Zelda Spin-Offs: Switch 2 Needs Them!

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With the Nintendo Switch 2 approaching, a key topic of discussion revolves around Nintendo’s beloved intellectual properties, including series like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario. Fans are eagerly waiting for Nintendo to deliver impressive exclusives within these franchises, similar to how the initial launch of the Nintendo Switch was strengthened by games such as Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey.

For enthusiasts of Nintendo, particularly those eagerly anticipating the next installment in the saga of The Legend of Zelda following Tears of the Kingdom, this development presents an exhilarating possibility. Nintendo has hinted at deviating from the formula established by BOTW for this upcoming game, steering the series towards uncharted territory. While this shift in direction is sure to attract plenty of interest, it doesn’t mean that Zelda should limit its vision solely to mainline releases. In fact, the franchise has a rich history of successful and intriguing spin-offs such as Hyrule Warriors and Cadence of Hyrule. With the Nintendo Switch 2 marking a new phase post-BOTW, it would be an ideal moment for this legendary series to expand its horizons once more.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Should Be Home to More Legend of Zelda Spin-Offs

Zelda Has Loads of Unrealized Spin-Off Potential

It’s intriguing to note that the ‘Super Mario’ series has spawned numerous spin-offs, whereas ‘Zelda’ has had fewer. Although it might be a stretch to anticipate games like a “Zelda Cart” or “Zelda Strikers,” there’s definitely room for more innovative games within the ‘Zelda’ universe. For example, a role-playing game similar to ‘Super Mario RPG,’ but featuring ‘Zelda’ characters, locations, and lore elements, could be an exciting venture worth pursuing.

One advantage of this multi-faceted launch strategy is clear: it provides a wealth of distinctive Zelda gaming experiences. For example, the Hyrule Warriors series delivers an action-packed adventure that remains true to the Zelda spirit, and Cadence of Hyrule fits perfectly within the Zelda-rhythm overlap, catering to a broad range of players. Even smaller spin-offs like Link’s Crossbow Training effectively utilize their era’s hardware while offering innovative gameplay.

While nothing can truly rival the mainline Zelda releases, it’s clear that games such as Tears of the Kingdom will forever be the epitome of the Zelda experience, shaping the franchise’s history and adhering to its traditions, even during periods of significant experimentation. On the other hand, spin-offs provide developers with the freedom to explore more innovative aspects of the Zelda universe, free from the constraints of the traditional formula that includes dungeons, puzzle-solving using items, and so on.

What Zelda Spin-Offs Could Look Like On the Nintendo Switch 2

The potential for Zelda spin-offs could be significantly increased by the hardware capabilities of the platform they’re released on, such as the Nintendo Switch 2’s rumored mouse-like functionality in the new Joy-Cons. This feature might be utilized similarly to the Wiimote in Link’s Crossbow Training, allowing for a real-time strategy (RTS) or grand-strategy Zelda game similar to Civilization. The unique features of the Joy-Cons would be fully exploited within the Zelda franchise to create this new gaming experience.

While it may just be conjecture at this point, what really matters is the overarching strategy Nintendo adopts for its game releases, not necessarily the path they choose for the Zelda franchise or its spin-offs. Abandoning spin-offs altogether, as they seem to be doing lately, would not only mean losing potential profits but also depriving the gaming world of possibly exceptional Zelda games that could extend beyond the main series, which would be unfortunate indeed.

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2025-03-21 23:35