Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Is Now Available for Preload! Release Date and Time

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Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Is Now Available for Preload! Release Date and Time

That's right! The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom is now available for preload. Learn here how to get your hands on the Breath of the Wild sequel early and when it'll be available for play.


Yes! You can preload the upcoming Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom right now on your Nintendo Switch. Ahead of its release, on May 12, 2023.

All you need to do is head to the Nintendo eShop and purchase your copy of the Breath of the Wild sequel and you should be good to go.

Just purchase the game here but make sure to pick the digital version to get access to the download. Zelda Tears of the Kingdom's download size is approximately 16.2 GB.

Nintendo has previously stated that Tears of the Kingdom's increased price tag of 69.99$ USD/69.99€ EUR reflects the number of content players can expect.

It is the first title in the Nintendo Switch library that charges the 70$ price tag that Sony has been trying to establish after we transitioned into this new console generation.

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Preload

When does Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Unlock?

As confirmed with a Nintendo spokesperson via GameSpot The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom preload will unlock at the usual times on all storefronts.

The game will unlock on May 12 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time for customers of Nintendo of America.

If you're a customer of Nintendo in Europe, the game will be unlocked for download on May 12 at 14:00 GMT (15:00 CET).

And if you're a customer in Asia, the game will (probably) unlock around May 12 at 12:00 AM JST.

Just make sure to check in with the support of your region to double-check.

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Preload

And if want to play The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom early, it's not too late to make an account in New Zealand or Australia for an early English release.

If you plan to stream your experience or share it online, be careful!

Nintendo's Ninjas are already out in full force after the game hit shelves in some locations a week early. There are also leaks all over the internet, so if you're weary of spoilers be careful out there.

And if you're in Australia or New Zealand and post early about your exploits in-game, make sure to avoid any trigger-happy takedown attempts or spoiling your fellow gamers.

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Preload

What to expect from The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom?

Zelda ToTK is the long-awaited sequel to the 2017 released Zelda Breath of the Wild which has sold over 30 million units since its release.

This sequel was first announced all the way back in 2019 and no doubt the Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the game's prolonged development cycle.

As for gameplay and story? Nintendo has kept many aspects of the game under wraps, until recent previews we didn't even know way to expect from this newest installment of the Zelda franchise.

At first glance, Zelda Tears of the Kingdom looks like a straight sequel to Breath of the Wild, it will even feature the same vast world map as the 2017 release.

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Preload

But we've been assured that this is not the same Hyrule we visited 6 years ago. Much has changed since Links' last adventure, for better and for worse.

This time, Link will explore not only a revamped Hyrule but also mysterious sky islands and dangerous caverns below to find a way to finally beat Ganon and rid the land of his minions.

He has also learned some new tricks! This time around, Link can link objects and weapons with each over to create all kinds of marvels, like exploding shields or hovercrafts!

You can read our preview and analysis here if you want more details.

Make sure to stick around and don't miss our review and coverage of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom here on ESTNN

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Is Now Available for Preload! Release Date and Time
Timo Reinecke
Has once claimed that FSH is the only job in FFXIV worth playing and stands by that firmly. Top Guy, Smart Guy, Educated Speaker. (sometimes) Writer of all things FFXIV, FGC, News, Reviews and More