We might still be saying "Happy New Year" to people we meet, but we're well into January now and when we survey the upcoming slate of games for Switch, we have to say it's looking particularly tasty. However, as great as Pokémon and Kirby are shaping up, it's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 that will likely have Switch owners salivating over the coming 365 days in gaming. Yes, 2022 is the year we'll be skydiving into one of the most anticipated sequels in video game history.
But is it? The game has been in development for nearly five years now, and Nintendo slapped the '2022' release window on the last trailer back at E3 2021, but just how confident are we that BOTW2 — as we're still cumbersomely calling it — will actually see the light of day this year?
Opinion here at Team NL is split. Some of us think it's a dead cert for a lucrative November launch in order to clean up over the holiday season, and we'd certainly love to be able to dive into a new Zelda adventure over the holiday break. Even given the current global difficulties, Nintendo wouldn't have announced a date without feeling confident it could deliver.
Then again, we could also see the game slipping into 2023 — specifically the first three months that fall in Nintendo's financial year. If manufacturing issues weren't what they are at the moment, you might put money on the game launching alongside a new Switch SKU, too, but given the supply strains on the industry right now, that's certainly less likely.
It's tough to speculate given how little we know about the game. On the one hand, BOTW 2 is building off the established world, characters and — presumably — game engine of its predecessor. On the other, the glimpses we've seen so far of this sequel indicate a mechanically ambitious title that could very easily eat up extra months of development at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic that's no doubt had an effect on the development timetable.
But what's your gut feeling on this one? Will we indeed be heading back to Hyrule in the calendar year 2022, to do you see this one running out of stamina and slip-sliding down the hill ready to recharge for a 2023 launch? Let us know in the poll below, and feel free to elaborate in the comments:
Comments 162
Christmas release
Considering Nintendo's dismal track record with releasing Zelda games on time, I would put a sizeable bet on this game releasing in 2023
I actually think it'll be released June/July time
The release date for Breath of the Wild was only announced two months before. I predict similar for this but with the February direct.
No, they haven't talked about this game within the first 6/7 days of 2022 therefore it won't release this year /s
Joke aside, I'm confident and assume it will be the big holiday title for this year
I still have some naive hope left telling me it's coming on March 3rd. It would be too perfect
Covid throws a wrench into everything, but I don't think Nintendo would have announced a 2022 release if they weren't at least 80% confident.
If Covid didn't exist, my bet is that the game would have launched already in 2021 - possibly even early 2021.
Well, they said 2022 at the end of the trailer. So chances are good.
Nintendo usually goes silent before their big launch dates. I believe it is to avoid unnecessary hype that snowballs into impossible expectations
I'm mixed on it because most Zelda games are revealed without a release date, then given a release year, then delayed to their actual launch. BotW 2 is a sequel so it may not happen like that, but we only just got the release year. Nintendo is the master of making unpredictable moves, so they may break the trend with BotW 2.
In other words...Idk!
I'm 80% sure it's releasing this year. And if that IGN podcaster leak is anything to go by, then Nintendo is absolutely planning on it then.
If they release it in 2022 it will be so buggy that everyone will have a go at them for releasing it too early.
If they release it in 2023 people will complain its late.
Whatever they do, it will be wrong.
I do think it'll be released this year but it will most definitely be a late November-December release.
I wouldn't be shocked though if they delayed until next year.
Not sure, hope it makes 2022 though.
Splatoon July 2022.
Rabbids September 2022
BOTW2 October 2022
Pokémon November 2022.
I went with "not totally convinced". The game could be 99% finished or a lot less. We have no way of knowing.
This isn't a game that is going to be released half-finished. Yes, a lot of games are released that way at the moment, but I can't see Nintendo doing that with this one. I think we're going to see classic Nintendo release engineering with Breath 2. Heavily delayed, but great when it gets here.
Of course, if there's a surprise launch next week I won't be complaining.
March 2023, concurrent with a backwards-compatible new system.
I really hope so, that or the Wind Waker/Twilight Princess collection that seems to be dead at this point unless something changes, I need more Zelda on Switch, really enjoyed playing through OOT via the online service recently.
I think when they announced a "2022" release last summer they were intending for this to come out during the holidays this year. However, they will prioritize quality over hitting this deadline. I think Feb/Mar 2023 is likely, but no chance any later than this.
@nukatha I have heard rumors that the next console is indeed coming out next year (2023). Not sure about the spring though. I don't think Nintendo intends this to be a launch title.
Plan all you want. The [checks notes] Upsilon variant is waiting for you.
I would much prefer this game release in the Spring or Early Summer... even if it's Spring 2023. It's just not a Fall/Winter game.
I think it's fair to say that The Legend of Zelda: The Boxer Shorts of Eternity will be out this year.... I mean, Nintendon't lie.
I have a feeling its going to be delayed. Almost always happens with new Zelda games.
If it does, it does. It's done when it's done.
I'm 60 to 70% sure it will be delayed to 2023, Zelda games always get delayed plus Nintendo wouldn't have said "we are aiming for a 2022" for no reason if it was a lock for 2022, covid is still a huge problem that won't go away and work from home is still impacting game development
I highly doubt it is coming this year!
With people still working remotely, and a history of Zelda games getting delayed, there is no chance of a 2022 release.
It will be moved to Q1 2023. I would absolutely bet money on that.
It will. 2021 was a holdover year from Nintendo... can't see them allow two of those in a row. But Prime 4 won't be ready as "the big release", no way. They never said it would, unlike Zelda which got a 2022 date. And 5 years is plenty of development time (considering the engine was already there this time around).
They've slowed down so much already with their main series! By the time we get a new Mario Kart it will be 10 years, for mainline Mario I guess... 8 years? And back to Zelda, do check out the release timeline on Wikipedia. There was a time when we got a new Zelda game every other year. Majora had 2 years from greenlight to shelves 🤯
It'll get delayed to 2023 and we will get a compilation of TP and WW released instead.
I really am hoping for a first half of 2022 release, but i am expecting a september-november release date.
If they don't make it this year, then first 3 months of 2023 would be it then.
Nintendo said 2022 so it's releasing this year, unless they announce something else.
So it's such a packed year, I wouldn't be surprised if it gets pushed to March of 2023 which would suck.
It will release on both switch and switch 2 consoles whenever that will be..
I think it's nailed on for a release in the next financial year (1st April 2022 - 31st March 2023), hopefully that's before Christmas!!
I hope, before i have my steam deck lol.
2023 is way to far away, i dont have the patient for that.
@NintendoByNature Honest question, how is 2022 packed? I might not be aware of some big titles.
I'm calling 2023, and they will be using TP HD and WW HD to fill the gap.
@dazzleshell Pokemon November? Legends Arceus is this month what more would come out Nov?
@Rinyuu So far that's never been their pattern. After remaking any Zelda game they've let it sit out at least one generation before touching it again.
@Guitario The next console will hopefully have backward compatibility with Switch games.
I'm very cautiously optimistic for a holiday release, whether that be November or December. But I would not be surprised if it got pushed into 2023, just give us a title please!
@KBuckley27 Let's Go Johto , according to rumors.
Nope, it'll be delayed into 2023 to coincide with the launch of the Switch successor platform.
I think it might come out this year, but if they delay it then TP/WW will fill the gap. There is a zelda game out nearly every year, so it would fit the pattern.
@NintendoWife just off the top of my head:
-open-world-ish Kirby Game
-Bayonetta 3
-Splatoon 3
-Mario + Rabbids 2
-Hollow Knight 2 (maybe?)
-Triangle Strategy
-Advance Wars 1/2
-Pokemon Legends
I still think BotW 2 is a launch title for new hardware so if new hardware releases in 2022 then 2022 but if new hardware releases in 2023 then 2023.
Either way I feel the Wind Waker and/or Twilight Princess HD remasters for Wii U will come to Switch around Spring/Summer 2022 both to have a guaranteed Zelda game for 2022 (Nintendo said years ago Zelda is an annual franchise) and to help save the Wii U's 1st party library before Nintendo closes the Wii U eshop.
@nintendowife pretty much what @cmbaum said. And that's not including some big indie games which are set to come out this year. Not to mention, the list cmbaum gave is only what we know about. There will still be games coming this year that we aren't aware of as of yet.
This will be the Christmas game of the year.
Nope, which makes me sad
@Grumblevolcano
Same here. I'd bet it's a "cross-gen" title for a new Switch that'll miss this year's holidays window. I predict: 2023-03-03 ;P
i feel like given its been worked on for almost five years now and its reusing the same engine as BOTW it'll 100% come out this year, ye
it’s so wild to me that it’s taken this long. It reuses assets and the map from the original, projects like this generally don’t take nearly this long to develop. I’m still waiting for the huge thing that makes it make sense, cause as of right now, I have no idea how the game didn’t come out in like 2020.
I think they need to stop announcing things so far out.
@StarPoint IGN didn’t really leak anything on NVC. “I think that will probably change next November when we are playing Breath of the Wild 2.” In context, it was more of an optimistic prediction.
More interesting is that in the most recent episode he predicts it will come out this holiday season along with a special edition Gold Switch OLED.
I'm think that BOTW 2 will be released on November or December this year.
I remember Zelda being delayed by a year or more with each major console from the N64 and Ocarina of Time, so won't be surprised if this one is delayed too.
I doubt. Rather heavily.
But if they do release it I'll be pleasantly surprised.
Pretty likely either way but if I had to bet I think it’ll come out this holiday season. Now we wait lol.
@CharlieGirl I'd bet a cheeky quid with you?
I think they were fully aware of covid when they talked about 2022 so hope that will still be the case.
@cmbaum Call me crazy but I don't consider that a list of must-haves.
"Even given the current global difficulties, Nintendo wouldn't have announced a date without feeling confident it could deliver."
[insert J Jonah Jameson laugh]
I hope 2023 is the release date.
I don't care? I haven't been hyped with what little we know. And I don't really care. Which sounds like I hate Zelda. Nah, loved BotW. Just not letting hype get to me. If it releases 2022, cool. If it releases 2023, cool. If even later, cool. I'll play it when it comes out, I don't care when that will be.
No, of course not. Don't expect Metroid Prime 4 either.
@nukatha I'm fearing this one, it's been a few consoles now so launch for the one seems like a reasonable fear!
I’ll just play it when it releases. I don’t think it’s going to come out this year, because Nintendo never rushes to meet a deadline. It’s a Nintendo-developed game, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a good time. 2022 is already stacked as is, so why rush?
nope, Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2 is gonna be a cross-gen game just like Breath of the Wild, releasing in 2023 both on Switch and it sucessor, given then game is taking so long to release.
@dartmonkey @ManaOwls In the E3 Direct after the trailer showing 2022 they said “We are aiming for a 2022 release.”
80% sure.
I will place my foot down firmly on the date I have repeatedly said, even before the alleged leaked date from that one interview.
November 18, 2022
It would be a stretch to think that Nintendo would be releasing their next console so soon. Remember, rarely does Nintendo ever actually release cross-gen a games (note: not enhanced ports) aside from the one that's set to the console's launch. After the console's launch, all other games are exclusively on the new console. That being said, Metroid Prime 4 is likely the game to be cross-gen, not Breath of the Wild 2. There can one and only one.
also a random Legend of Zelda game(problaby the rumored pack of Wind Waker HD/Twilight Princess HD) will be released, as a stopgap, since Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2 will be delayed to release on Switch sucessor in 2023.
I think it will be tail end of this year if 2022. Splatoon 3 will likely be summer, I think there would realistically be 4-5 months between it and Zelda. I still would not be surprised at all if it was pushed. Zelda always gets pushed
No. I always try to assume it will be delayed, so on the off chance that it releases on time or when expected, I'm just pleasantly surprised
@sanderev Eji Aonuma stated they are aiming for a 2022 release for Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2, so is not garanteed the game is gonna release this year.
@NintendoWife full transparency, I'm just being a messenger here and don't actually care about a lot of these release either. This being said, I believe Mario/Rabbids is likely to be as anticipated as Bayonetta and Splatoon. Also, it's on Jan 6th and I suspect a lot will be announced at E3 (I'd bet a new Donkey Kong game and Wind Waker/Twilight Princess HD). I think all in all there is more excitement going into 2022 than going into 2020 or 2021
I'm thinking it really is the holiday game. But delays are always possible. Especially with a Zelda game.
i sure hope so but doubt it, Nintendo seem very slow these days at releasing NEW (not ported) Mario and Zelda stuff!
At least they can blame it on covid instead of the usual.
I'd love for them to say "please be patient, after being constantly harassed for a new Pokemon Snap, game, a Skyward Sword port, our staff was limited, especially during covid. We regret to inform you the New Zelda game will take a little longer. It may take even more time as we split our resources to port more games you have already played and are whining for, such as Super Mario Galaxy 2. Thank you."
@TurtleTurtle that’s oddly specific, do you know something we don’t?
I think Nintendo will like the marketing potential of the sequel being a 5th anniversary release of the original title. 2022 looks good.
Anyone fancy a small flutter on this?
We're missing the Four Swords game this generation. I'm missiing it.
@nukatha Don't you put that evil on us!
2023 along with starfield and god of war Ragnarok
@mariomaster96 im pretty sure its coming out this year as well.
@Magician
I’m actually thinking BOTW 2 releases this year as far as a new Switch in 2023?…that I would doubt. I could see them at best announcing a new console but I wouldn’t expect a reveal until 2024-2025 tbh. Switch is selling so well even half a decade later, Nintendo will simply continue to take on the profits and wait out the chip shortage.
@Bunkerneath how can Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2 be buggy, if the game is in development since late 2017?
man we got some real NintenDoomed fandom already biting their lips. I would expect a summer 2022 release along with a Switch 2.0HD hybrid to concede together. Supply will keep coming even with chip shortage. That isn't going to stop if it did all world economy dependent on chips would come to a Grinding halt. BOTW2 was already being worked on as BOTW was being released as to how delusional some people that they would wait until now to start working on BOTW2 is just delusional. BOTW2 and Switch 2.0 will come out same time to ShowCase Switch growth and new hardware why would you release BOTW2 and now have a new more powerful Switch to Run and ShowCase this.
They haven’t given any indication it’ll be delayed. 100% sure. Nobody’s questioning Kirby or Splatoon 3, despite them having nebulous release dates.
5% chance it's released this year. If it does, that's wonderful. However, I'm betting it either comes in early '23, or holiday of next year.
My guess is the new pokemon game is going to bomb and Nintendo will reevaluate their releases and delay it or something.
@Giancarlothomaz They ended the E3 2021 trailer with "2022" for Breath of the Wild 2. So, unless they announce a delay, it will come this year.
Of course! And if it gets delayed even more then that's purely because of Covid (for example: botw being a Switch2 launchtitle, switch2 delayed because of chip-shortage, shortage because of covid etc). I think the game is ready and they just have locked it in for holiday 2022. We will see a lot at E3.
Personally my interest will wane if it gets delayed for another year. I mean: Waiting soooo long for by then highly outdated graphics and a potentially recycled overworld.
Who knows? I absolutely loved BotW and played it to exhaustion. I really want to play another Zelda game like it.
But I have so many games to play, I don't care when it comes out. I know it will come out so I'm fine waiting.
If it doesn’t their in house development AAA team needs a kick up the arse, because they have not released anything new and AAA for a long time.
Remember in house AAA teams not second party teams that have released games.
We should have had a Mario Odyssey sequel by now as well.
Take your time Nintendo. This game has a lot of expectations to live up to so don't rush it out. Nintendo already has a strong lineup for 2022 so Switch sales will continue. Release BotW2 when it's polished and ready to go.
I think E3 will be the big reveal for the name, gameplay, story (etc) and then the release date will also be announced. I'm sure late November would be the target because of the shopping season.
@Dezzy70 So much negativity my friend! In late 2016 BotW was fully revealed and then it released a few months later in March 2017. Super Mario Odyssey was revealed at E3 2017 and then released in October 2017. Nintendo may actually follow a similar plan with reveals and releases within a few months of each other. The year just began!
Also, saying things like "we should have had a Mario Odyssey sequel by now as well" is a bit entitled, no? Covid has ravaged the games industry.
It's Nintendo, so either 2025, or they're going to stealth-drop it during a Nintendo Direct in 2 weeks.
They're obviously going to sit on it so it can be a launch game for their next system
@Nintendofan83
Maybe a bit harsh been with Nintendo since the NES days, and if you enjoy their games so much like BOTW and Mario Odyssey I just want more of that
pure Nintendo magic.
Yes Covid has had an impact but other developers have got very good AAA games out and I have one coming in HFW next month.
Don’t forget both BOTW and Mario Odyssey have their respective game engines developed and many games assists, the sequels should be here by now I’m hungry for them 😂
Voted 80% but part of me thinks they’re gonna hang onto it to launch their new hardware as Nintendo is want to do…
Although the new hardware may just be a LITTLE too far away for them to hang on to a finished game that long…
@dazzleshell any thoughts or guesses what the Pokémon game might be? you think it’s another remake?
I am not sure, if it is gonna release this year. I would love to play it, but if development takes some more time, I could easily wait a couple of more months, in order to get the amazing game we want!
I hope so! It's been a while now.
It will release along side the Switch Pro somewhere between September and November.
Que sera, sera.
While I lean toward a 2022 release, it also wouldn't surprise me at all if Nintendo announced the long-rumored successor to the Switch this year and the game ends up being yet another "hybrid launch" with a version for both consoles. They did it with Twilight Princess (GameCube/Wii) and even BotW (Wii U/Switch), so there's a historical precedent, for certain.
See the trick is to keep your expectations absolutely as low as possible. That way, it's such a nice surprise when they're exceeded! 2023 for me.
As long as it’s not rushed and can be the best it can be, I don’t mind waiting until 2023
2023 is my guess, but I'm not too bothered personally, as I can't see myself playing it until 2030 anyway! I'm 'only' 100 hours into BotW after starting it around a year ago, and there are so many other games I want to play.
I'd like to finish BotW by the time Disco Elysium is out. I'm a big fan of Sea Power who did the soundtrack.
@cmbaum Transparency appreciated Rabbids 2 will surely do something, I just learned that according to Ubisoft the first one sold 7.5m 😳 Although I feel that most of the time it was heavily discounted.
As for WWHD and TPHD, even if it was a smart move due to the Switch install base (worked wonders for other Wii U ports) I could hardly get excited, replayed them all too recently. And like I wrote above, even Nintendo is usually being cautious not to re-release Zelda games TOO frequently, to allow to build up some excitement. We had OoT and MM on 3DS, they'll only do the next re-release of those once some significant enhancement can be added. 3DS was LoFi enough for them to use the original games' geometry - next remake would be a way bigger undertaking... but I digress 😝
Best of all those was Link's Awakening by the way. Such a good remake of such a great game. LOVED it.
I did the 80% option, because if Pokemon Arceus somehow becomes the next Pokemon of the Wild with Animal Crossing sales numbers, then Nintendo might hold off until March of next year.
BotW2 is definitely coming in 2022. Nintendo did not need to say 2022 at the end of that trailer... why would they put it if there was any doubt?
Besides, it's pretty obvious BotW2 was lined up to release with Switch Pro in 2021. I expect it's been delayed from 2021 to 2022 and do not expect any further delays.
@Tandy255 Just finished that episode and I was just about to make that comment. I don't know how that "leak" gained so much traction.
Boy do I hope that gold switch OLED prediction is true, though. I haven't yet upgraded, still running on my launch day switch and if they have a zelda SWOLED I would be ready to hitting refresh on every buy page like crazy.
You never know anything for sure with Nintendo, I don’t even understand why this game is not out yet, a sequel to botw with the same game engine it should have come out last November but with metroid dread and smtv the holiday season was already packed. I am almost sure the game is ready to lunch they just hold it to release it when it’s the best time for them to make the most money with it.
my uncle works for Nintendo, and he tells me.
We will get a new Mario game announced soon, it’ll launch alongside Mario movie at Xmas.
Zelda will release in spring 2023, it’ll be a joint release on switch and nintendos next console, which will release at the same time.
I honestly don't think so. Just remember how epic BOTW is. Nintendo is making a sequel to their biggest game of all time, so it's gonna take longer than most people think. They won't rush it. And I don't care what anyone says about it being the same engine and re-used assets - it's still a massive undertaking, and we're still in a pandemic.
its happening, it has to happen. I might die if it doesnt. im calling a summer release
also, for the potential nintendo direct this feb/mar, the direct will end with banjo 3
this isnt gonna happen but im just sayin since microsoft and nintendo are so friendly now
Oh I don't think so.
I think it depends on how far they are in the development cycle they are for the successor to the Switch. As we have seen with Twilight Princess and BOTW they straddled the line of 'end of life' of the current system and the launch title of the next. If they are shooting for 2024 for the new system like rumors suggest then we may be seeing it this year or early next. If its sooner like Q4 2023 then they will sit on it. I am betting Metroid Prime 4 is going to be a launch title for the new system.
Nah, it’s March 2023 and u know it xxxx
Well Horizon Zero Yawn is releasing in 2022. They both have had about the same development time so yes I feel Zelda: Breath of fresh Air will release this year.
@Darknilious I have a feeling that the decision to make BOTW a duel release was not one of "we've done this before" but instead because the Wii U was so unsuccessful and the Switch had to be brought out quickly, and BOTW was right there.
Remember that while Twilight Princess did release on the both the GCN and the Wii, both systems also had their own Zelda independent of TP (GCN had Wind Waker, the Wii had Skyward Sword).
Seeing as the Switch is successful like the Wii, there's not much reason to believe they have to rush out a new system and correspond BOTW2 with it. In addition, BOTW2 is clearly reusing a lot of BOTW, making it a prime candidate for a quicker release than your average Zelda game.
It sure will release in 2022. I mean, they've been working on it for 5 years, despite the game taking place in the same world and the same engine as BOTW 1. I don't see why they would need more time for this.
I should think so yes. It's their biggest game of the year, unless something like Mario Odyssey 2 is in development. BOTW2 be there big Christmas release in November and they'll delay everything else before they let that slip.
I bought a Wii U in late 2014 hoping for BotW in a few months - turned out to be an extra two years. I think the equivalent of that this time would be buying a Switch in late 2021 so I predict a March 2024 release. Very approximately they've shown now about as much as they had shown of BotW in 2014 so it matches up. Seems entirely possible to me that it will be a cross-gen release.
It will 100% not be this year. Maybe not even 2023.
@Giancarlothomaz Agreed. “We are aiming for a 2022 release” appears to be deliberate and unambiguous.
The longest gap between mainline console Zelda releases was seven years between A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time, from 1991-1998, to the date on 21 November.
The next longest gap was between Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, from 2011-2017, five years, three months and thirteen days apart.
If we’re looking optimistic and hoping to reach SS/BotW gap timeframe, we should expect a June release. If we’re living in our current world, we should expect an ALttP/OoT gap timeframe with a release of March 3, 2024.
@Inc I feel like so many ideas were stuffed into Mario Odyssey, nothing was saved for part 2. I am hoping to be wrong. 😊
I loved all the 2D sections in Mario Odyssey. I wish that they would add this to Mario Maker 2, where we could create levels that wrap around cubes and cylinders and what not (hidden wall sections, reverse gravity sections, etc.).
It'll come out sooner than people think. They were going to just keep adding DLC but needed to make a few adjustments in the gameplay. That is to mean not a brand new game, just stuff that couldn't be in DLC. So the overall quality checking will be way lower than if making a brand new game from scratch.
Whatever they don't have complete they'll box up for DLC so I feel an early summer release could happen
This is going to be next Xmas big title and then when they announce switch successor by March 2023 or around E3 2023 the definitive edition for the next console with better graphics, frame rate and all dlc plus one exclusively for 2wich (that's what I'm calling switch 2)
You are asking the wrong question.
First, ask is there a new Switch on the horizon?
If yes then that is when BotW2 gets released. The game is pending the console release.
If no, there is no new Switch, then ask why is it taking so long to get a release. I would guess Nintendo is not happy with it. Quite often sequels are not as good as the original and it will be judged on the original.
I can imagine it getting a score of 8, from mixed reviews and that would be an anti climax for Nintendo
They didn't seem too confident in that 2022 release date. That tells me that there's a good chance it'll be 2023. Anything else that can go wrong will probably end up pushing it.
I think it will slip into holiday 2023 at the earliest because of the pandemic. But even if it wasn't a thing, it could still get delayed for other reasons too like needing more time to improve something
Whom said they aren't confident of 2022 release date. Posters on here noone from Nintendo said that or said take it to the bank. So people predictions is at best worst then analysts predictions. They were working after BOTW release and would stem they have more or less got he underpinning it's touchups that need work. They already had experiences from BOTW and to think it be completely new undertaking - people are under estimating Nintendo R&D here to produce a product. Even if they do DLC later the ground work probably is done. It's a matter of will a New Switch give the performance they want in Graphics output that will get more buyers coming to Nintendo. Of which I think is the later here that they are going for. No way will they wait for 2023 or 2024 Switch release if they want to make good on BOTW2 and Metroid 4. Releasing BOTW2 and Metro4 at the same time - predictions are they won't wait to release the Next Gen Switch but same time like in March 2017 with BOTW to showcase the New Switch. The current v2, OLED is getting older and Beefer games are coming out to push the Switch and it's starting to show. The longer the wait the less Developers will want to make more demanding game for Switch if they can't sell them. So this isn't just a Switch but Developer driven if a New Switch isn't coming then Demanding games will not come and that comes at a cost. Nothing just pops up and works.
My heart wants BOTW2 this for the year-end holidays, but my brain wouldn’t be surprised if it slips to March 2023. Either way, I’m hoping it’s a worthy sequel!
I wonder if it will be powered up more than we expect, since it’s not developed for the Wii U this time?
I have a feeling that Zelda will be pushed back to meet the launch of the Switch’s successor. By Christmas of 2023, Switch will be more than six and a half years old, so I have a feeling that the next console will launch next year. Honestly, I feel that Nintendo would be smart to make Splatoon 3 and Breath of the Wild 2 launch titles. I understand, though, that not everyone would agree. I just feel that those two games alone would ensure the console’s success.
@dazzleshell Hi! I respect your profile pic choice lol. I would have gone with laser packing Number Five rather than toolbox packing Johnny Five, but still… respect! ✊
It has to come out this year. Unless they have some pretty big gems hidden up their sleeves, it’s gonna take more than Bayonetta, Splatoon and a Pokémon spin-off to keep their momentum going if Zelda is pushed into 2023.
@TurtleTurtle yeah march 3rd 2023
Or...Nintendo pushes it back to coincide with their next-gen console release (like with Twilight Princess for GCN/Wii and Breath of the Wild for Wii U/Switch).
Since we didn't get an update on BOTW 2 in September or The Game Awards, and with the pandemic still raging on in the world, I wouldn't be surprised if we get a early November date or push into 2023. I don't even know how bad Omicron is right now in Japan compared to the U.S. I think it's worse in the U.S compared to other parts of the world.
@KingBowser
Nintendo debuted a Switch 2022 lineup sizzle-reel at The Game Awards. Breath of the Wild 2 was one of the games mentioned.
Was there not a trailer last year for the game that said 2022 at the end? First Look was 2019, and then the next time we saw the game was last year's trailer. If they don't think 2022 is possible, why even put forward a window going into the next year. I'm at 95% certainty, 5% for Nintendo delaying into 2023. If that does happen, I'm expecting the game no later than March 2023 and expecting a major hitter, like a Mario Kart 9, to appear in its place for this year.
I’m not terribly informed on the actual process of game making, but I imagine a lot of the work it will require is built upon the existing framework of BOTW, and therefore my guess is a release this year. When is a hard thing to figure. I’d say they will avoid Christmas, because it will burn the charts in December or any other month. Better to release mid year, for a sales resurgence during the holidays. An ignorant guess for sure, but it’s the best I got.
@chiefeagle02 don’t you put that evil on me Ricky Bobby.
A part of me is a bit skeptical about a release this year, but I am about 95% confident it will come out in about November.
@westman98 Now that I think about it, I totally forgot about The Game Awards, dang it, lol. I guess I don't keep up with the games as much nowadays
@cmbaum i heard it was the switch pro 🤣
@NintendoWife Windjammers 2, Elden Ring, R6 Extraction, Arceus, Dying Light 2, Horizon Forbidden West, Sifu, Total War Warhammer 3, CrossfireX, Monark, Destiny 2 The Witch Queen, Grid Legends, Babylon's Fall, Gran Turismo 7, Triangle Strategy, .hack last recode, Chocobo GP, Strangers of Paradise, Advance Wars Reboot Camp, STALKER 2, Forspoken, Forza 5 DLC, TDU Solarcrown, Starfield, FFVII Origin Compilation, Splatoon 3, Gotham Knights, Bayonetta 3, Zelda, Braid Anniversary, Diablo Immortal, New PGA Tour, God of War Ragnarok, Ghostwire Tokyo, Lego Star Wars Skywalker Saga, Sonic Frontiers, TMNT Shredders Revenge, WH40K Darktide
There's more than enough already in 2022 without the mystery releases to blow 2021 out the water!
@RadioHedgeFund I was talking about first party releases, but yeah there's quite some third party material coming up. Are you interested in ALL of those? Personally so far I'm getting BOTW2, Sports Story and Braid Anniversary. Oh and I watched the Kirby Forgotten Land trailer this morning, actually it looks more promising than I remembered. Will try that too.
@Radioactivesuit If it came sooner, I wouldn't be mad either.
@Mattock1987 March 3rd this year is the 5 year anniversary of botw (and the switch for that matter)
0 percent chance. Launches with a revised Switch holiday 2023.
Wow you guys are very optimistic, I hope you are all right. I’ll be shocked if it isn’t delayed until next year, but I’d love to be wrong. Still, I’d rather them take the time to perfect it than release something half baked.
The longer they wait the easier for NintenDoomed chats to rail against the Switch dying in 2022. The sooner the better for Nintendo and it's upcoming games . Remember current games like SMTV already push the graphics and you can tell Portable vs Dock games already. So waiting isn't a strong suit since xboxX and ps5 are already out. If not this summer then Christmas should be the coming out day for Switch again. They can have the standard OLED v2 hardware and transition over to OLED upgraded Switch and still come out ahead. They can't keep using v2 hardware forever. Chipsets advance and they need to insure gamers can power through current games with good graphics. They don't need to beat XBoxX/PS5 but to keep current and upcoming games performing and graphics appealing when gamers go Portable gaming but give those wanting 4K/DLSS Docked that option to do so.
@Giancarlothomaz How long was Cyberpunk 2077 in development for? That was really great on release.
@Bunkerneath 5 years(2016-2020) the console version of Cyberpunk 2077 was atrocious, Cyberpunk 2077 development have nothing to do with Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2 development.
Come the holidays this year, it will have been way over five years since the last game, and that's quite long for a mainline Zelda. Even Breath of the Wild was only five and a half years in development after the release of Skyward Sword.
This time the devs have presumably had the engine ready from the start, the general art style doesn't deviate much from last entry, and they've only had to build for one system. All of this saves on upstart R&D time.
Plus, if we are to believe that a Switch successor won't arrive until holiday season 2023 at the earliest, it's in Nintendo's best interest to keep the momentum up with a heavy hitter this year.
So. All in all, I'd say setbacks are unlikely.
Looking forward to a full unveiling this summer.
@NintendoWife How do you mean? Keep in mind TP HD and WW HD already exist for the WiiU, and even for the Nvidia Shield in China. It's not like they will wait for another generation to release those "ports of remakes" again, I think.
@Rinyuu It depends on their schedule. Look at how Nintendo handled other Wii U ports: They don't do throwaway or bulk releases of them, but like to treat them as full (and full price!) releases. Rightfully so I say, look at Square-Enix who throw out Final Fantasy ports like confetti, some remade some not, some good some not, and hardly anybody cares anymore. Zelda games are special and Nintendo did a good job featuring each of them appropriately.
So if BOTW2 stays on track for holiday 2022 we can assume they'll release more Zelda a year later at the earliest. Between BOTW and LA it was more than 2 years even. If BOTW2 gets DLC addons again then... yeah.
I'm not saying they won't, but it's the likeliest very late in this gen.
We gotta remember: The original BOTW was revealed in 2013 and released 4 years later. If the sequel is being developed at the same pace, 2023 is very much likely. But with how the gameplay trailer looked, I'll place my bets on Mid-to-Late 2022.
But I'd find it really funny if it launched specifically on March 3rd 2022.
@NintendoWife I wouldn't say ALL but there is a lot more than last year
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