Nintendo is set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda with a dedicated Direct presentation on Tuesday, September 8. This 30-minute stream is expected to deliver a variety of information related to the long-running franchise, drawing parallels to the packed Super Mario 35th Anniversary Direct from 2020.
Ocarina of Time Remake Details Incoming
The primary focus of the Direct is anticipated to be The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch. Despite being teased previously, concrete details about the remake have been scarce. The upcoming presentation is expected to offer a comprehensive look at its visuals, gameplay mechanics, and most importantly, a release date. While some finer points might be reserved for subsequent streams, the major announcements are likely to be made here.
First Glimpse of the Zelda Live-Action Movie
Another significant segment of the Direct is expected to feature the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, scheduled for release on April 30, 2027. Following a playbook similar to that of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo and Shigeru Miyamoto may open the showcase with the first trailer for the film, potentially alongside an official cast reveal. Thus far, only a few official images have been released, offering a limited view of the project.
Zelda-Themed Switch Hardware
Recent leaks suggest that a special Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 console and Pro Controller could be officially revealed. Images that surfaced in August depicted a Switch console with a Triforce emblem on its dock and custom Joy-cons, alongside a gold and green Pro Controller. Given Nintendo's history of releasing special edition hardware, these leaks appear plausible and could serve to attract new buyers, especially following a recent price increase for the console.
Twilight Princess on Switch?
Beyond these more concrete possibilities, the Direct may also touch upon The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. This title remains the only mainline console Zelda game not currently available on the Switch. Its inclusion could signal an addition to the Switch Online GameCube Classics catalog or a potential HD re-release, perhaps bundled with The Wind Waker in a manner similar to Super Mario 3D All-Stars.
A Surprise Game for 2027?
Adding to the potential reveals, there is speculation about a surprise new Zelda game announcement for 2027. Rumors from leakers suggest Nintendo is collaborating with Grezzo, the developer behind The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, on a project codenamed Project Bernard, which may star Ganondorf. Releasing a new game around the same time as the Zelda movie could be a strategic move for Nintendo, though the tight turnaround from Echoes of Wisdom's 2024 launch might make this ambitious.
