The Legend of Zeldais one of Nintendo’s most popular and beloved game series. It’s often one of the reasons people buy a new Nintendo system. That’s why it’s surprising that the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t launching with a brand-newZeldagame. So far, the onlyZeldagames confirmed for launch are updated versions ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, with a newHyrule Warriorsgame slated for later in 2025.
The original Switch launched withBOTW. It gave players a huge open world to explore and helped make the console a hit from the start. Then cameTOTK, which added even more to that world. Now, fans are ready for something new. Simply improving the graphics and performance won’t be enough. If Nintendo doesn’t announce something soon, frustration could grow. There’s a lot of excitement about the Switch 2,but it needs to offer new games, especiallyZelda. Without that, Nintendo might have a harder time maintaining the same success it had with the original Switch.
Switch 2 Has Updated Versions Of BOTW & TOTK
Updated Versions Promise Better Performance And Quality
The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching withupdated versions ofBOTWandTOTK. These versions are made to run better on the new system,with faster loading, smoother gameplay, and nicer graphics. For fans who already love these games, it’s a good chance to play them again with improvements.
Still, not everyone will be excited. Both games were made for the original Switch, and most people have already played them. Unless the upgrades are a big step up, spending more money on the same games might be hard. Even though theupgrades are just $10for those who already own the games, even a small cost might not feel totally worth it.
Everything You Know About Zelda: Breath Of The Wild & Tears Of The Kingdom Just Changed
A new reveal at Nintendo Live 2024 has big implications for how Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom fit into the wider Zelda canon.
Another problem is timing.Breath of the Wildcame out in 2017, andTears of the Kingdomwas released in 2023. That’s a long time for an audience to already be familiar with both properties. Making them look better is nice,but it doesn’t change the fact that mostZeldafans have played them already. It’s not really the newZeldagame at launch many were hoping for.
Releasing older games might not be enough to get everyone on board with the Switch 2, especially for a big series likeZelda.
These upgraded versions could still be great for people who never played the originals, or for fans who want to explore Hyrule again. Still, people usually expect something new and exciting for a new console launch.Wind Wakerwill be included with the NSO GameCube library, but even that is a game many fans have already played. Releasing older games might not be enough to get everyone on board with the Switch 2, especially for a big series likeZelda.
Switch 2 Needed New, True Zelda Games At Launch
The Nintendo Switch 2 Should Have Launched With A New Zelda Game
Zeldais one of Nintendo’s most popular series, so fans were understandably hoping for a newZeldagame when the Nintendo Switch 2 launched. When the first Switch came out in 2017,Breath of the Wildlaunched with it. That game helped sell the console and gave people a big reason to buy it. Now with the Switch 2, there is no newZeldato bring the same excitement.Mario Kart Worldlooks great, but it’s not on a level withBOTW.
Breath of the Wilddid exceptionally well at launch and has sold 34.32 million copies since December 2024. It has been hailed as one of the greatest video games ever.
A newZeldagame would have helped the Switch 2 stand out and feel more exciting. Without it, some prospective buyers might hold off on getting the new console. If they wait too long, they might lose interest or choose to spend their money on something else. There is a chance Nintendo is saving a newZeldagame for later, but launch time is important. Big, new games help boost sales and give players a reason to buy consoles early. Right now, the lack of a freshZeldais a missed chance.
Age of Imprisonment Isn’t Enough to Fix the Zelda Issue
Hyrule Warriors Is Not A True Zelda Experience
Nintendohas anotherZelda-related game coming, calledHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. However, it’s not exactly a mainlineZeldagame. It plays like any otherHyrule Warriorsgame, with fast battles and lots of enemies similar to theDynasty Warriorsseries. While it can be fun, it’s not the mainlineZeldagame with puzzles, exploration, and a deep story that fans have come to expect.
When Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment Takes Place On The Zelda Timeline
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment has obvious connections to a certain Zelda game, but fitting it neatly into the timeline is more complicated.
Age of Imprisonmentwon’t be available at launch either.It’s expected later this year, with a release window of 2025, which means there will be a long wait after the Switch 2 is released. This wait could end up being a problem. The first months after a console launch are important, and right now,Zeldafans don’t have much to look forward to. And that wait will only get worse as time goes on.The longer the Switch 2 takes to get a new mainlineZeldagame, the bigger the console’s problems will get.
Nintendo might have plans for a newZeldagame later, but the longer fans wait, the more frustrated they could become. A newZeldagame often drives people to buy a new console. Without one, some fans might skip the Nintendo Switch 2 or wait for a bigger release.Age of Imprisonmentmight be fun, but it won’t fix the bigger issue: it’s not the trueLegend ofZeldaexperience fans have been hoping for.
