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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Take a look at Zelda: Breath of the Wild controls on the Switch

A handy control scheme so you can get used to the new buttons before launch.

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Given its new open world survival approach, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is changing a handful of conventions of the series formula, and that of course has an impact on how the game controls. When we played the game for the first time at last year's E3 2016 we told you about these new actions with the Wii U GamePad, but now the game is simultaneously coming out on Nintendo Switch come March 3, we've taken new references so you fans can already start to picture how you'll be able to play on the console/handheld hybrid:

Zelda: BotW control scheme on the Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Buttons/actions:
A: Action, take, climb down
B: Sprint, close
X: Jump, climb
Y: Attack
R Stick: Move camera, telescope view (click)
L Stick: Move Link, stealth mode (click)
L: Use item, navigate menu
ZL: Shield/Lock on target (hold)
R : Throw weapon, navigate menu
ZR: Bow (draw and shoot arrows)
◄ Switch shield (hold and change with right stick)
► Switch weapon (hold and change with right stick)
▲ Switch special item (hold and change with right stick)
▼ Whistle
- Sheikah Slate (runes, powers, map, missions, destinations, memories)
+ Pause/inventory (weapons, armor, gear)
◘ Capture Button: Capture screenshot/video
⌂ Home Button
Tilt Switch/controller: Precision aiming

The differences between Wii U and Switch's control schemes are minimum, but those used to the former will notice them at the beginning. On Switch the map/inventory will no longer be permanently shown on the subscreen for easy reference, and as far as we know it won't allow for touch actions either (though we have to confirm this with the final version). Right stick position is the most significant alteration, and therefore the right hand face buttons as well, which will require some training. Both versions keep the precision aiming by tilting the controller/screen that was so well received with the four recent Zelda remasters.

Speaking of previous games, it's also worth noting the changes on attack (now Y) and action (now A) buttons, noting the introduction of the jump button (X) and the return of Skyward Sword's sprint (B).

These are Link controls in the new Zelda game, with a strong emphasis on items switch (shields, weapons and clothes), the Sheikah Slate powers (added by runes) and the combat (with different attacks depending on the context).

What do you think? Will you survive with Link on Switch or Wii U? Leave a comment below.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

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