Summary
- Switch 2 hardware promises a bigger and more stable game in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.
- The producer and studio head highlighted a better frame rate and more enemies in the upcoming game, thanks to the new system.
- Switch 2 could offer improved performance compared to Age of Calamity on the original Switch, setting high expectations for fans.
Nintendo fans recently learned that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment should have a better frame rate and more enemies, thanks to the more powerful Switch 2 hardware. While Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment still does not have a release date, players have already received several looks at the upcoming hack-and-slash game developed by Koei Tecmo.
First announced during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct on April 2, Age of Imprisonment is one of many games scheduled to come to the new console. The next installment in the Hyrule Warriors series is expected to tell a story about the events leading up to 2023’s Tears of the Kingdom and focuses on Princess Zelda as she travels back in time to the Imprisoning War. Besides a canonical story, the game will feature more of the chaotic action the series is known for. While the battles in Age of Calamity on the original Switch struggled with frame rate issues, the development team for Age of Imprisonment looks committed to bringing solid performance to the new game.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Has One Tall Order it Must Fulfill
There are several challenges that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment must face, and one of the greatest is establishing its own mechanical identity.
In a new Creator’s Voice video, producer Ryota Matsushita and AAA games studio head Yosuke Hayashi discussed the upcoming game and highlighted the Switch 2. According to Matsushita, the more powerful hardware allowed the development team to add more enemies to battles. While he noted that more does not always mean better, he said it added to the “realism and excitement of the battlefield” in the case of Age of Imprisonment.
Switch 2 Will Offer Better Frame Rate for Age of Imprisonment
Besides adding even more enemies to the fray, the Switch 2 will allow the game to run at a better frame rate. Hayashi emphasized the importance of better performance for Age of Imprisonment compared to Age of Calamity on the original Switch. These improvements were showcased in several gameplay clips seen in the Creator’s Voice video, with the game appearing to run at 60fps for the most part. This is a big deal for series fans, as Age of Calamity often struggled to reach 30fps on the Switch, causing a choppy experience.
It is worth noting that not much gameplay for Age of Imprisonment has been revealed so far. As a result, it is impossible to know how smooth the performance will be throughout the story. Nevertheless, the comments from Matsushita and Hayashi are promising. In addition, the game is still in development, meaning the developers will continue to refine the experience in the months leading up to release.
While Age of Imprisonment is not coming until sometime this winter, Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild will be getting Switch 2 upgrades at the system’s launch. As part of the lineup of Switch 2 Edition games, players can pay to upgrade these games to receive enhanced resolutions, frame rates, and more on the more powerful hardware. With all of these Zelda-related updates coming in 2025, fans have a lot to look forward to in the weeks ahead.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- November 6, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
Battle hordes of enemies in the untold story of the Imprisoning War
Fight the war for Ancient Hyrule! Step on to the battlefield as Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and other legendary heroes as you fight to reclaim your homeland—and live the story of Demon King Ganondorf’s invasion that was only briefly alluded to in The Legend of Zelda™: Tears of the Kingdom game.
Fight alongside new and familiar heroes to defend Hyrule from the Demon King
Princess Zelda is not alone in this war! Join Mineru, the Sages, and even some brand-new heroes in battles against Ganondorf’s forces. Combine powerful Zonai Devices with your heroes’ signature abilities to take down powerful bosses and their legions of minions.
Team up with a friend in two-player local co-op via split screen or GameShare
Join up with a friend for two-player local co-op, and you can spread out to cover more ground as the war unfolds—or stick together and combine your powers to smash the opposition. Play split-screen on a single system, or on two separate systems via GameShare*—either way, only one person needs to have the game.
Tap any The Legend of Zelda series amiibo™ for extra items
Scan any The Legend of Zelda series amiibo figure** to get in-game rewards including crafting materials and other items that you might find helpful in your quest to defeat the Demon King!
Use save data from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to get additional weapons
If you have save data from the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity game on your system when you play, you’ll receive a High Guard’s Claymore. If you have save data from the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, you receive a High Guard’s Sword. These weapons can be redeemed after returning to the Hyrule map upon completion of The Howling Tempest mission.
- Franchise
- The Legend of Zelda, Dynasty Warriors
- Genre(s)
- Action, Hack and Slash
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
