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2025 is expected to unveil powerful Nintendo games such as “Donkey Kong Bananza” and “Metroid Prime 4”, however, many gamers find these less captivating than the upcoming installment of “The Legend of Zelda”. Indeed, “Zelda” has always been well-liked, but it has experienced unprecedented prosperity following the blockbuster success of “Breath of the Wild” and its sequel “Tears of the Kingdom”, not only rejuvenating the series, but also shaping open-world gaming in general.

Having completed the last two Zelda games, Nintendo is now focusing on the future direction of the series. Following the launch of Tears of the Kingdom, they introduced Echoes of Wisdom, the franchise’s first substantial Zelda-led adventure and a notable deviation from the previous two headlining entries. Intriguingly, Link will again step aside in the upcoming official Zelda game, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which is set before the events of TOTK. With Link being sidelined for consecutive games, it’ll be exciting to see where his character goes in the next main installment.

The Next Big Legend of Zelda Game Will Be Tasked With Introducing a New Link

Nintendo Will Replace the Link of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom

Since its debut in 2017, the portrayal of Link in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” has essentially become the standard representation for the series over the past decade. This particular iteration of Link is unique because it appears in multiple Zelda games and even stands in for the character in unrelated crossovers such as “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” and “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.” In essence, the version of Link from “Breath of the Wild” has come to symbolize the iconic hero, effectively representing the Zelda brand following the post-Wii U period.

Since Nintendo has stated explicitly that there won’t be an immediate sequel to “Tears of the Kingdom”, it’s reasonable to infer that another iteration of Link might appear as the Zelda series progresses further. Furthermore, the next primary Zelda game is expected to significantly shape the legacy of the Switch 2, similar to how “Breath of the Wild” played a significant role in the narrative of the original Switch.

This refreshed portrayal of Link is expected to embody his most recognized form to date, while simultaneously ending his break from appearances. Since there will be at least two Zelda games without Link between TOTK and the next major release, fans are eager for a new interpretation of the character. When that time arrives, Nintendo must present an worthy successor.

The Case for Nintendo To Go Left-Field With the Next Link

The connection between the characters in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom is impressive and could be considered one of the most powerful and versatile versions of Link so far. However, he remains quite typical among the Links, lacking notable personality traits or unique characteristics. While this can work, it’s also been demonstrated that it isn’t essential. Games like Twilight Princess have shown that a rich background and distinct qualities can be given to Link, even if these are minor details such as a fondness for animals.

For the upcoming Zelda game, instead of maintaining the ‘tabula rasa’ approach for Link as we did in this latest version, let’s consider introducing some experimentation. Nintendo might opt to give this next iteration of Link a more distinct identity, complete with a clear-cut personality or objectives. Alternatively, he could be more open-ended than ever before, approaching the realm of being a customizable character. Why not even explore the idea of giving him the ability to speak?

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2025-05-25 16:36