While Version 1.6.0 dropped on April 25, 2019, it became a highly searched keyword in 2021 for three specific reasons:
The 1.6.0 update for Breath of the Wild was designed specifically to integrate Nintendo's new experimentation with Virtual Reality.
Added a "VR Goggles" setting in the Options menu under System. This allows players to experience the entire game through the Nintendo Labo VR Goggles Toggle Feature:
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 botw update 160 2021
This stealth upgrade saved players hours of cumulative waiting time, making exploration feel much more seamless. 🎮 Impact on Glitches and the Speedrunning Community
Content creators in 2021 widely popularized sophisticated end-game exploits—such as keeping the legendary Bow of Light outside the final boss arena and gathering 999 Fairies . Players constantly checked if 1.6.0 was safe to perform these glitches or if they had been patched.
If you want to dive deeper into the technical side of this update, let me know. I can share details on received this security patch or provide a list of the best gameplay glitches that survived the update. Share public link While Version 1
Although the core update dropped previously, the ongoing community discussions and the resurgence of the game in 2021 proved that version 1.6.0 remained a cornerstone in the Zelda lifespan. Whether you are a newcomer experiencing the game for the first time or a veteran returning to Hyrule, this update reshaped the way fans interacted with Link's journey. What Was Included in Update 1.6.0?
When the game registers a loading screen (such as fast-traveling, entering shrines, or booting up), the Switch’s CPU briefly overclocks from its standard . This structural change altered the user experience drastically: In-Game Action Pre-Update (v1.5.0) Load Time Post-Update (v1.6.0) Load Time Percentage Faster Fast-Traveling / Teleporting ~31 Seconds ~21 Seconds 32% Faster Entering a Shrine ~16 Seconds ~10 Seconds 37% Faster Exiting a Shrine ~8 Seconds ~6 Seconds 21% Faster The Glitch Landscape: What Kept and Broke in 1.6.0
is one of unexpected transformations. While the update itself actually launched on , it remained a hot topic throughout 2021 as a definitive, "final" major era for the game before its sequel's hype took over. Experience the World of Hyrule in VR This
For the average player, the update was invisible. Your save file remained compatible. Your DLC progress remained unchanged. You did not suddenly gain new items, and the frame rate in Korok Forest stayed roughly the same (still choppy on original Switch hardware).
On a stock Switch, no. On a hacked Switch, yes—but you risk save corruption.
While the Breath of the Wild era has given way to new adventures in Hyrule, the 1.6.0 update remains a fascinating piece of Nintendo's history. It proved that one of the biggest games of the generation could successfully transition into virtual reality, leaving fans wondering how future titles might utilize the technology. Let’s Continue the Adventure!
This unexpected update drastically altered the meta for the Speedrun Community, making 1.6.0 the mandatory baseline patch for competitive runs. 💻 Preservation, Emulation, and Romhacking
An important distinction about Version 1.6.0 is that it was . The Wii U version of Breath of the Wild did not receive this specific update.