Back when The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was released on Nintendo Switch in 2017, it was regarded as one of the most beautiful looking games on the new system. In fact, the open world title has become one of the highest ranking Switch games of all time, and for good reason. Aside from the aforementioned expansive map, as well as the fact that it's one of the most popular gaming franchises, it's also stunning to look at. However, one group of people have been working hard to make it look even more amazing.
In a video uploaded to YouTube recently, Digital Dreams has been showing off various locations in Breath of the Wild, only with a boost in graphics. In particular, this iteration utilizes ray tracing features and 8K resolution. The result, as many can image, is an incredible example of just how much better this already beautiful looking game can be when more advanced graphical technology is applied to older releases.
However, according to a report from DSO Gaming, Digital Dreams' version is being run through an emulation called Cemu. Cemu is a WiiU emulator for PC that has been used to run games like Breath of the Wild in the past. This means that this version of the beloved RPG is running on PC rather than through the Switch itself. But that shouldn't detract from what the end result is, which is an impressive display of visual acuity that makes the world, and lighting, around Link really pop. It shows just what can be achieved and how much can be improved on games that are now several years old.
This is also not the first time the team has done something like this. Last year, Digital Dreams showed off additional Breath of Wild 8K footage, as well as showing what Skyrim looks like with 500 mods installed. The modders are clearly interested in bringing a newer and more up-to-date look to older titles, and it really seems to pay off.
With the Legend of Zelda game now approaching its fifth year, many fans are waiting patiently for Breath of the Wild 2, which is hopefully on track for a 2022 release. Link's adventures do not seem to be showing any signs of slowing down, and it will be interesting to see just how expansive and gorgeous subsequent installments will look, whether modded or not.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available for Nintendo Switch.
Source: DSO Gaming