Skip to main content

'Zelda: Breath of the Wild' gives away items for using Nintendo Switch News

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Expansion Pass - Nintendo E3 2017
Struggling to make your way through The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild after using up your Amiibo figures and checking every strategy guide imaginable? The game’s latest update might be just what you need to get the strategic edge, as it gives you in-game items just for reading the Nintendo Switch’s News application.

It launched on Wednesday — though the update for the game has already been released — the Nintendo Switch News channel will include articles and other information designed to help you make your way through Breath of the Wild. By reading specific pieces, you will automatically earn new items for use in the game. These won’t be universal for each player, but will instead be determined based on how much progress you already made in the game up to that point.

The update also includes a patch for the game’s first expansion pass, The Master Trials. Previously, killing enemies for the character Kilton could not be counted correctly, which stopped players from fully completing the game in “Master Mode.”

For extra items in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, as well as cool new gear, the Zelda-themed Amiibo figures are still a great resource. The “Toon Link” figure will earn you more fish — crucial for staying alive in tough battles — while the Ganondorf Amiibo originally used in Super Smash Bros. will give Link additional weapons and rare jewels. If you get lucky, you can even use the figures to obtain Link’s original green tunic in a few different styles. Otherwise, the only way to obtain it is to complete every single shrine in the game.

This is not the first time that Nintendo has experimented with using separate applications to give players more items in its games. Splatoon 2 makes use of the Switch’s dedicated smartphone app for not only detailed battle statistics, but also exclusive pieces of gear. These can only be acquired for a short period of time and typically provide statistical bonuses beyond what can be found in the in-game vendors’ stores.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available for Nintendo Switch and Wii U. The new update only applies to the Switch version.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers: how they work and eligible games
Princess Peach.

Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers vanished from the eShop in 2019, but they've since made a triumphant return. Though they won't be perfect for everyone, these vouchers are ideal for folks interested in playing multiple Switch games throughout the year and looking to save a few bucks on their purchase. After buying a voucher, you'll be able to browse an ever-growing selection of digital Switch games -- including Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Tears of the Kingdom -- and snag them at a discount.

Curious about the Nintendo Switch Game Voucher program? Here's everything you need to know about the unique program.
How Nintendo Switch Vouchers work

Read more
Everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Online
Person holding Nintendo Switch, looking at the home screen.

Much like Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, the Nintendo Switch makes it easy to jump online and play with friends. The service, known simply as Nintendo Switch Online, has seen big changes over the years, and it now offers plenty more than access to online multiplayer. One of the biggest draws is its growing collection of games from N64, NES, and other iconic platforms -- making Nintendo Switch Online a great way to access the best titles from past generations.

Nintendo offers a few different options when it comes to paying for Nintendo Switch Online, with both individual accounts and family accounts up for grabs. From its library of retro games to a smartphone application and special offers, here's a complete look at Nintendo Switch Online.
Individual/family subscription models

Read more
Mother 3 is finally on Nintendo Switch … but only in Japan
Clause standing b y a bench in Mother 3.

Mother 3, the highly requested cult-classic RPG for the Game Boy Advance, is set to appear today on the Nintendo Switch Online service. But there's a catch: It's only available in Japan.

North Americans were first introduced to the Mother series under the name Earthbound on the SNES in 1995. As was common at the time, the game was renamed for the West in an attempt to avoid confusion. In 2006, a third entry was released in Japan for the GBA simply called Mother 3, but it has never had an official translation for Western audiences. Both Mother 2, aka Earthbound, and the original Mother, renamed Earthbound Beginnings, have been added to Nintendo Switch Online, but there has never been any indication that the third game would receive the same treatment.

Read more