Botw Update 160 2021

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

Nintendo did not release a formal Version 1.6.0 for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

in 2021. The game's final major update was Version 1.6.0, which was actually released on April 25, 2019, to add support for the Nintendo Labo VR Kit Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

If you are looking for a guide on how the game stood in 2021 or how to manage that specific version today, here is a concise guide. Breath of the Wild Version 1.6.0 (The Final Update) The primary purpose of this version was VR integration.

VR Mode: Players can toggle "VR Goggles" in the Options menu. This allows you to play the entire game using the Nintendo Labo VR Kit

Third-Person Perspective: Unlike other VR experiences, the camera remains in a third-person view, allowing you to look around Hyrule by moving your head.

Performance Improvements: This update included minor technical refinements that fixed small glitches and optimized load times across the Switch and Wii U versions. 2021 Legacy Guide: Reaching 100% Completion

By 2021, the "100%" meta was fully established. To see your completion percentage on the Sheikah Slate's map, you must first defeat Calamity Ganon.

Korok Seeds (72%): The largest portion of the map percentage. You must find all 900 Korok Seeds. botw update 160 2021

Shrines (10.1%): Complete all 120 Shrines (plus DLC shrines if applicable).

Location Discovery (18.08%): You must physically visit every named location on the map, including bridges and ruins.

Divine Beasts: Defeat all four Divine Beasts (Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, and Vah Naboris). Technical Tips for 1.6.0

Checking Your Version: On the Nintendo Switch Home Screen, highlight the BOTW icon, press the + Button, and look at the version number under the game title.

Updating: If you aren't on 1.6.0, select Software Update > Via the Internet from that same menu.

Emulation (Cemu): For players on PC, 1.6.0 is the standard stable version. Many users use the Cemu Emulator along with community tools like UKMM (Universal Kingdom Mod Manager) to manage mods and graphic packs.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) remains one of the most significant titles in gaming history, yet its post-launch maintenance period is often characterized by minor stability adjustments rather than major content additions. In 2021, the game received Update 1.6.0, a patch that primarily served as a technical bridge for external hardware integration and general system stability. This paper explores the specific changes introduced in this update, the context of its release, and its impact on the player experience. Technical Scope and Features

Released on February 17, 2021, Update 1.6.0 was not intended to expand the vast world of Hyrule with new quests or items. Instead, its primary function was to ensure compatibility and stability across the Nintendo Switch ecosystem. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Version 1

VR Mode Refinement: The most notable aspect of the 1.6.0 update was the continued refinement of the Toy-Con VR Goggles support (part of the Nintendo Labo: VR Kit). The update addressed minor display issues to provide a smoother visual experience when using the VR peripheral.

System Stability: Following Nintendo’s standard patch nomenclature, the update included "several issues have been fixed to improve the gameplay experience." This typically refers to minor bug fixes, memory leak preventions, and optimization of loading sequences that might have been impacted by newer Switch firmware versions.

Amiibo Functionality: The patch ensured seamless interaction with the growing library of Amiibo figures, maintaining the integrity of the daily drop system which provides players with rare materials and gear. Context of the 2021 Release

To understand why Update 1.6.0 was relatively small, one must look at the broader timeline of the franchise. By early 2021, Nintendo’s development focus had shifted entirely to the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.

Legacy Maintenance: As a title nearing its fourth anniversary at the time of the patch, BotW had already received its major DLC expansions (The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad). Update 1.6.0 represented the "maintenance phase" of the game's lifecycle.

Hardware Synchronization: The update coincided with broader Nintendo Switch system firmware updates, necessitating minor code adjustments in flagship titles to prevent software crashes or compatibility errors with the console's operating system. Impact on the Player Base

For the average player, the transition to version 1.6.0 was largely invisible. Unlike version 1.5.0, which notably added the VR goggles support, 1.6.0 acted as a silent polish.

Performance: Players reported consistent frame rates in notoriously taxing areas like the Great Hyrule Forest, suggesting that while no major overhauls occurred, the "stability" fixes helped maintain the game's performance standards. A: Not significantly

Speedrunning and Glitches: The speedrunning community closely monitors updates for the patching of useful glitches (such as "Windbombing" or "Whistle Sprinting"). Update 1.6.0 did not remove these beloved exploits, much to the relief of the competitive community. Conclusion

Update 1.6.0 for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands as a testament to the game's polished state four years after its debut. While it offered no new narrative content, it fulfilled the essential role of technical upkeep. By stabilizing the VR experience and ensuring compatibility with the Nintendo Switch’s evolving firmware, Nintendo ensured that Hyrule remained a functional and immersive world for both new players and returning veterans.

🚀 Key Takeaway: 1.6.0 was a "housekeeping" patch designed for stability rather than content.

If you'd like more details on this topic, I can help you with:

Comparing 1.6.0 to earlier major updates like 1.5.0 (VR support). A breakdown of Tears of the Kingdom technical updates. The history of Nintendo Labo integration in flagship games.


A: Not significantly. One or two fewer drops in the Great Hyrule Forest, but otherwise identical to 1.5.0.

The main feature of this update was adding compatibility for the then-upcoming Nintendo Switch OLED Model.