Just charged through Tarm Ruins (contender for the best track in any 2D Zelda ost) and snatched up the Noble Sword in the woods. Guys, this sword is a game changer. Like any other sword upgrade, it is more powerful and this one even lets you shoot sword beams, but the actual best feature of the sword that makes it feel truly worth it is that it now chops through pots! These young Zelda fans throw a fit about switching to iron boots several times in OoTs water temple, you guys don't even know how often you have to switch to the power bracelet in the GB games! No longer do I have to switch and then switch back just to check the pots, now I can simply cleave through them!
I say this ought to be in a 3D Zelda game. Like you get the wooden sword during the tutorial but you're gated from several paths and opportunities by like branches, bamboo, planks, or something. It gives the sword real added utility and adds to the feeling of progression.