It's 2025, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom still reigns as a gaming marvel. When it first launched on Nintendo Switch back in May 2023, it became an instant sensation, bagging rave reviews and soaring to the top of Game of the Year contenders. But why does it feel like every gamer's must-have, even now? With jaw-dropping scores like a 96/100 Top Critic Average on OpenCritic and a 97% Critic Approval rating, plus a Metascore of 96 on Metacritic, it's clear this isn't just another title—it's a legend in the making. Only Breath of the Wild and Ocarina of Time outshine it in the Zelda pantheon. 💫 Isn't it wild how some games just stick with us? Fast forward to today, and the buzz is all about the upcoming Black Friday deals. Normally priced at a steep $70, it's hitting a sweet $50 discount, making this the year to finally grab it. But let's not jump ahead too fast—after all, is this open-world adventure truly for everyone?

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Game Ratings and Legacy

Diving into the numbers, Tears of the Kingdom isn't just highly rated; it's a benchmark. On OpenCritic, it sits at that impressive 96/100, while Metacritic users gave it an 8.8/10. Compare that to other Zelda giants:

Game Title Release Year Metascore OpenCritic Score
Breath of the Wild 2017 97 96
Ocarina of Time 1998 99 98 (approx.)
Tears of the Kingdom 2023 96 96

It's almost like a time capsule of excellence—how does this one hold up against its predecessors? Critics praised its innovation, but with such high bars, does it leave room for growth? 🤔

Exclusive Switch Experience

Designed solely for Nintendo Switch, Tears of the Kingdom pushes the console to its limits. Unlike its predecessor, which debuted on Wii U too, this is a pure Switch exclusive. That means full hardware optimization: think vast, seamless open worlds where players craft, explore, and battle with unprecedented freedom. The game's physics engine and dynamic environments are mind-blowing—building contraptions or gliding through skies feels effortless. But is this sandbox approach too overwhelming for some? Not everyone vibes with endless possibilities; maybe it's why it's a love-it-or-leave-it affair. Still, as one of the best Switch games ever, it's a testament to what the system can do. Who knew a handheld could deliver such epic scale? 🎮

Black Friday 2025 Sale Details

Now for the juicy part: savings! In 2025, Nintendo's Black Friday event is bigger than ever, and Tears of the Kingdom leads the charge. Starting November 24-30, physical copies drop to just $50 at major retailers like GameStop, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. But wait—digital deals kick off earlier on the eShop from November 19. A $20 slash from the usual $70 is huge, especially since Nintendo games rarely go on sale. Here's a quick list of what to expect:

  • Physical version: $50, available late November

  • Digital download: $50, starts Nov 19 on eShop (ends around Nov 30)

With inflation these days, isn't it refreshing to snag a premium game at a steal? This could be the perfect entry point for newcomers or a replay for veterans.

Beyond the game itself, Zelda fans can score deals on accessories. The Tears of the Kingdom-themed Nintendo Switch Carrying Case & Screen Protector is getting a $10 price cut, down to about $15. It fits both base Switch and OLED models—no more compatibility headaches! Plus, there's the Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition bundle. Priced at $210, it includes a gold Zelda-themed console and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass. Normally, that would cost $200 for the Lite and $50 for the pass, saving you nearly $40. Is it the ultimate holiday gift? Pair it with a $50 copy of the game for a complete Zelda immersion.

As 2025 unfolds, who knows what's next for the franchise? With Tears of the Kingdom still shining, this sale might just be the tip of the iceberg. Will future installments top this? Only time will tell. 😊