Booting up Hyrule on your Switch 2 this week and wondering if you missed a patch? Good news: you probably didn’t. As of October 12, 2026, the latest official versions are Ver. 1.4.3 for Tears of the Kingdom and Ver. 1.9.0 for Breath of the Wild, both released on February 17, 2026.
That makes eight months without a new Zelda patch, even through September’s big 40th anniversary Direct. Here’s the full breakdown: what changed, every update since the Switch 2 Editions arrived, and what’s next.
Latest Zelda Versions at a Glance
Both games got their most recent patch on the same day, just ahead of the series’ 40th anniversary on February 21, 2026. Neither added new content, but one fixes a genuinely annoying completion bug.
| Game | Latest version | Released | Headline change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tears of the Kingdom | 1.4.3 | February 17, 2026 | Black Hinox in Hyrule Castle now registers as defeated |
| Breath of the Wild | 1.9.0 | February 17, 2026 | Thai text support on Switch 2, plus general fixes |
- Applies to: both the original Switch versions and the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions. One update file covers both.
- New content: none. These are maintenance patches.
Tears of the Kingdom Ver. 1.4.3
The fix that matters: a Black Hinox inside Hyrule Castle could show as undefeated even after you beat it. That broke the Hinox Monster Medal for completionists, because the medal needs every Hinox in the game ticked off. Nintendo says downloading the update lets affected players obtain the medal. Several other unspecified issues were also addressed.
(Pro tip: the medal comes from Gralens in the Emergency Shelter at Lookout Landing. He only talks about Hinoxes after you finish the six monster side quests, including WANTED: Hinox and the three Unknown giant monster quests.)
Breath of the Wild Ver. 1.9.0
On Switch 2, Breath of the Wild now supports Thai. Set your system language to Thai/English and the game text switches to Thai. Voice acting stays in English, since Thai audio isn’t available. On both consoles, Nintendo lists general fixes to improve the gameplay experience.
Every Zelda Update Since the Switch 2 Editions
The Switch 2 Editions of both games launched on June 5, 2025. Nintendo pushed the groundwork patches a couple of days earlier, then followed up with a few cleanup releases.
| Date | Tears of the Kingdom | Breath of the Wild |
|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2025 | 1.4.0: Switch 2 Edition support, Brazilian Portuguese, Sidon, Tulin, Yunobo and Riju amiibo support | 1.8.0: Switch 2 Edition support, Brazilian Portuguese |
| June 12, 2025 | 1.4.1: Brazilian Portuguese text revised, fixes | 1.8.1: Brazilian Portuguese text revised, fixes |
| July 3, 2025 | 1.4.2: Brazilian Portuguese text revised, fixes | 1.8.2: Zelda Notes fixes, including Daily Bonus effects at max hearts |
| February 17, 2026 | 1.4.3: Black Hinox medal fix | 1.9.0: Thai support on Switch 2, fixes |
How to Check and Install the Latest Patch
If your console is online with Software Auto-Updates turned on, the patch should already be installed. Here’s how to confirm it in under a minute.
- Step 1: On the HOME Menu, highlight Tears of the Kingdom or Breath of the Wild. Don’t launch it.
- Step 2: Press the + or minus button. The current version number shows under the game’s title.
- Step 3: If it reads anything below 1.4.3 (TOTK) or 1.9.0 (BOTW), select Software Update, then Via the Internet.
- Step 4: Let the download finish, then load your save as normal.
(Pro tip: if the download stalls, check your free storage first. A nearly full system or microSD card is the usual culprit.)
What the Switch 2 Editions Add
The patches above are free for everyone. The Switch 2 Edition is the bigger upgrade, and it’s a separate purchase if you own the original Switch version.
- Visuals: higher resolution, improved frame rates and HDR support on compatible TVs.
- Faster loading: fast travel and loading screens are noticeably quicker.
- Second save slot: start a fresh run without touching your main file. That second file can’t be moved back to the original Switch version, though.
- Zelda Notes: a companion service in the Nintendo Switch App with voiced navigation, Voice Memories, play data, a Daily Bonus and more. It’s exclusive to the Switch 2 Editions.
How to Get the Upgrade
Your best bet depends on what you already have.
- Own the Switch version: buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack from the Nintendo eShop.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: active members who own the base game get the Switch 2 Edition at no extra cost while their membership lasts.
- Starting fresh: buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition outright, which includes the full game.
Want the full verdict on whether it’s worth paying for? Check out our Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition review. Torn between the two games? Our take on which Zelda to play first will settle it.
What’s Next for Zelda on Switch 2
No new patch came out of September’s Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, but plenty else did. Here’s what Nintendo confirmed:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: a new Switch 2 version launches November 5, 2026, with Zelda Notes support from day one.
- 40th Anniversary Switch 2: a Triforce themed console, Pro Controller and carrying case launched on October 29, 2026. Nintendo’s own announcement lists the console as a Japan release.
- Live action movie: the film is officially titled simply The Legend of Zelda.
With Ocarina of Time joining Zelda Notes, a small follow-up patch for BOTW or TOTK wouldn’t be a shock. Nothing is announced, so treat it as a maybe until Nintendo posts it.
Zelda Switch 2 Updates FAQ
What is the latest version of Tears of the Kingdom?
Ver. 1.4.3, released February 17, 2026. It fixes the Black Hinox in Hyrule Castle staying undefeated, which blocked the Hinox Monster Medal.
What is the latest version of Breath of the Wild?
Ver. 1.9.0, released February 17, 2026. It adds Thai text on Switch 2 and includes general fixes on both consoles.
Do I need the Switch 2 Edition to get these updates?
No. Version updates are free and install on both the Switch and Switch 2 versions. Only Switch 2 Edition features like Zelda Notes and HDR need the upgrade.
Is the Switch 2 Edition free with Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, if you’re an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack member and own the base game. You lose access if the membership lapses.
Will my save data carry over to the Switch 2 Edition?
Yes. Your existing save works in the Switch 2 Edition. Only the extra second save slot created there can’t go back to the original Switch version.
Bottom Line: make sure you’re on 1.4.3 and 1.9.0, grab that Hinox medal if the bug caught you, and keep your cartridge or download handy for Ocarina of Time in November. While you wait, plan your next route with our TOTK interactive map or dig into the Tears of the Kingdom guides and Breath of the Wild guides. Nailed it? Then you’re winning!
