The saga of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's release date has finally come to a close - the game will be available for the launch of the Nintendo Switch on March 3rd worldwide.
Nintendo confirmed the news today during its Switch presentation, alongside a fresh trailer for the long-awaited adventure which gave us a good look at Zelda herself, as well as some other supporting characters.
It had previously been thought that the game could be released later in the year. The Wii U version is also coming on the same day:
In North America, the game will launch in three packages: standard, special and Master. The Special Edition includes the game, a Nintendo Switch Sheikah Slate Carrying Case, Sheikah Eye Collectible Coin, Relic of Hyrule: Calamity Ganon Tapestry and Weather-Worn Map, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sound Selection CD for a suggested retail price of $99.99. The Master Edition includes all of those items plus a Master Sword of Resurrection figure, and has a suggested retail price of $129.99.
In the UK there will be standard (£59.99) and special edition. The special edition will cost £89.99 and contains the game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sound Selection CD and a Master Sword of Resurrection figure.
Comments (145)
Seems like we got a decent launch year ahead of use.
Not much in launch games, but Zelda can last until E3.
What about prices for the games?did I miss that?
Did virtual console get mentioned? I missed first 45 minutes
That trailer was just incredible.
In just 7 measly weeks we'll be playing this bad boy.
I wouldnt be upset if this was the only game released launch day, because it looks so good!!!
As damn excited as I am about this, as I'm on holidays at launch and want Zelda so bad - this was the only launch game announced.
I love Zelda and all, but I need more than just that for launch...
A system seller in my eyes. I can't settle for the WiiU version if the Switch one is going to be vastly superior.
Should have started with this
WHAT a tease at the end, I thought to myself they are actually NOT gonna tell us when it's coming out! Lol that'd be so Nintendo...
That trailer legitimately sent goosebumps up and down my body. I am so ready.
All the speculation and it is releasing in March😄
Anyways, that trailer was amazing and so much to analyze from it on figuring out the story and timeline placement.
Omg Nintendo outdone themselves with this title. Just a month away
They should've just played the Zelda trailer first.
This game could be the ONLY launch title and I'd still be happy. That presentation was staller.
This is going to be one sweet B-Day gift to myself.
guys check this mario kart 8 deluxe !!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-2MrYlm-io
Amazing that this will be at launch. I think Nintendo is going to do regional announcements for launch games tomorrow... but they REALLY missed a trick not showing more tonight.
However, the game looks a LOT better than some people were predicting.
@eltomo There's 1 2 Switch, but we probably won't know until the Treehouse event.
You ever just want to bang on the keyboard out of joy? That is me right now. I'll just settle for grinning and trying not to look like a madwoman.
I'll be playing it in only 7 weeks from now... Crazy.
OmG this game looked amazing cannot wait to play .
Was always a Day 1 launch but the confirmation of voice acting and what may be a real deep story has really elevated the hype for me.
Aren't you all just totally stoked for 1 2 switch and arms!!!!!!! Is euthanasia legal in the u.s.?
Is this a worldwide launch? I know it was mooted that Europe may see a slight delay.
Amazing launch game to play. Definitely will be picking it up.
She's a cute Zelda with nice voice acting.
Skyward sword Zelda is still the cutest
First of all thank u guys for covering this at such early morning hours. I. Can't. Wait. For. This. Game.
@ROBLOGNICK Worldwide. Looks like they're going to Japanese voice & regional subtitles.
Yes. Less than two months away. Having this at launch date is what Switch needed.
Will it be big enough to have players entertained until more games arrive? I hope so...
Amazon shows that the Wii U version will be available March 31st
Perfect end to the show. I didn't even really want this game but holy crap did that get me hyped.
That is a big plus for the system and should definitely help sales out but I can't say that 300 bucks is quite the right price for me to impulse buy it. I am not saying it isn't worth that but I feel like I may wait little bit to see if the system looks promising before jumping on board because the presentation didn't show too many games I am interested other than Zelda and Mario, and of course both of those look awesome.
Where's that line from... "I hate to say I told you so, but... I told you so."... because it seems really fitting here.
Can't wait to get my ARMS around this game. (I'm just too excited for the inevitable memes from that game)
Stunning just Stunning.
It looks truly incredible and I hope there's more launch titles.
We FINALLY got something of a premise! It was really brief, but it was all I needed!
It will be a very happy Birthday for me this year. Just One problem…
… this seemed to be the only Launch title confirmed?
I mean, 1, 2 Switch looks to be the kind of game bundled with the system, but Arms was simply "Spring"…
I was hoping for a few more launch titles to be shown/confirmed, but still, who'd want to compete with this?
Great way to end it and I'm insanely hyped about this. I went into this not so hyped and actually the quirky Nintendo stuff with the motion controls and HD haptics helped almost as much as this game.
On one hand, having 1 game at launch is a horrible move. On the other hand, I cried watching the trailer at the end of the presentation holy crap I need this now
Please don't tell me Wii U owners get the shaft. I ain't gonna buy a Switch, but I still have some interest in this here game.
http://www.zelda.com/breath-of-the-wild/buy-now/
check website !! its coming on wii u 3/3 too
(Hmm... Splatoon 2, but Mario Kart 8 deluxe )
One decent launch title and and one rubbish launch title seems very odd start!
Hopefully that date is for the Wii U version as well. I know the trailer didn't specify a system, but it was during the Switch presentation after all.
Edit: Thanks @peeks. Confirmed date for both systems then.
@DanteSolablood That suits me fine!
@DESS-M-8
Not that I saw, unless it was a split-second mention
What to say, the trailer does its job, after watching it you can only wish to play BttW NOW, 3rd March will never come soon enough!
@ROBLOGNICK Looks like I was wrong anyway, @Peeks has linked a video confirming English voice acting. But still, the presentation WAS worldwide... so it's a launch game with the Switch.
Not to talk about another game. But was Mario Kart 8 Deluxe shown during the presentation and I somehow missed it or is that video exclusive to the Switch site? That looks like enough new content to.double dip, IMO..
@Slim1999
According to Nintendo's website $59.99 in US.
@rdrunner1178 a video flashed up street fighter and bomber an. Got excited and presumed I'd missed something
http://www.nintendo.com/switch/
Lots of info there. Parental controls video is actually entertaining and gives an idea of how much smart phone app integration there is going to be with the switch.
That was a heck of a trailer
This game looks pretty much as expected, I feel like Nintendo is trying maybe a little to hard on hyping the game. I mean I really like it, but they've shown it so much lately that I feel like I'm getting bored every time I see them do it again. This new trailer is nice though. Still, I hope I don't see too much more like this before I get to play the game.
So happy they showed Speech! weird thing to be excited for i know!! really happy with the new environments, if i had to see that forest again, it would have killed my hype.
@AVahne This confirms Wii U version same day.
http://www.zelda.com/breath-of-the-wild/buy-now/
That Switch box art looks really great.
The English voice acting is... not bad, at least in that trailer. I was against it at first, but now I'm OK with it. That being said, I hope Link remains silent.
Oh, and the trailer itself is great.
I'm not one to overhype things, but this could very well be the best Zelda game of all time.
Good news: Breath of the Wild is a launch game.
Bad news: My wallet is going to be empty.
Y'all. You know good and well there are more launch games. Nintendo is holding press conferences for two days in Japan. Plus they seemed to have hired new marketing folks, so I expect we will hear more as we lead into launch.
@Phle You are probably the only person in existence who does not want to see more of Zelda, except for people not wanting spoilers.
Mario Kart better be a launch game. As someone who doesn't care for Zelda anymore, there is literally nothing for launch.
That trailer was absolutely incredible. Cannot wait.
@peeks Mariokart 8 with N64 Style Battlemode. Fantastic
Oh, online comes with a monthly "free" NES or SNES game and discounts. Interesting. Smartphone app for matchmaking and chat... so second screen lives on in some ways.
People need to understand that there will be other launch titles too (maybe not BIG games, but still). Also E3 won't be too long after March 3rd so that will probably be the day they announce MORE games. Nintendo confirmed more than 80 games are in development. Needless to say, I'm so happy what they revealed. Maybe, just maybe, Nintendo might have saved themselves
If this doesn't come out for the Wii U then Nintendo has failed. This game was suppose to be the main reason to buy a Wii U, Switch needs its own Zelda title (which I hope won't come out as late as this).
The Japanese voice acting is a bit better imo
Good move.
I was actually wondering near the end of the presentation if Breath of the Wilds was pretty much a lock for being a launch title since at that point 1, 2 Switch was the only Nintendo game announced for launch.
I kinda wish Super Mario Odyssey was closer to launch date though. This one has me more excited than I ever was for Galaxy.
I literally jumped off the sofa and cheered when I saw the Zelda release date.
And Xenoblade 2! It's a numbered sequel and that red sword the hero was holding at the end looked awfully like the Monaco....
This was the best thing from the presentation, the rest was quite mediocre.
So much left unanswered.
Launch line.
Prices of games.
Price of online
No mention VC
No mention specs of hardware.
Come on Nintendo don't shoot yourselves in the foot again, Zelda is probably the thing that has saved you this morning.
Woah the prices on some of these things are a little surprising. http://www.nintendo.com/switch/buy-now/
Steering wheel for Joy-con. You can get a grip that charges the Joy-cons. An extra toaster comes with HDMI and plug and ... it's $90 USD!
Oh, and the pro controller is boss. It has motion, HD haptics, and can read amiibo.
@retro_player_22
Official site says it's coming on March 3 to Wii U, too. (In the US, at least.)
http://www.zelda.com/breath-of-the-wild/buy-now/
@InklingOrange thank you there site wouldn't load for me lol
@Kalmaro I don't know, but it just feels like I'm watching this in replay again and again, and on top of that, I really don't want any spoilers, I hate spoilers!
NEW AMIIBO

ZELDA
BOKOBLIN
No lie, seeing Zelda cry like that almost made me shed a tear. It was just a reaction. I don't even really like Zelda. Like what.
...Must have those amiibo!
Also...I am still bitter about the voice acting but I am still buying this twice.
ESRB rating: Everyone 10+ : Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol.
Link awakens in his underwear with no recollection of what happened beforehand. I guess that's where the "Use of Alcohol" comes from.
Zelda, don't cry.
Seeing Xenoblade 2 on their roster and Zelda being a day one release turned me from sceptic to believer. The switch is a day one purchase for sure. The Zelda trailer had me choked up. GREAT job Nintendo!
The games look polished and beautiful.That being said, can we see the system specs now?
LOVE IT SO MUCH. The story looks to be epic too.
@Kalmaro stellar m? It seemed pretty amateurly made
Oh my goodnessss!! So soon! Can't wait for this gameeee!!!
@aaronsullivan Woah!! $80 for a pair of Joy-Cons?! $90 for the Dock?? Nibelsnarfing Nintendo style...
Oh yeah, Pro Controller all the way then!! (even tho that's pricey as well)
Watching that trailer was the closest I've been to messing my pants since I was 2. My wife just laughed and watched while I lost my mind.
@DanteSolablood Nintendo has uploaded a version of the trailer with English voice acting. Not sure where the "Japanese Voice Only" rumor came from.
@Totaldude911 I already saw this (please read down). This was a hypothesis before the trailer was released.
I might have to watch the trailer again but doesn't the Deku tree say to link something like " I see you have no recollection of me". So is it OoT Link? Although there can be seen Koroks flying around so it could be after the waters have receded from Wind Waker.
@3MonthBeef LOL! THAT GIF! MY FEELINGS EXACTLY.
Also finally they had voice-over now and I'm glad for once it's not annoying.
Absolutely amazing trailer. It blew me away.
Just saw the Master Edition for BoTW... whose firstborn do I have to offer to get this? The carrying case is worth it alone. Oh I am going to be so broke. No tax return for me at all.
Anyone seen the Special & Master editions on the Nintendo US site?
http://www.nintendo.com/games/game-guide?pv=true#filter/switch|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|featured|des|-|-
My spine was tingling throughout the whole entire thing. What a perfect looking launch title.
Switch version box art (Wii U version has the same art):
Special Edition contents:
Master Edition contents:
@aaronsullivan so tired, but $90 for the toaster? Does it come with Zelda BoyW? I figured $50 and even that seemed high. For $90 just buy another Switch.
And word on 1 account like 3DS or multiple like Wii U? I'm guessing parental controls means multi but who knows.
See yah in the morning. We'll later in the morning.
@Phle I can understand you not wanting spoilers, but almost nothing we've seen tonight was old stuff :U
@Stubborn_Monkey I hope the Master Edition comes to Europe! x__x
@Moshugan
Same. I don't know if I'll get it (I'm definitely getting the game, but I haven't chosen an edition yet), but this kind of stuff should be available in all regions.
Wow! Really impressive.
But then again it was the only thing that impressed and I already have a Wii U for that.
One thing about those complaining that this seems to be the only real launch title, let's be honest here, are you really going to. be playing anything else? And if you were releasing a game, would you really want to compete with this?
@ChessboardMan Agreed completely. If anything, this gives people like me a little bit of breathing room.
Ughhhh i need this master edition!!
Don't suppose anyone's been able to place an order for the Master Edition anywhere, have they? Master and Special are showing as "unavailable" on Amazon (even odds as to if they haven't opened preorders yet, or sold out in first five minutes), and Gamestop is being... weird.
Gamestop shows both the Master and Special editions available to order with a placeholder price ($999) that changes to the correct price in the cart, but whenever I try to checkout with a Master edition, my cart mysteriously empties.
That said, I was able to successfully order the Special edition a few minutes ago, so folks might want to get on that:
http://www.gamestop.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-wild-special-edition/141923
Wow, this game looks great! I never thought I would see Zelda crying!
Master Edition NOW TAKING PREORDERS on Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT8SWKC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484295119&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Legend+of+Zelda+Breath+of+the+Wild+Master
[edit] Aaaand, now showing out of stock again, no more than 11 minutes after I made this post. But Gamestop seems to be taking orders now!
http://www.gamestop.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-wild-masters-edition/141917
This game is gonna be brilliant. Nintendo didn't do enough to persuade me to grab a Switch on Day 1, so I might get the Wii U version.
Trailer made me decide that I need this on day 1...on the Switch!
Just beautiful.
I'll still get the Wii U version at some point to add to my other Zeldas on it, making the Switch is what I've officially decided due to this.
Now, my official 'Zelda BotW information Blackout' begins now.
You can keep your extra's, Nintendo! I go for the Wii u version, yahoo!
It was intended for that hardware (Wii u) anyway. And while you guys are twirling your thumbs with the game in possesion because you can't get the Switch (short supplies), I am leisurely sitting in my chair enjoying the Wii u version. Lol, that's how it goes!
Still don't like this game.
Apparently it's going to be dubbed in all languages.I went to Nintendo's italian youtube channel and saw the same trailer from the presentation,but with an italian dub.
I'm not getting the Switch on launch date, but I'm so getting that Special edition!
Don't you think the graphics looks a bit washed out?
like those filters they put on some TV shows to make people skins look smooth.
Looks really cool, but it won't make me buy the console by itself (Still haven't played Wind Waker, Twilight Princess or Skyward Sword and I'm totally fine. Having those three on the system as cheaper titles would help imo)
Looks brilliant, but ah wait Europe gets dumped on once again. Even the special edition is better than the European special edition.
But wait! Surely as the switch is not region locked, means we can buy it , just have to not care about exchange rate. Meh, after Brexit rate is around the same anyways
@Bunkerneath What are you on about? Same day in the UK.
https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/819846400292683776
@Stubborn_Monkey Same for the UK
https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/819846400292683776
@Ryu_Niiyama same
@Bunkerneath I'm ticked. WE DONT GET THE MAP!!! But that's always true for Europe and Nintendo's special editions
@Stubi got the link??
Simply amazing. I', compeled to buy both versions. Wii U and Switch.
What are the editions for Europe and what is their content. The special and master editions for North America seem really nice.
@ProfessorToad That's the thing about opinions, everyone has one
ANY DIFFERENCES between Switch and Wii U Zelda?
Anyone know yet?
@Nin10doh not sure what you are on about, I'm talking about how UK don't get the Master Edition. Not the date of release
Stunning just stunning.
Not even gonna watch the trailer! I want to go into this game practically blind.
Wow, I don't even know how to process this... I am blown away. Only complaint- not sure what to think about the voice overs.
Seeing how awesome the new trailer looked, I'm not sure how well the Wii U version will play
Excellent news. My most anticipated game is releasing earlier than anticipated.
I really feel like it's going to be as big as the original Ocarina of Time, it looks so big in scope and size.
@whodatninja LOL same on which comment? I've spazzed out quite a bit in here today.
I snagged the Special Edition preorder...I'll keep my eye out for the the Master Edition but it was sold out when I tried today. I need that case.
I preordered this game and the switch.
@Ryu_Niiyama The "banging the keyboard out of JOY" one XD
i too need the Master Edition! Europe got a really crappy Special edition in comparison, but since it's region free, I no longer have a problem!!
@Ryu_Niiyama Yeah i've been out of the loop. I couldn't watch the presentation live, as it was 5 in the morning. I pretty much avoided the internet all day so i could watch it unspoiled XD
@whodatninja LOL yeah, I was trying to stay quiet since I have roommates currently. But otherwise? Shrieks of joy. I was pretty much throwing my credit card at the screen by the time the trailer came up.
Agreed on the editions (sorry EU didn't get the case!)... I am stalking Japanese sites for the Master Edition since it is sold out in NA as far as I have found. I mainly want the case so I don't have to have...ok wait it is Zelda...yeah I will have to tackle a scalper.
Yeah the trailer was amazing, I nearly cried, it was beautiful and epic!! The build up was really funny too, with Reggie, Aonuma and Miyamoto
And picking a fight with a scalper is a noble cause. And seems to be norm for Nintendo things nowadays! (Sadly!!!) Same with those BotW amiibo! I really want that Epona Link amiibo!
Are you also skipping it on Wii U? Even if I dont have a Switch at launch, i still want the Master edition on my shelf... Because the wii u version gets squat!
PS I always love your avatars XD
Region Free - everyone ordering NA Master edition
This looks terrific! I guess I can buy it on March 3rd either way so that's cool.
I really wanted to go bonkers over the Switch but couldn't. Glad BOTW coming for Wii U. If it lauches in a Switch bundle for $300 I'll spring otherwise maybe holiday season. I prefer the 2nd screen on Wii U. Really disappointed to hear Lego City being re released. That deseves a sequel. I would've bought a bundle with it in it too. Other than hopefully faster load screens withiut the unique second screen the Switch(ps4,xb1,pc)versions will all be inferior to the original. Other than Zelda and a portable Skyrim I was kind of underwhelmed. Oh well.
We might get the Switch by Holiday 2017, but that will be determined if it has enough 3rd party support. If Skyrim Special Edition will feature the mod support that is equal to that of the XBox One, it will provide a strong argument for purchase. But for now, we will wait and see. Until then, we'll enjoy Zelda on the Wii U.
Master Edition: It shall be mine!
Gonna get it for my Wii U and that,s all.
GOOD THING they did not cancelled the Wii U version...
Man, I think I've watched this trailer about 20 times now - including a few fan reaction videos - and every single time I burst out in tears! I'm not entirely sure why, I think it's because of all the memories of fighting Ganon together with Zelda (who was constantly in danger and sacrificed a lot) in previous games and then Zelda saying that it was all for nothing...
That was exactly what was missing for me in all the previous footage: meaningful snippets from the underlying story, a sort of connection to previous games as well (sounds like Zelda's recounting their steps together in stopping Ganon time and time again, there were elements from Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker and Skyward Sword (and probably more).
IMHO the voice acting in the Japanese Trailer is far superior to the English one. I don't understand a single word (aside from having the subtitles), but Zelda sounds more emotional and her cry sounds way more believable and heartfelt than in the English version. The Great Deku tree's voice also sounds more grave than in the English dub.
Well if there is no region lock anymore, maybe I'll play the game in Japanese. At least it would finally force me to start learning Japanese.
Hi everyone, I was hoping you could help me with this. I heard back when Twilight Princess came out that the GameCube version was limited in stock and quickly became hard to find. Do you guys happen to know if something similar will happen to the Wii U version? I'm planning on playing the game on Wii U in July or August (career stuff doesn't give me much time before then), so would it be okay to buy the game in July or August, or do you guys think by then Wii U versions could potentially be hard to find (and so I should pre-order and get the game now)? Thanks for your help!
@DanteSolablood Ah. Right you are! Sorry!
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