Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – What to Expect on Launch

If you’re looking forward to Tears of the Kingdom’s launch, then this guide will help you know what to expect. This includes when it will be available, pre-order bonuses, if any, and other important details regarding its release.

What Is the Release Time for Tears of the Kingdom?

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is one of the most hotly anticipated games of 2023. Players eager to get their hands on it want to know the cost, the release date, and what else to expect for launch day. The game is set to be released on Friday, May 12, 2023, in North America, Europe, and Japan. The exact unlock times for the game have not been revealed, but based on previous first-party titles, the game is expected to be available for download at midnight on May 12 in each respective region. As for pricing, the game will cost USD 69.99 in North America.

Are There Pre-Order Bonuses for Tears of the Kingdom?

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has a variety of pre-order bonuses available to fans depending on their location and the retailer they choose. Many of these bonuses are physical collectibles that are unique to each store, making them a valuable addition to any Zelda fan’s collection. However, some Tears of the Kingdom bonuses are only available in certain countries, so fans may need to import them if they want to get their hands on them.

For example, in the United States, GameStop is offering a wooden plaque with the Ultra Hand symbol to those who pre-order the game from their store. Best Buy is offering an art print that can be easily framed and hung on a wall. Walmart’s pre-order bonus was a unique wall scroll. Target is not offering a pre-order bonus, but those who arrive on the game’s launch day can pick up a free “hip pack.” Costco also offers a carrying case with a Tears of the Kingdom design.

In Europe, fans can receive a collector’s coin and a luggage tag from the Nintendo Store. Swiss fans who pre-order the game from World of Games will receive a free notebook. In Canada, GameStop offers a pin set, while Walmart offers a luggage tag. In Japan, Amazon is offering a unique silverware set with a Zelda-branded spoon and fork. In Israel, the Nintendo online store is offering a wooden plaque with the Tears of the Kingdom design.

Is Tears of the Kingdom Only on Nintendo Switch?

Tears of the Kingdom is only available on Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED. You can’t play it on PC, Xbox or PlayStation.

What Is Tears of The Kingdom’s File Size?

The file size of Tears of the Kingdom on both North American and European eShops is around 16.3 GB, but there are some differences between them. The NA version comes in at a whopping 16684 MB, while the EU version weighs in at just over half that size: 8133 MB.

For those who don’t know how much space is needed to install this game, it’s about 5x larger than Mario Odyssey or Breath of the Wild (about 2x as big as Super Mario Odyssey).

The good news is that, unlike other games like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Metroid Prime 4, which require an internet connection during installation (and sometimes even after), Tears Of The Kingdom only needs one download when installing each part so long as you have enough space available on your system drive/SD card.

What Else to Expect for Tears of the Kingdom’s Launch

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom is one of the most anticipated games of 2023, and the gameplay promises to be as exciting as the hype surrounding it. According to a preview build of the game, the player takes on the role of Link, who begins the game with only simple weapons and an inventory full of crafting materials. However, the game’s new, mysterious Zonai Devices – seemingly relics from the Zonai tribe first mentioned in Breath of the Wild – become key ingredients to creating your very own weapons, shields, and tools. With the ability to combine objects and materials, players can create vehicles, structures, and even new weapons, like the Ultrahand and Fuse.

The game’s marketing campaign, aptly titled ‘You Can Do What?’, leans into stoking player creativity to overcome the game’s many challenges. The game is conducive to open-ended, creative problem-solving when tackling puzzles and problems at hand. Players can experiment with all the weird and wonderful elements found throughout Tears of the Kingdom to reveal even more new effects. Fusing materials pauses time, allowing players to stop and think about the best possible combinations for the situation at hand.

One of the most interesting new additions to Tears of the Kingdom is the Zonai Devices. These devices are collected from Zonai Device Dispensers, which look like ancient gacha machines and can be activated by inputting Zonai items. The devices are powered by Zonai Charge, a mana-like resource that Link can collect from defeating certain enemies. The extra charge can also be distilled into batteries and added to creations for extended use. Once whatever unconventional contraption you’ve built is assembled, you simply power it up with a strike from your weapon. Given that several of these devices, such as the rocket, have a high level of power behind them, placement is key to ensuring your newest creation moves you in the correct direction or works in the intended way.

Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom promises to be an exciting and creative adventure. The open-ended gameplay allows players to experiment with different combinations of materials and objects to overcome challenges. With the addition of the Zonai Devices, players can create unconventional contraptions to aid them in their journey. The game is set to release on May 12, 2023, and fans of the series are eagerly awaiting its arrival.