The Importance of a New Zelda Game for the Launch Success of Switch 2

The Legend of Zelda franchise has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the success of Nintendo consoles, from its early days on the NES to the current Nintendo Switch. The original *Legend of Zelda* set the benchmark, and titles like *Breath of the Wild* have raised the stakes even higher, establishing characteristics that few games have managed to mimic. As the anticipation for the Switch 2 builds, it’s no wonder fans are eager for a new Zelda installment, hoping it replicates the groundbreaking impact of *Breath of the Wild*.

While some players yearn for a remake of a classic Zelda title at the launch of the Switch 2, others are seeking an entirely new adventure that captures the essence of the beloved series. Regardless of the path chosen, there are compelling reasons for a Zelda game to debut alongside the new console for it to achieve runaway success. Notably, every best-selling Nintendo console has launched with a Zelda title.

The Power of Zelda Games as Console Movers

Breath of the Wild: A Benchmark for Success

*Breath of the Wild* and its successor, *Tears of the Kingdom*, are regularly hailed among the greatest titles on the Nintendo Switch. The success of these series has made them synonymous with the console’s identity, with *Breath of the Wild* ranking as the fourth best-selling game on the platform after *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*, *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*, and *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe*.

As of now, the Zelda franchise boasts over 152 million copies sold across all systems, as reported by Statista. Titles such as *Ocarina of Time*, originally released on the N64, sold 7.6 million copies, with an additional 6.4 million on the 3DS, solidifying its status as a classic. *Twilight Princess*, a launch title for the Wii, also performed admirably, achieving nearly 8.9 million sales on the Wii and 1.1 million on the Wii U, making it the 13th best-selling game for the platform.

When evaluating the sales of the Zelda franchise against contemporaries like *Elder Scrolls* and *Fallout*, which together have sold just over 100 million copies, it’s clear that Zelda significantly outperforms them by a notable margin.

Will the Switch 2 Launch Without a Zelda Title?

Insufficient Time for a New Release

The recent release of *Echoes of Wisdom* on September 26, 2024, leaves little room for another Zelda game, as it will only be six months old when Nintendo reportedly announces the Switch 2 by March 31, 2025. Given its smaller scope, *Echoes of Wisdom* likely took less time to develop compared to massive projects like *Tears of the Kingdom*, which launched on May 12, 2023—just shy of a two-year gap. Therefore, the likelihood of a new Zelda title coinciding with the Switch 2’s launch appears slim.

Historically, significant gaps between releases are commonplace in the franchise: for example, there was a six-year separation between *Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom*, partly due to challenges brought on by COVID-19. A similar interval was seen between *Skyward Sword* and *Breath of the Wild*. Consequently, unless Nintendo has had a smaller-scale spin-off in development before *Echoes of Wisdom*, the likelihood of a new Zelda game being ready for the Switch 2’s launch remains very low.

While several mainline Zelda titles did launch between *Skyward Sword* and *Breath of the Wild*, most were remakes. The only original games released were *A Link Between Worlds* and *Triforce Heroes* on the 3DS, which likely followed expedited development cycles.

Nevertheless, there will undoubtedly be a Zelda game for the Switch 2 at some point, as this franchise has graced nearly every Nintendo console since the NES. However, the realization of such a title might be a year or more away, especially if it aims to match the scale of existing major titles. A remake, akin to the *Skyward Sword* remaster or perhaps a much-anticipated full remake of *Ocarina of Time*, remains a more feasible option for launch.

Is It Possible for the Switch 2 to Succeed Without Zelda at Launch?

Potential for Success Without a Launch Title

While it’s easy to assume that the absence of a *Breath of the Wild* or any Zelda game at launch could hinder the Switch 2’s success, history suggests otherwise. Just two of Nintendo’s consoles, the Switch and Wii, had Zelda titles available upon launch. Most other Nintendo systems eventually enjoyed a Zelda release, but not necessarily from day one. Therefore, although Zelda games act as system sellers, their presence at launch isn’t strictly necessary for a successful rollout.

Having a Zelda title at launch would undoubtedly add excitement; however, numerous factors contribute to a console’s success. The Wii, for instance, appealed to families and featured innovative peripherals, all accompanied by standout launch titles like *Wii Sports* and potent marketing efforts.

Similarly, the Nintendo Switch, as the first of its kind hybrid console, generated immense interest. Its launch was supported by a robust catalog of compelling games. Thus, while the inclusion of a Zelda game would enhance the Switch 2’s initial appeal, it alone isn’t essential for achieving success. Numerous other critically acclaimed first-party titles could easily support a strong launch lineup.

The thought of a Zelda game missing from the Switch 2’s launch might be hard to digest; yet, this absence might provide opportunities for other franchises to shine. An engaging Zelda title would undoubtedly elevate the console’s prestige, but Nintendo may just be biding its time before unleashing fan-favorite IPs on the Switch 2.

Source: Statista

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