The introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 has shaken up the current year’s video game rankings, particularly regarding aggregate critical scores. This is largely due to a common practice: enhanced versions of older titles being released for the fresh hardware.
Specifically, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, originally launched back in 2017 – over eight years prior – is now being recognized as one of the best-reviewed games of 2025.
Beyond simply being playable on the new console, Breath of the Wild received a tailored upgrade from Nintendo, designed to harness the enhanced processing power of the Switch 2.
Both Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, are benefiting from these paid upgrades. These “Switch 2 Editions” (or optional Upgrade Packs for existing owners) bring visual and performance enhancements. However, in the case of Breath of the Wild, its “Upgrade pack does not even include all of the DLC.” This new release gives the game a fresh chance to climb the critical charts, and it appears to be succeeding.
The prominent MetaCritic list for 2025’s top-rated games now features a familiar “new” arrival. Breath of the Wild is currently tied for the top spot with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a genuinely new game released in 2025. This placement also puts Breath of the Wild ahead of another respected 2025 title, Blue Prince.
Currently, Expedition 33 and Breath of the Wild share the lead with a MetaCritic score of 93, followed by Blue Prince at 92, Split Fiction at 91, and Despelote rounding out the top five with a score of 89.
Naturally, the arrival of new titles affects the rankings of previously listed games. For example, Breath of the Wild’s surge has pushed The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy out of the top 20.
Given this trend, it’s expected that the rankings will be updated again soon with the release of the Switch 2 Edition of Tears of the Kingdom, which currently boasts an even higher MetaCritic score of 94. This could potentially make the 2023 game one of 2025’s highest-rated releases on MetaCritic.
If you’ve invested in a Switch 2 and the Zelda upgrades, consider bookmarking our Breath of the Wild guide and Tears of the Kingdom guide. Whether you’ve forgotten details or are experiencing these games for the first time, our guides offer invaluable assistance.