Nintendo is likely to release a new hardware platform in the future, along with another Zelda game for it. While these plans are not yet confirmed, they are considered to be highly probable. Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma recently shared insights on the considerations that Nintendo's designers take into account when designing for new hardware. During an interview with Polygon, Aonuma, who has been a part of the Zelda series for many years and has experienced multiple console transitions, outlined some of the key areas that Nintendo prioritizes during this process.
Nintendo's designers are always focused on innovation and exploring new themes. Instead of dwelling on the past, they approach each new console with excitement, looking forward to the new possibilities and experiences it will bring.
During the interview, Aonuma expressed amazement at the ongoing success of the Zelda series, attributing it to the talented team he works with. He did not disclose details about the next Zelda game, but expressed excitement about the potential changes they could achieve together.
Prior to this, Aonuma suggested that the future of the mainline Zelda series will not include a return to traditional linear Zelda adventures anytime soon.
"When I hear people express a preference for the older games, it makes me wonder, 'Why do you want to return to games that limit or restrict the ways you can play?'" Aonuma stated in the interview. "I do understand the desire for nostalgia, and I can appreciate it from that perspective as well."
The main series' latest installment, Tears of the Kingdom, has sold over 19.5 million copies globally, while its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, has sold more than 31 million copies. Both games were highly acclaimed, with Tears of the Kingdom being recognized by Our Website as one of the top exclusives for the Switch in 2023.
Reportedly, Nintendo has already provided "development kits" of the Switch 2 to certain developers to start creating games for it. The console is expected to be available to the public in 2024. However, Nintendo has not officially confirmed the existence of any new hardware, and has only mentioned that a new console will be released by 2100.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate Nintendo fan, I am incredibly excited about the prospect of a new Nintendo console. The company has a long history of innovation and pushing the boundaries of gaming, and I can't wait to see what they come up with next. I'm particularly intrigued by the idea of a new Zelda game that takes advantage of the new hardware's capabilities. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a masterpiece, and I can't imagine what the team at Nintendo could accomplish with even more powerful hardware.
I also appreciate Aonuma's comments about the future of the Zelda series. While I understand the appeal of nostalgia, I agree that it's important for the series to continue to evolve and innovate. I'm excited to see what new ideas and experiences the team comes up with for the next game. Overall, I'm feeling very positive about the future of Nintendo and the Zelda series. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next.
