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As fantastic as Zelda: The Breath of the Wild is, the game does suffer from poor frame rate at times, particularly when the Nintendo Switch is running in docked mode. This has been a widely reported issue that for some reason, is not present on Switch in handheld mode. Fortunately, it looks like Nintendo has found the root cause and has improved performance in a new patch.
This week, Nintendo began pushing out patch 1.1.1 for Breath of the Wild and from the looks of it, frame rates are improved quite a bit while the Switch is docked. Nintendo didn't officially note performance fixes in its patch but the notes do state that “adjustments have been made to make for a more pleasant gaming experience”.
Above, you will find a comparison video from YouTuber ‘ElAnalistaDeBits', showing some gameplay from version 1.1.0 and gameplay from the new 1.1.1 patch. While specific numbers aren't given, the newly recorded footage is much smoother post-patch.
KitGuru Says: I have been avoiding playing Zelda: Breath of the Wild with the Switch docked due to the inconsistent frame rate. However, from the looks of it, this new patch should make that a non-issue going forward. Are any of you guys still playing through the latest Zelda? Have you tried out the new patch yet?
Not bashing the switch just my own thoughts on this. I think if they made the switch with a bit beefier hardware they would not have needed to fine tune it so much to get non jerky frame rates like it showed in the older version of the game. Then again it still has the jerks after the patch to a lesser degree. This is a new handheld/console it should not be showing signs of being maxed out on it’s first big title game so soon after launch like this. If it is maxed out now there really is no where for it to go from here other than the same thing as we see here for the rest of it’s life. Again not trying to bash this console I just see it as not having a very long life in the console market I am sure it is still fun to play on mind you.
Not necessarily maxed out as this game was originally designed around WIIU which had a completely different architecture. I’d imagine they are still fine tuning thier engines and coding for the new architecture etc.
Like all consoles give it time and devs will get more out of it.
Note I’m not saying I wished the Switch had beefier hardware but I’d guess there were multiple reasons why it’s not. Battery/chip availability/cost etc