Julio Neves
The Legend of Zelda is more than just a video game franchise; it’s a cultural cornerstone in the gaming world. Renowned for its innovation and consistently high quality, the series has had its share of ups and downs over the years. However, the Nintendo Switch era has undeniably been one of its brightest chapters, setting a new standard for the franchise and the industry at large. As the Switch’s lifecycle comes to an end, the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 inherits an enormous legacy, especially when it comes to the Zelda series.
To truly appreciate the task ahead, we must reflect on how the Zelda franchise has thrived on the Switch and what that means for the future.
The Golden Era of Zelda on the Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch has been home to an extraordinary collection of Zelda titles, including groundbreaking new entries and masterfully reimagined classics. It all started with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW), which launched alongside the Switch in 2017. Although technically a cross-platform release for the Wii U and Switch, BOTW is forever tied to the latter, thanks to its revolutionary impact on open-world gaming. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK), took those foundations and pushed the boundaries even further. These two titles redefined not just Zelda but action-adventure gaming as a whole.
Meanwhile, the Switch also gave us a stunning remake of Link’s Awakening and introduced Echoes of Wisdom, a 2D-style entry that proved smaller-scale Zelda games could still shine in the modern era. Together, these releases have created one of the strongest lineups of Zelda games ever seen on a single console. It’s an unprecedented run of success that sets the bar incredibly high for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom: Redefining a Genre
While many Zelda games are celebrated for their polish and charm, few have fundamentally changed the landscape of gaming. Before Breath of the Wild, Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask were considered the series’ most transformative entries. BOTW, however, elevated the franchise to new heights. It introduced a vast, open-world design philosophy that emphasized exploration, freedom, and player agency. Its non-linear structure allowed players to tackle challenges in virtually any order, creating a sense of discovery that felt organic and deeply rewarding.
This “open-air” design broke away from the more rigid structures of previous Zelda games and inspired countless imitators in the years that followed. However, just as the industry was still digesting BOTW’s lessons, Nintendo released Tears of the Kingdom, which pushed the formula even further. By layering additional mechanics, puzzles, and narrative depth onto BOTW’s framework, TOTK managed to feel fresh and innovative while maintaining the spirit of its predecessor.
These two titles represent a new high watermark for the franchise, cementing their place as some of the most influential games of all time. They not only raised expectations for future Zelda games but also set a standard for the entire gaming industry.
The Role of Smaller-Scale Zelda Titles
While BOTW and TOTK were the main attractions, Nintendo also delivered a pair of smaller, more traditional Zelda experiences during the Switch era. The 2019 remake of Link’s Awakening was a lovingly crafted update of the Game Boy classic, complete with a charming toy-like art style and modernized mechanics. It struck a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, proving that even simpler Zelda games could find a place in the modern gaming landscape.
Echoes of Wisdom, another 2D-style entry, took this approach a step further by introducing fresh mechanics and unique puzzles that complemented its compact design. These titles demonstrate that the Zelda franchise doesn’t need to rely solely on sprawling, open-world adventures to succeed. Instead, they suggest a potential path forward where 2D and 3D Zelda games coexist, each catering to different player preferences.
The Challenges Facing the Nintendo Switch 2
As Nintendo prepares to launch the Switch 2, the company faces a daunting challenge: how to follow up on one of the most successful eras in Zelda history. The bar has been set incredibly high, not just by BOTW and TOTK but by the entire lineup of Zelda titles on the Switch. Fans will expect the next console to deliver experiences that are equally groundbreaking, if not more so.
To achieve this, Nintendo must continue the innovative spirit that defined the Switch era. The success of TOTK demonstrates that players crave fresh ideas and bold experiments, even within beloved franchises. Whether it’s through another open-world masterpiece, a new spin on the 2D formula, or something entirely unexpected, the Switch 2’s Zelda games will need to surprise and delight in ways that feel both familiar and revolutionary.
Lessons from the Past
Looking back at the franchise’s history, it’s clear that Zelda thrives when Nintendo is willing to take risks. The GameCube era, for example, gave us Wind Waker and Twilight Princess—two wildly different entries that pushed the series in bold new directions. Conversely, the Wii U struggled to leave a mark on the franchise, with only Breath of the Wild saving it from being a low point in Zelda history. The Switch 2 must avoid the pitfalls of the Wii U by ensuring that Zelda remains a central focus of its library.
What’s Next for Zelda?
As the Legend of Zelda moves into the next generation, there are countless possibilities for where the series could go. Will Nintendo build on the open-world formula of BOTW and TOTK, or will it introduce an entirely new gameplay style? Could we see the return of cooperative gameplay, as hinted at in Hyrule Warriors? Or perhaps the next big Zelda game will embrace the cinematic storytelling techniques seen in other modern AAA titles.
Whatever path Nintendo chooses, one thing is clear: the company must retain the creativity, passion, and willingness to experiment that defined the Switch era. The Zelda series is more than just a collection of great games—it’s a testament to the power of innovation in gaming. If Nintendo can maintain that momentum, the Switch 2 could usher in yet another golden age for The Legend of Zelda.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has big shoes to fill, especially for Zelda fans. But with the right mix of bold ideas and respect for the franchise’s legacy, Nintendo has the opportunity to once again redefine what a Zelda game—and indeed, a console generation—can be.
