Botw Update 160 Exclusive | [patched]

The 1.6.0 update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

(BotW) was a notable patch released in April 2019 that primarily focused on technical optimizations and a unique hardware integration. Core Update Features

The most significant "exclusive" additions in version 1.6.0 included:

VR Mode Support: This update added compatibility with the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit. Players could toggle a "VR Goggles" option in the game settings to view Hyrule in a 3D perspective.

Significantly Reduced Load Times: The update introduced a "boost mode" that increased the Switch's CPU clock speed during loading screens. This slashed wait times when fast-traveling or entering Shrines by several seconds. Context & Recent Enhancements botw update 160 exclusive

While 1.6.0 was the final major content-adjacent patch for the original Nintendo Switch version, recent developments have introduced further technical leaps:

Switch 2 Edition: Reports from mid-2025 indicate a "Switch 2 Edition" of BotW that supports 4K resolution and a locked 60fps, along with even faster loading times (roughly 5-6 seconds for fast travel).

Performance Comparison: Unlike the original 900p (docked) and 30fps of the Switch version, these newer enhancements on updated hardware improve draw distance and shadow quality.

For a deep dive into the technical specifics of how the 1.6.0 update changed the game's performance, the Reddit speedrunning community's breakdown provides detailed comparisons of the loading speed increases. 6.0 performance and the newer Switch 2 enhancements? The 1

What Is "BotW Update 1.6.0 Exclusive"?

It is a fan-made compilation patch (not from Nintendo) that adds features originally cut from the game or locked behind Amiibo/event distributions. It is most famous for enabling:

It is primarily used with Cemu emulator (Wii U version) or modded Switch (less common).

4. New Shrine Quests (Fan-made)

The mod adds 6 shrine quests using cut dialogue and incomplete shrines from the game’s code:

These reward the exclusive gear above.

The Trigger: The Silent Princess Blooms

This is not a typical patch. You won’t see a download bar. Instead, players report that after the update (which installs invisibly in the background), a single new line of dialogue appears if you visit Zelda’s study in Hyrule Castle at midnight during a blood moon.

Paya, having traveled to the castle to research ancient tech, whispers: “The Sheikah Slate is vibrating. It sees a frequency… below the labyrinth.”

This kicks off “The Sealed Terrace” – a 10-hour epilogue that reframes the entire ending of Breath of the Wild.

The Exclusive Content: 5 Things Not in Your Game

Here is the verified list of what the 1.6.0 exclusive build contains. These are not mods; these are native Nintendo assets. The "Unreleased" 2020-2021 Virtual Console / Switch Online

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