A new hardware mod for the Nintendo Switch allows the console to run The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at a resolution of 4K.
YouTuber naga has managed to de-solder the RAM modules on a OLED Nintendo Switch model and solder two 4GB modules for a total of 8 GB with much higher frequency than that of the console’s default memory. In doing so, they are now able to run The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at a native resolution of 4K.
Some of the Switch games are programmed to be able to utilize more than the default 4GB of available memory in the Switch, while others are hard capped to 4 GB. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is one such game that can take advantage of higher available RAM. The content creator is using a mod that forces the game to render at a higher resolution.
Additional RAM alone isn’t enough to run at the game at 4K, and the modder has also overclocked the Switch’s Tegra SoC. Even then, and the game is unable to achieve playable frame rates, mostly running at around 12 fps. The modder has warned that the overclock settings used by them in the above video are not safe and should not be reproduced, as they are only for showing what the Switch hardware is technically capable of. Other games shown in the modder’s tests are Mortal Kombat 1, Kingdom Come Deliverance, and Alien Isolation.
Previously, Famitsu announced its Super Popular Game Awards 2023, showcased the preferences of 188 influential figures in the Japanese gaming world. This group, comprising game creators, voice actors, and celebrities well-known for their gaming enthusiasm, provided their insights for 2023’s rankings. At the forefront of the awards was none other than The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.