Since the release of the Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild, Zelda fans have been waiting for news on the future of the saga. At the end of 2025, it is Eiji Aonuma himself who awakens the community with a sentence full of meaning. Questioned by 4Gamer, in a statement relayed by IGN, he explains that the latest collaboration with Koei Tecmo could well leave lasting traces.
“Perhaps the inspiration we gained from this collaboration with Koei Tecmo will be reflected in the next Zelda we create,” he says. Before inviting fans to imagine themselves playing Age of Imprisonment, the latest Hyrule Warriors spin-off.
A more warlike Zelda? What it could change
Unlike mainline titles focused on exploration and puzzles, Musou games like Hyrule Warriors focus on intense battles against hordes of enemies. If this influence seeps into a main game, it could profoundly transform the Zelda experience.
Among the most credible tracks mentioned by fans:
- The introduction of large-scale wars, with command of armies
- The ability to play multiple characters, like Zelda or Ganon
- The arrival of a cooperative mode, finally integrated into a canonical Zelda
With the power of the Switch 2, Nintendo now has the technical means to manage this type of mechanics without compromising on fluidity or graphics.
2026, a symbolic year for the franchise
Another element gives weight to these indices: the year 2026 will mark the 40th anniversary from The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo has a habit of marking these symbolic dates with strong announcements. Many are expecting a Nintendo Direct next February, a strategic time to lift the veil.
If the new opus is still in development, the publisher could take advantage of this event to show a teaser and confirm the evolution of the gameplay. In the meantime, some are hoping that ports of Twilight Princess HD and Wind Waker HD will fill the void.
An uncertain, but promising future
Since Breath of the Wild, the license has proven that it can break its codes without losing its identity. If the frenetic energy of the Warriors games is added to the structured elegance of a traditional Zelda, the result could surprise, even seduce beyond the circle of fans.
While waiting for an official announcement, the best way to prepare is still to analyze the mechanics of Age of Imprisonment. This spin-off seems to have a lot more to say than meets the eye.