For those interested in a detailed breakdown of the changes and fixes included in the update 1.6.0, here are the official patch notes:
: Like most Nintendo patches, it included various small adjustments and stability improvements to enhance the overall gameplay experience.
| Action | Before 1.6.0 | After 1.6.0 | Improvement | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | ~17 seconds | ~11 seconds | ~35% faster | | Entering a Shrine | ~13 seconds | ~10 seconds | ~23% faster | | Loading a Save File | ~31 seconds | ~21 seconds | ~32% faster | | Using Fast Travel | ~19 seconds | ~11 seconds | ~42% faster | | Death/Game Over Reload | ~16 seconds | ~11 seconds | ~31% faster | | Leaving a Shrine (alt.) | ~17 seconds | ~11 seconds | ~6 seconds saved |
While not explicitly listed in the official notes, many users reported that the update improved load times slightly, as noted by gaming experts 1.2.1. How to Access VR Mode in BOTW botw update 160 upd
: The feature works with existing save data but does not apply to pre-rendered cutscenes.
: General "behind-the-scenes" fixes were included to improve the overall experience. Technical Performance
A toggle for the VR Goggles was added under "Options" in the System menu. For those interested in a detailed breakdown of
Environmental and physics fixes
: Unlike small side-modes in other titles, Version 1.6.0 allowed users to experience the entire overworld of Hyrule in VR using their existing save data.
is one of the most significant technical patches in the game's history, fundamentally changing how the Nintendo Switch handles the open-world engine. Released by Nintendo, this specific patch introduced fully integrated Virtual Reality support via the Nintendo Labo VR Kit and quieted community performance concerns by implementing a system-level CPU clock speed boost that drastically reduced loading times across Hyrule. : General "behind-the-scenes" fixes were included to improve
Nintendo's official patch notes mentioned "fixing other issues" to enhance the overall player experience 1.2.3.
Following the release of Version 1.6.0, modders quickly developed custom patches and tools to enhance the experience. Using capture hardware and specialized software, players could run Breath of the Wild in full VR on high-end PC headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Some talented modding teams even went a step further, creating modifications that allowed for both first-person and third-person perspectives, offering a truly immersive virtual reality experience far beyond what was officially possible. These tools, such as the "botw-symbols" toolkit for static linking with BotW 1.6.0, show how the official update acted as a foundation for deeper community-driven experimentation.
: Various minor fixes were implemented to improve the overall gameplay experience. Historical Context (As of April 2026)
If your console hasn't updated automatically, you can manually trigger it using these steps: Connect your Nintendo Switch to the internet .