In its second release on the Nintendo Switch, two years subsequent, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom enthusiasts continue to revel in undetected item duplication glitches, evading the game patches set by Nintendo.
In the latest update for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo addressed several issues, including a glitch that prevented music from playing in battles on the Nintendo Switch 2 edition. However, one glitch that has been a source of excitement for players since the game's release remains unaddressed - the item duplication glitch.
Since the game's launch, players have been relentless in their attempts to break the game and have succeeded in finding new glitches, even with the Switch 2 edition. One such discovery is the overpowered laser cannons in the game, made possible by the expanded framerate. Despite Nintendo's vague statement about addressing "several other issues to improve the gameplay experience," players are pleased to find that their favourite glitches, including the item duplication glitch, have not been patched out.
The item duplication glitch, first discovered almost immediately after the game's release, allows players to recreate valuable items such as monster parts, weapons, and Diamonds, which are highly valuable and can be used to farm Rupees. Guides and videos from late June and early July 2025 demonstrate how to perform duplication glitches, both in version 1.4.1 and on the Nintendo Switch 2 edition, without any mention of them being fixed or removed in Update 1.4.2.
While no information was given about how the changes in Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch 2 will impact the overall gameplay experience, it is clear that they have made a previously extremely difficult Zelda speedrunning strategy more accessible. The Zelda Wiki notes that while some glitches like "Zuggle" were patched early on, there is no indication that the known item duplication glitches have been addressed or patched in any recent updates, including 1.4.2.
However, one change in Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch 2 is certain - it is no longer possible to summon Ganondorf using the Zelda Notes app unless he is already saved as a favourite summon. It is unknown if this change was intentional or unintended, and no details were provided about the changes that affect Zelda speedrunning.
Nintendo has not specifically mentioned the changes in Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch 2 in any official statements. The company's silence leaves players speculating about the intentions behind these changes and what they might mean for the future of the game. For now, players will continue to explore the game's glitches and enjoy the benefits they bring, such as the item duplication glitch that, as of Update 1.4.2, still works and has not been patched out.
[1] Video demonstrating item duplication glitch in version 1.4.1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ [2] Guide on item duplication glitch in version 1.4.1: https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom/Item_Duplication_Glitch [3] Video demonstrating item duplication glitch on Nintendo Switch 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ [4] Guide on item duplication glitch on Nintendo Switch 2: https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom/Item_Duplication_Glitch [5] Zelda Wiki entry on item duplication glitch: https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Item_Duplication_Glitch
- Despite Nintendo addressing some issues in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the item duplication glitch, beneficial for farming Rupees, remains unaffected in Update 1.4.2 on both the original and Switch 2 editions.
- Players eagerly share guides and videos on the internet, showcasing the item duplication glitch, hoping to capitalize on the exploitable loophole in the game.
- Aside from the item duplication glitch, Nintendo has yet to address other exploitable glitches like the overpowered laser cannons made possible by the expanded framerate.
- Interested observers speculate about Nintendo's intentions regarding the changes in Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch 2 and their potential impact on gameplay.
- The community is divided over the intention behind the patch that removed the ability to summon Ganondorf using the Zelda Notes app, wondering if it was intended or an unintended consequence.
- The item duplication glitch has roots in version 1.4.1, with guides and video tutorials available online demonstrating its functionality on both versions.
- Some strategies for speedrunning Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch 2 have become more accessible due to these changes, making the game easier for some players.
- In the absence of official statements from Nintendo, players continue to seek out and embrace various glitches and exploits, such as the item duplication glitch, to enhance their gaming experience.
