Can you believe it? Link (the green one) is 40 this year, yet his boundless enthusiasm for adventure still hasn’t waned. My boundless enthusiasm, meanwhile, waned decades back, so it’s clearly something in the Hyrule air. ANYWAY, to celebrate the Zelda series’ 40th anniversary, Nintendo has released a special Direct showcase (the first of two planned for this week), featuring a “variety of The Legend of Zelda-related information”.
That, we now know, included a full reveal for its Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake following its somewhat controversial unveiling earlier this year, a new Zelda-themed Switch 2, a couple of amiibo, a musical tour, and more. For the full rundown of announcements, cast your eyes below…
Switch 2’s Ocarina of Time remake gets a proper reveal
A classic reborn, and all of that. Not everyone loved the semi-realistic look Nintendo appeared to be going for when it unveiled Switch 2’s Ocarina of Time remake earlier this year. But we’ve now had a chance to see it properly in action
New features include a manual jump and the ability to hum ocarina tunes into the Switch 2’s mic rather than tapping them out. Or you could toot a tune on an actual ocarina if you have one lying around. It’s fully voiced too (which is going to take some getting used to), and supports Zelda Notes on the Switch app. As for when it’s out, it’s coming 5th November this year.
And there’s new Zelda amiibo to match
Of course, it wouldn’t be a new Nintendo release without new amiibo to go with it, and that’s exactly what we’ve got. New amiibo based on the Ocarina of Time remake’s interpretation of Young Link and Young Zelda are due to release at some currently undisclosed point later this year.
There’s a special Zelda edition of Switch 2 on the way
Your Switch 2 not Zelda-y enough for your liking? Well, you’ll have the opportunity to change that on 29th October. Nintendo has announced a new Zelda-themed console, with Link-ish green Joy-Cons and a triangular pattern inspired by the golden glow of the Triforce. Plus, there’s a similarly styled Switch 2 Pro Controller and carry case coming too.
Zelda 40th anniversary concerts are happening
If you’re a fan of the Zelda series’ music (and frankly, who isn’t?), then you’ll be able to hear some of its most beloved tunes played live in concert starting early next year. Nintendo’s preparing a worldwide orchestral tour that begins in Tokyo, Japan, on 23rd January before heading to North America, Europe, and Australia, with a UK date set for 3rd April in London.
Next year’s live-action Zelda movie gets a nod but no trailer
We’ve all been wondering how Nintendo might be looking to tackle its (I think) first live-action video game adaptation since 1993’s Super Mario Bros. movie, and, well, we still don’t know. Today brought the news the Zelda movie – which stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, and Sam Neill in one of his last appearances – won’t have a subtitle. Why? Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto says we’ll find out when it releases in cinemas on 30th April next year. Thanks Miyamoto!
There’s a bunch of Zelda tat on the way
If you’re a collectibles fan, it looks like there’s plenty to keep you busy as Zelda’s 40th anniversary continues. Nintendo flashed up a range of Zelda-themed bits at the start of the show, but its post-Direct press release has gone into more detail. There’s a 1,750-piece Link & Epona Lego set arriving in spring 2027. Also on the way is an electronic Master Sword courtesy of Hasbro (it’s 27 inches long and features 15 touch- and motion-activated sounds, apparently), but if you prefer your noises to be more musical, you’ve some additional choices. Nintendo is releasing a playable Ocarina in the “future”, and there’s an electric version from Hori too, if you’re less musically inclined.