The short answer is yes. The long answer is that with the "160" configuration, Breath of the Wild isn't just playable; it is arguably the way to experience Hyrule.
: Some reports suggest the upgrade may be included for those with an active Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Physical Editions
The Nintendo Switch and Wii U versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild received a major patch labeled version 1.6.0. This update introduced compatibility with the Nintendo Labo VR Kit, allowing players to experience Hyrule in a virtual reality setting. However, the most significant change brought by this update went completely unmentioned in the official patch notes: a dramatic reduction in game loading times.
1785 MHz (An approximate 75% increase in processing speed) zelda botw 160 update better
Pre-rendered cinematic cutscenes automatically switch back to a standard 2D theatrical format to avoid motion sickness. 🔧 Optimizations for Emulation and Modding Communities
The update ensured the software interacted perfectly with newer Switch firmware features.
: According to deep-dive ROM asset diffs, the update changed metadata values for almost every single interactive actor (enemies, items, environmental physics objects) in the game. By allowing a larger heap size per object, the engine handles heavy multi-physics interactions with fewer performance hitches. The short answer is yes
Why the Zelda BotW 1.6.0 Update Makes a "Better" Experience For fans returning to Hyrule, especially years after its 2017 release, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) remains a masterpiece. However, Nintendo continued to refine the experience long after launch. While many players focus on the major DLC packs (1.3.0 and 1.4.0), the (released in April 2019) introduced crucial, albeit subtle, improvements that made the game better for both casual players and those seeking the ultimate immersive experience.
In an open-world game as massive as Breath of the Wild, reducing the downtime between fast-traveling, entering shrines, or reloading after a "Game Over" drastically improves the pacing of the game. It makes exploration feel smoother and less disruptive. 2. Nintendo Labo VR Support: A Whole New Perspective
While later updates focused on minor bug fixes and supporting the Switch 2 Edition, 1.6.0 stands out as the major patch that made Breath of the Wild on the original Switch a faster, smoother, and more technically impressive experience. If you play Breath of the Wild today and still have to wait through long loading screens, make sure you are running version 1.6.0 or later. This update introduced compatibility with the Nintendo Labo
YES, the Zelda BOTW 1.6.0 update is better. The improved frame rate stability (especially in docked mode), reduced crashing, and fixed memory leaks outweigh the loss of glitches you never used. You will enjoy a smoother, more polished version of the game.
: Traveling through heavy asset zones like the Korok Forest or dense jungles became noticeably more stable.
Version 1.6.0 was primarily launched to enable compatibility with the Nintendo Support .
The game tracks your head movements, letting you look around the vast landscapes naturally.