Zelda Series Could Start Out Like a Lamb But End Like a Lion on Switch 2

The Legend of Zelda is still considered one of Nintendo’s most significant works and one of the largest gaming franchises. Ever since its debut with the initial game in 1986 (1987 in North America), The Legend of Zelda has consistently been praised critically and commercially as a top video game series. Nintendo continually comes up with fresh and thrilling ideas for this long-lasting series, and it seems that each new release pushes the boundaries and sets a high standard for games spanning multiple genres.

Approximately eight years since the launch of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo is nearly ready to unveil its eagerly anticipated successor, the Nintendo Switch 2. This upcoming console-handheld hybrid promises a thrilling gaming experience for various types of players. However, the much-loved Zelda series may have a gradual beginning on this platform, with only minor titles slated for release in the system’s inaugural year. Yet, this should not be viewed as unfavorable news, but rather an indicator that the latter part of the system’s lifespan could be even more enticing for Zelda enthusiasts.

The Legend of Zelda Has Plenty Of Time To Establish Itself On The Switch 2

The Switch 2 Will Have Some Smaller Zelda Content

Initially, the The Legend of Zelda series appears to have a more subdued debut on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Upon its release, the sole fresh Zelda content available will be the Nintendo Switch 2 versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. These revamped editions offer fans a chance to re-live two highly acclaimed and financially successful Zelda games from the Nintendo Switch era, now boasting enhanced resolution and smoother gameplay.

Moving forward, only one other verified Zelda game scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch this year, aside from Zelda, is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. This upcoming project is a spin-off of the Zelda series that combines it with the Dynasty Warriors series, marking the third installment in the Hyrule Warriors timeline which began in 2014 on the Wii U. Similar to its predecessor, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, this new game is a prequel to Breath of the Wild, and it will function as a prelude to its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.

Zelda’s Slow Start On The Switch 2 Creates Excitement For Its Later Life

Although it might seem like there’s not much new Zelda content for Nintendo Switch 2 at launch, given that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is only two years old and Nintendo released another mainline Zelda game last year, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, it’s reasonable to assume that the publisher is focusing on creating the next Zelda adventure. So, we might need to wait a few more years for its release.

It’s not necessarily a downside that Zelda won’t immediately release a major game on the Switch 2 at launch. Instead, it implies that we can anticipate an exceptional AAA Zelda title further along in the system’s lifecycle. Nintendo is merely taking its time to avoid capitalizing too quickly on the buzz surrounding upcoming games like Tears of the Kingdom and Echoes of Wisdom. In fact, Nintendo has plans to introduce several prominent franchises to the Switch 2 early on, with Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders expected to generate excitement in the system’s inaugural year.

Nintendo Will Continue To Bring The Zelda Goodness In The Meantime

As a devoted Zelda gamer, I can’t help but imagine the magic of Hyrule on the upcoming Switch 2. It’s only natural that Link’s epic adventures will grace this new platform, even if we don’t get a brand-new game right away. The whispers about remastered versions of games like “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” and “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” have been circulating, but the real excitement comes from rumors of a remake of “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” for this next-gen system.

Nintendo has a knack for keeping us fans engaged by releasing refreshed versions of classic Zelda games while they fine-tune the bigger, new entries. The Switch 2 seems poised to follow in these footsteps, promising another exhilarating journey through Hyrule that I can’t wait to embark on.

Considering the numerous Zelda games that Nintendo Switch enthusiasts have already experienced, it’s possible that the arrival of a significant new title on the rumored Switch 2 might take some time. However, fear not, as Nintendo fans will still find a wealth of Zelda experiences on the upcoming system due to its backward compatibility with existing Switch titles and the spin-offs and re-releases planned for this year. Though the next major Zelda game may be a few years away yet, Nintendo is likely to keep innovating with the franchise and provide ample alternatives to keep fans engaged in the interim.

Read More

2025-06-03 15:40