The 35th anniversary year of Super Mario Bros. will soon draw to a close and although Nintendo has extended the celebrations to 31st March 2021 (a day which Mario himself will do well to survive, it seems), 2021 marks the 35th birthday of the next-most celebrated series in the Kyoto company's catalogue: The Legend of Zelda.
The various announcements for Mario's 35th were kept under wraps until September this year, a matter of days before the anniversary of the Japanese Famicom release, although pandemic-related scheduling disruption may have played a part in that timing. The Legend of Zelda launched on Famicom Disk System in Japan on 21st February 1986, so while it's possible we'll see an announcement in the first weeks of the new year, we also wouldn't be surprised if we hear nothing until April (once all the Mario stuff is over).
We're talking 'bout Nintendo here, though; anything's possible. With that in mind, team Nintendo Life sat down and thought about what our favourite platform holder might have up its sleeve to celebrate three-and-a-half decades of adventuring in the kingdom of Hyrule (and other territories). Below you'll find ten predictions based on past evidence, intuition and a little dreaming; a mixture of well-reasoned guesswork and pie-in-the-sky prognostication.
Let's take a look at how we'd like to see Nintendo celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Zelda franchise, then...
Remasters and Re-releases
Straight off the bat, we'd like to see more of the series' back catalogue available to play on Switch in some form. As things stand, you can currently play The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and A Link to the Past with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, as well as Breath of the Wild and the Link's Awakening remake, of course.
While the long-running series has had its share of remakes and remasters, we'd love to see more of the old titles come to the current console. A whole new generation who just missed the 3DS are getting into games right now and they don't have easy access to Ocarina of Time — a contravention of the Geneva convention, we're certain.
With all developmental hands on deck for the follow-up to Breath of the Wild, full-scale remakes seem unlikely, although they'd certainly be welcome. Rumours that Skyward Sword might be coming to Switch continue to hover and 2021 would mark ten years since that game launched on Wii. Grezzo, the studio behind both Ocarina 3D and Majora's Mask 3D on 3DS (and Link's Awakening on Switch) must to be up to something.
Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda
The entirely superfluous yet lovely little Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. was a cute callback to Nintendo's vintage handheld series, and we'd be onboard to see the trick repeated again in 2021.
Fans have already mocked up that it would look like, of course:
Yes. Yes, please.
Another Zelda Character joins Smash Bros. Ultimate
All eyes are on The Game Awards at the time of writing thanks to the scheduled reveal of the next Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC fighter, but Nintendo has said that the remaining invitations for the second Fighter's Pass will be doled out periodically up until holiday season 2021. The huge Smash Bros. roster already features several Zelda characters, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a little cross-promotional marketing next year with another addition.
But which character should get an invitation? Well, we've had fun playing as the Four Champions in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, and squeezing four different fighters into one slot (and rebuilding the game to accommodate them) sounds like the sort of crazily taxing task Masahiro Sakurai would be assigned to complete.
Alternatively, a beloved vintage character updated for the 2020s could work just as well. It's been a while since we heard from Tingle. Or how about Agahnim? Skull Kid? Epona? A flock of cuccos?
Still, if some Byleth-style cross-promotion is on the cards, an all-new character from a new game would make good business sense. If only Nintendo had a Zelda title in development that was ready to launch in 2021...
Breath of the Wild 2 launching *crosses fingers*
Could the tentatively titled Breath of the Wild 2 see release in 2021?
It's certainly possible. In March it'll be four years since the original launched alongside Switch, and we'd have put money on BOTW 2 hitting in time for the 35th anniversary had 2020 been a regular year.
We still think there's a very good chance, though, and with rumours of new Switch hardware in the works, what better game to launch a new SKU? Metroid Prime 4, perhaps, but that one's still a ways off.
We're pretty certain that the next entry in the mainline series is pencilled into Nintendo's 2021 Filofax; the real question is whether or not they'll grab a biro and make it a date. At the very least we'll get a name — we're getting tired of calling it 'Breath of the Wild 2'.
Those Wii U ports
C'mon, they're just sitting there!
Of all the remaining Wii U games that haven't yet made the jump to Switch, the pair of HD Zelda remasters are perhaps the most conspicuous absentees and definitely deserve another chance to shine.
If we're honest, we're not too bothered about 'Deluxe' versions of The Wind Waker HD or Twilight Princess HD, although we'd welcome an option in the former to toggle between the revised bloom-lit visuals and a visual mode that better approximates the flatter, vibrant and timeless look of the GameCube original. And if they wanted to add in any cut content, who are we to argue?
The Legend of Zelda 35
Following on the heels of Tetris 99 and Super Mario Bros. 35, it seems just a matter of time before Nintendo put out another Battle Royale-style spin-off for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. We speculated as to the direction it could potentially take back in October — who'd say no to ninety-nine Links dropping onto an Eventide Island?
Perhaps it's easier to imagine something with a retro flavour closer to Mario 35, with a little Four Swords spice thrown in for good measure. The Breath of the Wild developers showed a behind-the-scenes 8-bit-style prototyping tool at GDC 2017 (above) which was used to test physics interactions. That type of retro-styled world could be a fertile bed to plant an online multiplayer experience, and one which would celebrate the series from its roots to its most recent guise. Thirty-five players wake up in different places across 8-bit Hyrule and set out to battle Ganon using nothing but teamwork and what they pick up along the way...
Where do we sign up?
New consoles for Nintendo Switch Online = More old Zelda games
If Nintendo were to expand its Nintendo Switch Online offerings beyond the NES and SNES games currently available, more vintage Zelda adventures on Switch would be an inevitable result. The addition of Game Boy (Color) and Game Boy Advance titles, for example, would likely herald the arrival of the original Link's Awakening, the Oracle of Ages and Seasons duo for Game Boy Colour, and The Minish Cap. We'll take the lot. The more the merrier.
Unless Grezzo wants to totally remake any more of the Game Boy installments for Switch, of course.
Spin-offs and Crossovers
We've had Cadence, we've had Calamity, so what's the next Zelda spin-off?
With such a large universe to draw from, the possibilities are endless and after such promising collaborations with other teams large and small, it would be great to see another developer take the Zelda franchise for a spin. Or someone could bring back Link's Crossbow Training. That too.
We have fond memories of the Zelda Twilight Princess Picross game on 3DS; you can never have too much Picross (Zelda-themed or otherwise), so we'd take another one of those — especially if it's free. A port and international release of the Japan-only DS game (and Club Nintendo exclusive) Tingle's Balloon Fight would go down very well, too.
We've also been fantasising about a Zelda X Fire Emblem crossover which essentially transfers FE gameplay into the world of Hyrule. Hey, if they can make a good Musou out of Breath of the Wild, we'd love to see what a Hylian turn-based SRPG looks like!
We're sure there will be a host of events and items appearing across other 'live' Nintendo games: the Tetris 99 Zelda event; the Super Mario Maker 2 Link course competition; the Animal Crossing: New Horizons items.
There's nothing stopping Link or Zelda cropping up in other companies' games, either. With fans speculating that Samus might be coming to Fortnite, we can think of another character or two who are quite adept at gliding down from on high and battling foes across a large map with melee and projectile weapons. Then again, seeing Link gunned down with automatic weaponry on social media might not be Nintendo's bag.
Lots of lovely Zelda hardware and merch
The 25th anniversary saw the release of Zelda-themed 3DS and there's a decent chance we could see a Triforce or Hylian shield pasted onto some Limited Edition Switch hardware. Skins are all well and good, but could you resist a Switch Lite with proper Sheikah Slate stylings?
There will certainly be plenty of crossovers in the realm of more affordable merchandise. Link lunchboxes, Master Sword skewers, Hylian hosiery — you name it. We've also got our fingers crossed for some Lego Zelda sets next year. Fans have been dreaming up Lego brick crossover creations for a long time: from a recreation of Link to the Past's overworld map to a Breath of the Wild stable; from Link's humble abode to the Hylian Knight himself.
While we've enjoyed the unique gameplay spin Nintendo gave the LEGO Super Mario sets, we'd argue that the grandeur of the Legend of Zelda lends itself just as well to a more traditional build.
Surprises!
Whatever Nintendo is planning, there will naturally be some totally unexpected announcements. 'Zelda Maker' would be amazing, although fans have been clamouring for that for years.
No, there will be some unpredictable, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit-style curveball what nobody will see coming. And we wouldn't have it any other way. That's half the reason we're living the Nintendo life, right? Bring it on.
Well, would you look at that: not a single Link pun! Who says this site is nothing but dad jokes and links...
Oh-no-we-didn't! Let us know your thoughts below on what Nintendo might have in store for Zelda's 35th, and feel free to dazzle us with your finest Zelda wordplay, too. Puns are the very highest form of comedy — perhaps even all art. Yep.
Further reading:
Comments (140)
Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD feels like a must!
No HD re-releases of the Tingle games?!
I’d love Ocarina of Time 3D on Switch with all the QOL changes that game includes. Although the graphics differences are personal preference, I do like the vibe that game goes for.
The thing is there are already outstanding remasters/remakes out there of Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Windwaker, Link's Awakening & Twilight Princess. They are all now the definitive ways to play each of those games, surely?
To be honest I don't know what to expect.
Probably some rereleases and nothing major.
My wildest dream would be Skull Kid in Smash, but I know that'll never happen.
Wait, scratch that...my wildest dream would be Ninty acknowledging it's also Metroid's 35th anniversary lol
Maybe a Zelda collection with all the great pre-Wii U titles and Zelda II!
yeah that's right, Zelda 2 is bad.
@jump Gimme Wand of Gamelon or give me death!
I’m really hoping they at least give us HD remasters of Ocarina of Time in Majora‘s Mask, A Link to the Past, Seasons and Ages. I would like them to at least port the Wii U games but would love them to add cut content and do some improvements.
Breath of the wild 2! That is all they need
I hope the remaining Zelda Gameboy games get a remaster, like Link's Awakening (with more mappable buttons than just A and B).
Zelda Gameboy games in need of a remaster:
The Wii u ports definitely. Breath of the wild 2 will be announced for Xmas 2021. But then delayed to March 2022 . Probably xxxxx
@LEGEND_MARIOID agreed, I keep my wii U and 3ds handy so I can go back and play those, still great all these years later.
Probably the Wii U ports 1:1 on Switch with no improvements. Nintendo still ain't done porting all the Wii U games yet; why make actual new games when you can just port your old games?
I don't normally hate ports, just annoyed that they seem to be standing in place of new games rather than beside them.
My bet is on some 3D Zelda package much like the Mario one we got.
Hopefully with Ocarina, Twilight and Wind Waker in one package.
They could also make a big hoohaa around a Skyward Sword release (Hopefully they allow for a normal controller scheme for it too).
Would think it'd be a repeat:
BotW2
LoZ Edition Switch hardware
"Triforce Heroes" 2
Please SS and TP
When was the last Zelda anniversary that had lots of stuff from Nintendo? It seems that they only release a game or 2 and call it a day.
A compilation of Zelda games would be nice but Nintendo doesn't make compilations unless they have nothing else to show. 3D Mario all-stars feels rushed and quickly put together. The last time Nintendo made a Zelda compilation was when the Gamecube was falling in sales.
I think BoTW2 and maaaaaybe a remake port of some old games and call it a day.
I wish I am wrong, tho.
@HotGoomba___Rebrand Nah... Zelda 2 is good... and I wish it could get a modern remake.
But I’d rather have a Skyward Sword remaster in HD or re releases of the Tingle games ... those are so goooood!
@HotGoomba___Rebrand No, you're bad.
My money is on a Zelda 1 and 2 being remade (like the original Mario All Stars on SNES)
The Zelda Franchise is much more of a wild card after the release of Cadence of Hyrule and Age of Calamity. Mario's 35th anniversary went well enough, even though there wasn't anything too TOO out of left field, aside for Mario35. Zelda's got a few different directions it can spread out to.
Minish cap. I would love to play it again. Or a remake,yeah right.
Maybe we'll get a trailer for BotW 2 if we're lucky.
...I'm going in with low expectations
If they manage to get all the pre-Switch 3D games in one collection and don't artificially limit the availability, I'll call that a success.
BotW 2 and a new Switch; hopefully where the weapons in one don’t break as often as the controllers in the other...
@jump LOL
@COVIDberry We can all agree on one thing.
Sonic Boom is worse than cannibalism, murder, and stealing.
Not pedophilia tho.
If Mario's 35th was anything to go by, almost nothing noteworthy will happen. Probably another no effort 3D collection with emulations of Ocarina, Majora and Wind Waker. I have low expectations of Nintendo these days. Even with that they still manage to disappoint to some extent.
I want Ocarina and Majora playable on Switch. Preferably via Switch Online.
The original versions, not the 3DS remakes.
Another bare bones collection that shows their ego, because they know the masses will eat it up! I’m guessing. I bought the All-Star collection! 😂
Zelda done in the style of Fire Emblem is the game I never knew I wanted, but must have.
I so hope, nintendo suprise us with a total switch remake of majoras mask, one of the most magical zelda games ever. (Wont happen tho)
Or a zelda related character for smashbros (Champions)
@LEGEND_MARIOID Disagree on Majora's Mask, the 3D remake ruins too much.
I can hope and pray for Link to the Past to get a remake, much like Links Awakening. But Im assuming my wish will go unfulfilled. The day it happens, I'll dance sing and dance like a 3 yr old.
@Kyoshi Honestly, I much prefer the GameCube version of Wind Waker to the remake. I just couldn't take to the new lighting... the colours were far less vibrant (especially the sky) and it diluted the cel-shading and just made it look more generic and washed out. The GameCube visuals are iconic.
Well, better start saving up money now. I'm going to need a Giant's Wallet for 2021.
There are some good ideas in the article but here's what I'd love to see:
1. Making the Breath of the Wild developers' 8-bit-style prototype into a full game would be awesome — and I love the idea said in the article of making it multiplayer in some way!
2. Remaking Zelda II with gameplay enhancements (including a longer sword — not the knife Link currently has in that game
Something you’ll have until March 31st 2022 to decide.
Id love to see Ocarina of time - master quest from the gamecube relesed. Also its about time that Wind waker was ported for the switch. Although i didnt buy in to the mario game and watch id probarbly go for a zelda one. Whatever they do i hope they do this amazing franchise justice for its 35th anniversary.
I think that mock-up seems a bit unlikely. If they have to include the Game & Watch: Zelda Game on there, it might as well be a Dual Screen Version, like it originally was to begin with. And they should bundle that with a 2-Screen Edition of the Original Legend of Zelda (Map Screen on bottom, Item Screen on Top) that would work.
I'd like to add a push for Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland. That spin-off never released here.
Would love breath of the wild 2
what i want: BOTW2
What we'll get: $10 off majoras mask 3d, links awakening, and cadence of hyrule
This article will be almost certainly outdated after the Game Awards.
How about a set of pins that they'll run out of long before everyone has a chance to get.
This may sound like port defending, and I guess it is. The ideology behind releasing ports is not so they don't have to make new games. They clearly are always working on new games. It's just that new games take more time and cost more money to make. Everybody wants more detail, higher rez textures, higher poly count. That crap takes much more time and money. Ports fill in those gaps between those big releases and take a significantly smaller budget to make, in all departments. They aren't taking away from the dev teams working on the next big thing. If they focused on only their next big thing and stopped with the ports, they'd release a new game maybe every 3 years? They'd be Rockstar? (not saying being Rockstar is a bad thing, only that they release games not very often)
But anyway, looking forward to the year of Zelda, and hopefully (please?) Year of Metroid!
My 3ds is basically a portable zelda machine. It doesn’t have the obvious ones of course. My switch needs to become a portable zelda machine, but with the console ones as well. Please Nintendo, just port it all over to switch.
How about making an article about DK’s 40th anniversary?!
My predictions:
> Zelda 3D All-Stars
> Game & Watch Zelda Edition
> Zelda Battle Royale
> Breath of the Wild 2
I’m expecting a Zelda Switch. I’m hoping for BOTW 2.
@Strumpan Agree to disagree
@Zeropulse Yes. Absolutely. The remake/remasters on those systems are all time favourites video games of mine.
Well it's Metroid's 35th Anniversary too so I expect the HD Zelda WiiU ports as 1 cartridge bundle (Twilight and Windwaker) and Metroid Prime Trilogy HD.
BOTW2 as the big November 2021 game.
I would love the trio Twilight Princess, Wind Waker and Skyward Sword to come to the Switch.
Maybe we should ask what SEGA has planned for Sonic the Hedgehog's 30th Anniversary and Sonic Adventure 2's 20th Anniversary, besides the Sonic Encyclo-Speed-ia.
TBH I'd be happy with remasters or remakes of just about any Zelda game except for OOT, TP and the games that are already on the online sevice. OoT is a great game but it's the one Zelda I've played so much I don't need to see it again, and TP is the one Zelda I just wasn't able to get into at all.
What I'd really like, and think is actually a possibility, is a collection of the later GBC games. With or without the option to switch between old-school graphics and remastered.
Wish-for-the-moon item: a brand new 2D Zelda made for the Switch. Yes, I know BOTW2 is coming, and this is totally improbable. But it would warm the cockles of my heart to see something like ALBW coming to the Switch as well, and those games don't require massive dev teams and supersized budgets.
I wouldn't turn down a Wind Waker port or "Legend of Zelda Tactics", either.
@Crockin : And you will need to redeem gold coins via My Nintendo to be eligible for those unbeatable deals!
More fullprice ports and romdumps!
@HotGoomba___Rebrand Alright. That's fair.
I didn't have a Wii U to play the HD versions of Wind Waker or Twilight Princess. Pretty please port them to Switch.
I want windwaker hd on the switch
A slap in the face probably I imagine.
@Tyranexx I must first note my respect for your handsome avatar.
I do not mean any criticism... but, I challenge any adult person to speak aloud the words "Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland". Aside from the sexual connotations, you may be asking anyone within earshot to have you committed.
Oh yay..cant wait to pay full price for a 15+ year old game.
Dont get me wrong it would be nice to see these titles again but we know Nintendo will gouge like they usually do
As a bonus, I would like them to release the 8-bit Breath of the Wild.
The back catalogue is a no brainer
Also what about the original Wii U demo? Looked like Gohma in the Temple of time
You guys are all wrong, they’ll FINALLY put Link in Smash.
I have one wish for the anniversary. Ancient Stone Tablets and the Zelda 1 remake for SNES online. Please, Nintendo, let us play those games.
skyward sword remaster please
Not going to happen but I would like a joke dating / sim game where you play as Tingle trying to convince a Zelda he is Link. (After all, not all Zelda and Links are the same characters, Tingle can live forever as long as his wallet is not empty)
@solarstriker I'd actually like a remake of Oracle of Seasons/Ages in the art style of the Link's Awakening remake with the third game in the series that was never made. It was supposed to feature Farore, but linking three games together was too much for the technology at the time. I'd like to see if it could work this time.
A Link Between Worlds port for Switch please!
Four Swords Adventures online.
And what about Metroid's anniversary? Nobody will consider Metroid? Snif...
You guys have some real high hopes. Ports of the Wii U ports, with no added content is the best I'd hope for.
Be nice if they'd do something for Metroids anniversary, but much like how this article ignores it, Nintendo will as well as history has shown for its previous milestone anniversaries.
They could just s*** out a port of Twilight Princess. Quit down all the complainers that being on three consoles in a row isn't already enough.
Nothing. My prediction is nothing
@Zeropulse Can't see why they'd remaster the most iconic game in the series for its 35th anniversary
Off topic but is there going to be the Game Awards stream on Nintendo Life like it usually is each year. Pre-show starts in 15 minutes which still has reveals (last time No More Heroes III was there).
What I want:
-Skyward Sword HD
-Ocarina Of Time HD
-Every 2D Zelda on Nintendo Classics or at least eShop
-BOTW announced as the Holiday 2021 release
What we'll get
-Skyward Sword and Ocarina Of Time as separate £20 eShop downloads but are emulated the same way as Mario Galaxy and 64
-BOTW 2 as the Holiday 2021 game
somehow I have the feeling you guys are a little tooooo optimistic. I doubt we get a special hardware or games from the gameboy series... would love to see that tho.
Kinda hoping, but at the same time not hoping, we get a Zelda themed Switch & Switch Lite.
I was really hoping for some firm predictions here, like what to expect in terms of releases?
My dream (and realistic - cause you know Nintendo) scenario would be two anniversary packs -
Legend of Zelda 3D pack
Upscaled versions of
Seems plausible we will get Botw2 by March 31st 2021. I'm expecting merchandising crossovers and skyward sword HD. I suspect Age of Calamity was the big surprise they potentially brought forwards. That will probably get dlc announced mind.
ocarina/majoras mask on one card for switch would make my year!
the wii u ports please
Something rushed, uninspired, and reeking of a cash grab.
@LilMuku I am sorry, I didn't mean to imply that Nintendo shouldn't be remaking those game, more ways to play them and to make them available to a larger audience is always a good thing. I merely wanted to convey my love of all 4 of those remakes/remasters and did not mean to upset you.
I’d also like 1. Remakes of Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages in Link’s Awakening Switch art style. 2. A new top down Legend of Zelda. 3. Super Zelda Maker
@COVIDberry Hah, fair point. Still, a bit of a name change would make the title less cringe lol.
Honestly, NL put together a decent Zelda wishlist. But I wouldn't mind a few decent spin-offs to show up either...even if they involve Tingle.
On my avatar: Thanks!
The only thing I want is Four Swords Anniversary Edition available again.
Tingle's Rosy Rupee Remake!
Nothing. We're getting nothing. That OR we're not getting BotW 2.
There are a lot more Mario games than Zelda games, but also no Odyssey 2 is coming. So building a event around the launch of 3D All Stars at the beginning and 3D World on the other end made sense. I cannot imagine a world where Nintendo wastes Zelda All Stars on the year when BotW2 comes out.
Nintendo's faster release schedule is a Zelda game a year, which we've slightly beat in the Switch era with Cadence. So if Zelda 35 is coming - let us say Ocarina and Majora's Mask HD in a limited time bundle in the fall, and a Skyward Sword port in the Spring. Well, that would seem to mean BotW2 is holiday 2022 at the earliest
All I know is that if I am “forced” to buy Ocarina of Time one more time I’m gonna have to just turn over my bank account to Nintendo since I’m dumb enough to do it every time.
@Itsacardgame Every 3 years? I'd take that, at least for their iconic IPs.
@tseliot well, they do do that, but as a multi-faceted company they have the means to do many more things too, which I’m happy for too. For me, having the ports means I have those games portably since nearly 100% of my gaming is on portable consoles. My 3DS can play nearly every Zelda game save 4 of them (OK, there’s a few more) With Wind Waker being my favorite, I’d love to have that on a little game card and to be able to play that everywhere.
This generation (PS4/Xbox One) has been full of ports and remasters. A lot of companies slowed down on the amount of new games they were pumping out in previous gens while the focused on their tentpoles. And filled in the gaps with easier projects and that was mostly porting. I’m fine with that for many reasons. It gives new players an experience that might have been closed off to them if they were late to the game. It promoted gaming history, not just by keeping these cross-generational, but also prompted game companies to archive their stuff and continue to profit off it (I was at one of those companies when they realized maybe they should have been archiving earlier). And I dunno, this got kinda long and I forgot where I was going, hahah.
Pie in the sky wish: Zelda II remake in full 3D with the detail and lighting of a Fromsoft Soulsborne game. Hell, commission Fromsoft to make it for Nintendo.
Rerelease that DS game with that weirdo "Tingle" something was going on with that guy and I want to figure it out.
BOTW 2 and a retro collection. There's no way they'll put in the effort to remake anything.
As I have collected all the Zelda amiibos released thus far, I would welcome more models to be made and added to my collection: LttP Link, MC Link, WW Ganondorf, Tingle, Skull Kid and Midna (without Wolf Link) are on my wish list.
@Zeropulse Aw don't worry fam you didn't upset me
@Ambassador_Kong based on 3D All Stars I think you might be right! Fingers crossed!
Well, it's certainly about time something else comes to the online service, and Game Boy titles should be there.
I think they'll launch some remaster or straight Wii U port, that's a safe bet -and I might end up getting those games, because I have them on Wii but haven't found the time to play them at home-, and wasn't BOTW 2 planned for this Christmas initially? That would mean that it HAS to be launched at some point in 2021. I don't quite get why it has become more of a wish. It should be a certainty.
Here are my predictions:
@LEGEND_MARIOID
The support for both the 3DS and Wii U are beginning to dwindle. The point is that everyone wants the games to be ported over to the Switch.
@NathanTheAsian
Totally agree with you, although I think having SS next year then BOTW2 later on would be better than the other way round.
But then again, BOTW2 in an anniversary year would be a good move.
Maybe I'm weak, but I kind of don't want them to release a Game & Watch Zelda because I'd buy it. lol. Very much happy with the idea of quick pick-up and play at an office desk and put back down, but that's the thing: that works for Mario... for Zelda, not so much.
Skyward Sword. I'd like that to be modernized a bit for Switch. QoL improvements and tweaks could really smooth it out. Fi, I like you, but please let me just do this. And some magical way to keep motion-control-loving players happy AND those who want a more traditional and easier-to-play-on-the-go alternative control method.
Also a Minish Cap remake could be quite amazing.
I think they are going to release a limited collection just like Super Mario 3D All-Stars with three games. I'm guessing Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess and Wind Waker.
@aaronsullivan If they could do that with skyward sword, that would be so wonderful. I am going back and playing now on my Wii U and having such a great time (I'm one of those motion control lovers) but it makes me sad that so many can't enjoy cause of the high hurdle of those motion controls. It's still one of my favorite Legend of Zelda games.
Maybe a Zelda Allstars? Not exactly sure what 3 games you'd include, but I'm sure OoT, MM and a 3rd could be figured out. Of course the cheap and quick way would be to repackage the Wii U WW, TP with Oot and mimic the Mario Allstars release
There's part of me resisting the WiiU ports, just because it would render my existing WiiU almost entirely unused.
That said, an updated Collectors Edition wouldn't go amiss. Even HD versions of the 3DS titles, I'd double dip on those.
@Rambler
I definitely want to see SS make some sort of appearance next year over BotW2. Not only would it give Age of Calamity some breathing space (more like a breath of the wild), but I also think SS deserves some redemption.
Better start saving now.
They need to re-release the Zelda games that haven't yet reached a big audience, and games that aren't available on modern systems. So:
Wind Waker
Twilight Princess
Skyward Sword (without motion controls!)
I wouldn't buy Ocarina of Time again, as I have it on the 3DS XL and it's a fantastic version. Also, the early Zelda games are all available on the 3DS.
@NathanTheAsian Yes. What I was getting at is that the anniversary collection could well merely port the original versions of the games and do Mario All Star HD touch ups. But I hope they adapt and port these remastered/remake versions onto the Switch as they are the definitive ways to play IMO.
The 3DS was very succeful.though and only recently. Unlike the Wii U
@LEGEND_MARIOID
I'm simply doubting the 3D All-Stars style of a touch-up. If the 3DS versions of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask had their biggest issues already fixed, I highly doubt they would want to go back into the N64 versions and fix those again (though I am aware that there was some controversy over Majora's Mask 3D with the physics changes).
Even with the 3DS's success, you have to consider the point about having all games on one console and the whole point about the Switch in the first place. People still don't have that choice of playing a redefined version of Ocarina of Time on the big screen. You either choose the original or re-releases of the original on the big screen, with all the issues and outdated graphics, or you choose the remaster that's strictly only available on a small screen.
@aaronsullivan @TheWingedAvenger
Eiji Aonuma said that Skyward Sword on traditional controls is impossible to do, so I wouldn't expect them to do so.
Even if there was a possibility to remake Skyward Sword, reworking the entire game so that motion controls are optional, I highly doubt Nintendo would want to split their resources away from Breath of the Wild 2 in order to remake Skyward Sword; remaking Skyward Sword would be remaking the entire game from the ground up, and that's basically just making an entirely new game.
Sure, you could say that Link's Awakening was done like that, but Link's Awakening was a much smaller game and had less limiting factors as to what would be changed in the remake.
I'll just be happy with Skyward Sword HD.
@NathanTheAsian
Exactly. I don't know why so many people keep talking about a Skyward Sword remake, even people who talk about games for a living have been beating the drum about it for months.
The game would have to be completely remade. It wouldn't be the same game. Also, who said EVERY Zelda game needs a remake anyway. Let them work on something new.
A Skyward Sword remake would have to work on Switch Lite...
@BongoBongo123
Nintendo hasn't been afraid of releasing games that are strictly limited to the regular Switch. After the Switch Life's release, they released Ring Fit Adventure, both Fitness Boxing games, and that one skipping rope game, plus they've continued to advertise games such as Super Mario Party. I don't think the Switch Lite is necessarily a limiting factor to an SS port/remaster (note: not factoring a remake).
@BongoBongo123 they could always give the option of more conventional controls. I for one would like it since my accuracy wasn't the best especially with thrusts.
A good HD remake of Ocarina would be very welcome.
@NathanTheAsian
That's a point. But would Nintendo do that with a big ip like Zelda?
@GrandScribe I don't see how they could make conventional controls work with Skyward Sword? The puzzle solving and combat is linked to the specific motion controls.
@BongoBongo123 they’d have a free analog stick they could use that
@GrandScribe
Nintendo literally said they can't do that.
@BongoBongo123
With a big IP like Zelda, it is reasonable NOT to limit the game to Joy Cons, but I think for what it's worth, Nintendo would also not want to sacrifice the game's innovative aspect.
@NathanTheAsian Speaking for me personally, I'm not suggesting a remake — just something more in line with Twilight Princess, which did get QoL stuff and was sharper and cleaner to look.
But the traditional controls thing... I did say "magic".
It's funny how common that type of swordplay is now for those that play VR games, now, though.
Also, his literal quote:
"So you’re saying control it all with buttons? That’s a little hard! I think it might be close to impossible!”
There's some waggle-room in "I think it might be close to" don't you think?
For what it's worth, it was his first gut reaction to being asked. Probably not seriously considered at that point.
@NathanTheAsian they may not have the desire but they could do it and make it work well. This is Nintendo were talking about not some company with hardly any experience or talent. Given how limiting motion controls are there should be an accommodation made for the old and/or disabled.
@GrandScribe
But this is also Nintendo, one to make games that target a specific audience with each of their games, not collectively as a whole. As far as I know, the most they've done for accessibility is the Color Lock feature in Splatoon 2, but that's not even fully considered an advantage towards colour-blind people.
In terms of controls, I feel like people would complain more about awkward controls than motion controls, and that's what Skyward Sword might turn out to be if they go down that route.
@aaronsullivan
Anything can happen at this point, I suppose.
@NathanTheAsian they can make more traditional controls an option. There's no excuse for any company especially one as large as prestigious as Nintendo to drag its feet in offering accessibility options for the old and disabled.
@PrincessMario I think I read something once about those games not being fully within Nintendo's control because Capcom developed them and something about the agreement meant Capcom kept some of the rights... or something. I might have made that up but I'm sure that's why they've only ever been released in their original form.
@Tipehtfomottob yaaaass all of those would go so well in my collection!
Who knows maybe something random will happen..
@erikharrison There are as many mainline 3D Zelda games as 3D Mario games.
For the 25th anniversary, we got
I expect similar things
You guys will probably hate me, but I've never played a Zelda game except trying out the first two and ago of calamity.
The chance of Skyward Sword coming to the Switch is almost impossible imo.
1. Motion control in SS uses the gyroscope AND the infrared sensor for aiming. The Joycon can't do both at the same time like a Wiimote. The cursor aiming in SS needs to be accurate and a gyroscopic controlled cursor isn't. Look at Mario Galaxy on the Switch. The cursor needs to be recentered every few seconds. It wouldn't work.
2. If the motion controls were to be ditched (like many people are hoping for) then the game would have to be fundamentally redesigned. Combat AND puzzles. Not only would this be a HUGE undertaking that Nintendo probably isn't willing to do, it would also completely change the character and charm of the game.
A possible hardware solution could be a specially designed Joycon rail attachment with a forward facing infrared sensor and reintroducing a sensor bar like the one supplied with the Wii.
I really just want a remake of Zelda 2 AoL.
How about a ring con- style sword and shield?
What if they released a new up-to-date version of Hyrule Historia? That would be amazing!!
I wouldve like a zelda 3D allstars same way as mario. Oot (n64) twilight princess (gamecube) skyward sword (wii) but since thats not gonna happen. Ive pre ordered skyward sword hd. All i need is a zelda 1,2, oot & majoras mask 4 pack and a twilight princess & windwaker double pack. Fingers crossed. Or toon link trilogy: windwaker, phantom hourglass & spirit tracks
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