Nintendo hosted a bumper The Legend Of Zelda Direct earlier today (September 8) to lay out its plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the series.
The Direct started with a live orchestral performance of Koji Kondo’s iconic score set against footage from the past 40 years of Zelda games, showcasing the evolution of Link, Zelda and Ganon as well as the story of wisdom, power and courage that unfolds throughout. Kondo then confirmed a live Legend Of Zelda orchestral tour will kick-off next year in Japan before visiting Europe, North America and Australia.
Nintendo boss Shigeru Miyamoto teased the live-action Zelda movie that’s set to hit cinemas next April but, much to the frustration of fans, didn’t share an official trailer. As it stands, Nintendo has only released a handful of images from the production.
Information about the movie’s plot is still under wraps but it will tell an “original story” inspired by the past 40 years of games and, according to Miyamoto, lives up to the series’ legacy. He went on to confirm that the film will simply be called The Legend Of Zelda.“Once you see it, you’ll understand why there’s no subtitle.”
A majority of the Direct presentation was dedicated to the upcoming The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake, which will launch November 5, 2026.
As well as a new trailer, we got an extensive look at how the updated take on the classic handles. “Remade with completely overhauled visuals, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded character dialogue, symphonic orchestral music, reworked camera and movement controls and more, Link’s milestone 1998 adventure has been reborn for a whole new era,” explains a press release.
The remake will also feature new minigames, including one where you can create your own music using a virtual ocarina.
To go alongside The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time’s launch, new amiibos and a special-edition Nintendo Switch 2 will also be available from the Nintendo store. For a limited-time, physical copies of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake will come in “special packaging that features textured foil cover art” to celebrate the anniversary. The Legend Of Zelda will also take over The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto with new exhibits and artwork.
A new Zelda Lego set will also launch next spring, featuring Link and Epona, while Hasbro are releasing an toy version of the Master Sword. Nintendo also plans to release two ocarinas – “a playable version for the musically inclined and an electric version from HORI that plays notes or entire songs at the press of a button.”
In other news, The Pokémon Company has shared the full 22-minute 30th anniversary anthem that namechecks every Pokémon ever released.
The post All the good stuff from ‘The Legend Of Zelda’ anniversary showcase appeared first on NME.
