: Despite the faster loading times, most speedrunners actually benefited from this update as it did not patch out major movement exploits like "Windbombing" (Impact Launching) or "Stasis Launches," keeping the high-level competitive scene intact. 2021 "Update" Context October 2021 , Nintendo released a special Expansion Pass Edition
physical cartridge exclusively in Japan. This version includes the base game and all DLC (The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad) directly on the game card, making it a highly sought-after "definitive edition" for collectors.
Are you looking to troubleshoot an installation issue or check if a specific glitch still works in this version?
Update 1.6.0 (2021)
While the update was relatively minor, it demonstrated Nintendo's continued support for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a game that received widespread critical acclaim upon its release in 2017. botw update 160 2021
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The story of Version 1.6.0 for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
is one of unexpected transformations. While the update itself actually launched on April 25, 2019, it remained a hot topic throughout 2021 as a definitive, "final" major era for the game before its sequel's hype took over.
Here is the breakdown of what made this specific update a legend in the community: 🥽 The "VR" Revolution
The headline feature of 1.6.0 was support for the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit.
Immersive Hyrule: Players could experience the entire game (except cutscenes) through VR Goggles.
New Perspectives: You could toggle the VR mode at any time via the "Options" menu under the "System" tab.
Experimental Feel: It was a unique, low-tech way to "stand" in Hyrule, though many players found the 720p resolution of the Switch screen challenging for long sessions. ⚡ The Secret Speed Boost
The most "impactful" part of 1.6.0 for daily players wasn't the VR—it was a hidden performance boost.
Drastic Loading Times: This update significantly optimized the game's data loading.
Half the Wait: Fast-traveling to certain areas (like the Temple of Time) saw load times drop from 26 seconds down to just 14 seconds.
The "Boost Mode": It was discovered that this update utilized the Switch's "boost mode" clock speed during loading screens, a technique first seen in Super Mario Odyssey. 🛠️ Patch Highlights
While it didn't add new quests or items, 1.6.0 was about refining the experience: How to Update The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Version 1.6.0, released in April 2019 but frequently seen in 2021 due to delayed updates, introduced Nintendo Labo VR support and significantly faster load times through technical optimization. This final major feature update allows for full, immersive gameplay in VR and includes bug fixes to enhance overall stability. For more information, visit Nintendo Everything. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Version History
While there was no official game content update labeled "1.6.0" released specifically in , the history of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild The main feature of this update was adding
updates is often a point of confusion for players. Most "updates" players noticed in 2021 were actually Nintendo Switch system stability updates rather than changes to the game itself.
Below is an article clarifying the update history and what players were actually seeing during that period. The Truth Behind the 2021 "BotW Update" Four years after its release, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
remains a cornerstone of the Nintendo Switch library. In late 2021, many players were surprised to see "Update" notifications when launching the game, sparking rumors of secret content or hidden patches. Here is the breakdown of what really happened. 1. The "Ghost" Update of 2021
In 2021, many players reported seeing an update bar when opening Breath of the Wild . However, official records from and community databases like Zelda Wiki
confirm that no new game software versions were released that year. The confusion typically stemmed from Nintendo Switch System Update 13.2.1
(and similar stability patches). Because the Switch often prompts for system updates right as you launch a game, it can appear as though the game itself is being patched. 2. Actual Milestone: Version 1.6.0 Version 1.6.0 was actually released on April 26, 2019 . It was a significant milestone that introduced: VR Support: Compatibility with the Nintendo Labo VR Kit
, allowing players to experience Hyrule in a specialized "VR Goggles" mode. Performance Boost:
This patch notably improved load times across the board by optimizing CPU clock speeds during loading screens. 3. The 2021 Discovery Era While there were no code updates in 2021, the speedrunning and glitch-hunting community
had a massive year. In 2021, players discovered "Pickup Smuggling" and "Golden Gauntlets" glitches, which allowed for incredible physics-defying feats. For many fans, these community discoveries felt like "new content," even though the game's code remained unchanged from the official end of development in 2017. 4. Looking Ahead: Future Updates
While the game sat largely idle for years, Nintendo eventually released Version 1.9.0 in early 2026. This surprise update was designed to: Prepare the game for Nintendo Switch 2 language support. Fix long-standing glitches like the Bow Lock Super Slide (BLSS) Gaming Reinvented Summary of Major Patch Milestones Release Date Key Feature March 2017 Framerate improvements (The "Great Plateau" fix) Xenoblade Chronicles 2 crossover gear
Chinese (Simplified/Traditional) and Korean language support April 2019 VR Goggles Support and faster loading Switch 2 optimization and performance polish
If you're interested in diving back into Hyrule, I can help you with: A guide to the best glitches still working in the latest version fastest way to find all 900 Korok Seeds How to prepare your save file for the Switch 2 update Let me know which area of Hyrule you'd like to explore next! What Changed in Today's BotW Update? - Gaming Reinvented
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) did not receive any major content or feature updates. The game’s final major official update, Version 1.6.0 , was actually released earlier in April 2019 to add VR support for the Nintendo Labo VR Kit
If you are seeing "update 1.6.0" referenced in a 2021 context, it likely refers to technical maintenance or players managing emulator files (like ) to ensure compatibility with modern systems. Summary of Version 1.6.0 (April 2019)
The primary function of this version was to integrate VR functionality. VR Goggles Support: Would you like a version of this post
Added a "VR Goggles" setting in the Options menu under System. This allows players to experience the entire game through the Nintendo Labo VR Goggles Toggle Feature:
Players can switch the VR view on or off at any time during gameplay. Technical Fixes:
Minor bug fixes were included to maintain game stability across both the Nintendo Switch and Wii U versions. Updating Your Game
For players looking to ensure their game is on the latest version as of 2021 or later: On Nintendo Switch: Highlight the BotW icon on the Home Menu, press the , and select Software Update > Via the Internet On Wii U / Cemu: Title Manager
within the emulator to verify your version or install update files through the File > Install game title menu path. Nintendo Support Progress Tracking (Post-Update)
Once your game is updated and you have defeated the final boss, new trackers appear to help you reach 100% completion: Map Completion:
A percentage tracker appears in the bottom-left corner of the Sheikah Slate map. Quest Counters:
Your quest log will display "X / Y" for completed Shrine and Side Quests. or troubleshoot a specific emulator error related to this update? [Cemu] Tutorial Install Updates & DLC Like a Pro 13 Jan 2025 —
No. Unlike previous updates (which added the Hero’s Path Mode, Master Cycle Zero, or Ancient Saddle), BOTW update 160 2021 added zero new gameplay items, quests, or armor. It was strictly a maintenance and backend patch.
However, one quality-of-life change slipped through: the Photo Album’s sorting filter now remembers your last choice. A tiny fix, but one that saved thousands of clicks for completionists hunting down every fauna entry.
If you’re just now returning to Hyrule and your game still says “Ver. 1.5.0” or lower, here’s how to get the 2021 patch.
When you search for "botw update 160 2021," you might expect a list of secret features or lost content. Instead, you’ll find a stability patch that did more than anyone realized. It killed a crash, saved a VR goggle, whispered hints of a floating castle, and polished a legend for its final ride.
If you haven’t updated yet, do it. Not for the excitement—for the respect. Version 1.6.0 was the last goodbye from Nintendo’s development team to the Hyrule they built.
Game Version: 1.6.0
Release Date: June 21, 2021
File Size: 380 MB (Switch) / 425 MB (Wii U)
Does it break glitches? Only "Moon Jump." Speedrun world records remain intact.
Have you noticed any other changes in BOTW update 1.6.0? Share your findings in the comments below. For more Zelda patch history, check out our deep dive into Version 1.3.0 (The Trial of the Sword).