Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is Nintendo’s new flagship console game, its most ambitious game ever, but it has one striking difference from every other flagship Zelda game: It’s also playable in handheld form on the Nintendo Switch version. After all, that’s the whole concept of the Nintendo Switch. You can play on your television, or you can play on the tablet on the go. So how does the first ever console-handheld hybrid Zelda game feel when you actually do play on the go? I took my Nintendo Switch on Amtrak for several hours of playing on the tablet, all just for you. Here’s how it turned out.

Breath of the Wild On The Tablet: Slightly Better, Slightly Worse

Short version: Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild feels great on the television, and it feels great on the tablet. When it comes down to it, the only major difference is the most obvious one—the size of the screen, and the portability thereof. Zelda is a massive world, and it looks great on a big screen. Of course, it’s tough to take 50-inch flat screens on the train with you. The added value of being able to play Zelda on the go is crazy. Still, it’s like watching a movie in a theatre versus at home on television: There’s something to be said for playing it on the big screen.

That said, in all honesty, playing Zelda on a tablet felt and looked far better than I expected. Rather than being cumbersome, it feels incredibly natural. Indeed, the game actually looks better when you just play it on the tablet; it’s got a higher resolution and feels a little smoother, and the draw distance is still great. You’ll never miss out on little details, no matter which version you’re playing.

The controls are of course the same on the tablet version, but I found they actually feel a little better playing on the handheld Switch compared to playing on the grip controller (I haven’t tried the Pro controller yet). There’s a bit more space between the buttons, so it feels less cramped. Critically, the Switch is very light. It doesn’t weigh you down or get tiring, even after holding it for several hours, and it doesn’t have the sharp and difficult corners of the original Nintendo 3DS. It doesn’t strain the wrists. The charging cord doesn’t get in the way when plugged in.

Gameplay-wise, when playing in tablet mode I often find myself doing smaller tasks: Hunting rare ingredients, wandering around areas of the map I’ve already filled in to find new secrets and Korok seeds, doing side quests and fighting monsters. I only rarely go to new towers or shrines while in tablet mode, but I honestly think it’s just force of habit. The game feels pretty much the same whichever mode you play in, but we as gamers are pretty deeply ingrained in the idea of what a console game is. It takes a while to unlearn those habits.

But really, here’s the strongest endorsement I can offer for playing Breath of the Wild in tablet mode: Generally speaking, I can’t remember what I did, what I discovered, what I accomplished, in tablet mode as opposed to in the Switch dock, playing on TV. That’s the ultimate endorsement: You can play the game either way, and your brain won’t even really notice the difference.

Can’t get enough Breath of the Wild ? Check out more of our articles and guides about the game.

• Review: Expansive World, Epic Story Makes This A Must-Own
• Beginner’s Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Survive In Hyrule
• Battle Guide: Tips On How To Take Down Your Enemies
• Horse Guide: How To Tame And Ride Horses And Other Animals
• Breath Of The Wild Amiibo: Here's Every Function For Every Figure
• Six Gifts For 'Zelda' Fans Under $25
• Beginner Item Guide: Here's The Stuff You Shouldn't Sell
• Master Sword: Where To Find Link’s Greatest Weapon
• Heart Containers Guide: How And Where To Upgrade Your Health And Stamina
• Memory Map: All Locations For Link's Lost Memories
• Great Fairy Locations: Armor Upgrades And Where To Find Them
• Nintendo Switch Tips: Read This Before You Start A New Save
• Armor Guide: Where To Find New Outfits, Clothes And Upgrades