Understanding Breath of the Wild Update 1.6.0: VR, Enhancements, and the 2021 Context
Note: As of February 2026, the software update history shows much newer versions (e.g., 1.9.0) available when playing on newer Nintendo consoles. Experience the World of Hyrule in VR
| Aspect | Verdict | |--------|---------| | | None | | Performance boost | None | | New content | None | | Voice language unlock | Yes (major) | | Subtitle expansion | Yes | | TotK prep | Likely | | Worth updating for | Only if you want JP voices or different subtitles |
Not significantly. One or two fewer drops in the Great Hyrule Forest, but otherwise identical to 1.5.0.
The primary catalyst for version 1.6.0 was . Nintendo introduced the Toy-Con 04: VR Kit , and they ensured their flagship title took full advantage of the new hardware. Here is exactly what the patch introduced: botw update 160 2021
: You must physically visit every named location on the map, including bridges and ruins.
(key change)
But dataminers and the community found the real changes.
Have you noticed any changes in BotW after updating to 1.6.0? Share your experience in the comments below (or on our forums). And if you’re moving on to Tears of the Kingdom, remember: stability is its own kind of courage. Understanding Breath of the Wild Update 1
So why the confusion? The search term might be a misremembering or a typo based on updates that did happen in 2021. For example, modding communities often reference game files and versions as base points. In 2021, a popular project was the "botw-save-state," a save state mod for BotW version 1.6.0 designed for speedrun practice. This means that while the game update was from 2019, tools and discussions surrounding it were very active throughout 2021.
Locating the available in the 1.6.0 endgame.
: 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
: It addressed minor bugs to improve the overall gameplay experience. 🕶️ The Virtual Reality Experience in Hyrule The primary catalyst for version 1
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
So, while "botw update 160 2021" might not be accurate as a release date, it correctly points to a unique and pivotal moment in the game's post-launch support. Version 1.6.0 stands as a testament to Nintendo's willingness to experiment with their flagship titles, even if it was primarily an advertisement for the Labo VR Kit. For many, it offered a new—albeit flawed—way to see Hyrule. For others, it was just another patch that fixed a few bugs and prepared the game for its future in the modding community.
To try this for yourself:
of the game, which reportedly features significantly enhanced performance and visuals compared to the 2017-2021 versions. Comparison: Original Updates vs. Next-Gen Enhancements Original 1.6.0 (2021) Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (2025/2026 Expected) Frame Rate 30 FPS (Cap) Resolution 900p (Docked) Up to 4K or 1440p (Dynamic) Visual Tech Standard Lighting HDR Support & Improved Shadows Faster Loading Times from that era, or are you interested in new features found in the successor, Tears of the Kingdom