For the technical and modding community, v1.6.0 is defined less by its features and more by what it removed. BotW was built on a modified version of the Havok engine, and early versions of the game were riddled with physics exploits that became staples of speedrunning.
When The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched in March 2017, it was hailed as a masterpiece of open-world design. Yet, even masterpieces can be polished. Over the following years, Nintendo released a series of updates, primarily focusing on the game’s ambitious “The Master Trials” and “The Champions’ Ballad” downloadable content (DLC). However, one update stands apart not for adding new swords or story chapters, but for fundamentally altering how players interact with the game’s hardware and share their adventures. Released quietly in late 2019, Version 1.6.0—often searched for as the “BotW 1.6.0 update” or misremembered as the “160 update”—serves as a fascinating case study in post-launch support. This essay argues that while the 1.6.0 update added no new gameplay areas or quests, its integration of in-game screenshots with Nintendo Switch Online and its critical behind-the-scenes bug fixes represented a crucial bridge between the solitary exploration of Hyrule and the modern era of social and utility-driven gameplay.
If you have downloaded the 1.6.0 update, enabling the VR mode is straightforward: Open the pause menu using the button. Navigate to the System tab. Select Options . Find the VR Goggles setting and toggle it to "On" . Place your Nintendo Switch into the Labo VR Goggles.
: The massive reduction in loading screens meant that runners utilizing the 1.6.0 patch could save several minutes over the course of a full-game run compared to older patches. zelda botw 160 update full
Based on aggregated forum reactions (Reddit, GameFAQs, Speedrun.com) from November 2019–December 2019:
Because the Nintendo Labo VR Kit does not feature a head strap, you must hold the console up to your face. Take breaks every 20–30 minutes to avoid arm fatigue and eye strain.
When players started the game after downloading the patch, the most immediate thing they noticed was that everything loaded faster—much faster. Exiting a Shrine sped up from 17 seconds to just , and entering them dropped from 13 seconds down to 10 seconds . Fast traveling was suddenly snappier, and loading a save file from the title screen was reduced from 31 seconds to approximately 21 seconds . For the technical and modding community, v1
Following the 1.6.0 update, Nintendo shifted focus to the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom
In fact, because the automated CPU overclocking significantly lowers loading screen downtime during speedruns, the community widely adopts for runs on Nintendo hardware. Modern Compatibility and System Upgrades
The most notable addition in 1.9.0 was the inclusion of for the text when playing on a Switch 2 console set to Thai/English, as well as general stability fixes for both the original Switch and the new hardware. However, for players who stuck with the original Switch 1.6.0 remains a definitive milestone in the game's post-launch support. Yet, even masterpieces can be polished
You cannot access the Labo VR functionality without this update. How to Update Your Game
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo, has received several updates since its release in 2017. One of the most significant updates is the 1.6.0 update, also known as the "160 update". In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about this update, including its release date, patch notes, new features, and fixes.
: Implemented minor physics and experience fixes, including fixing a rare bug where pushing a Lizalfos inside the Dako Tah Shrine would crash the game engine. The Hidden Upgrade: Drastically Faster Load Times
According to official Nintendo insights, the official patch notes for are concise:
While the VR experience is limited by the 720p resolution of the Switch screen being split, it offers a fresh, intimate perspective on Hyrule's art design.