The Legend of Zelda the series may have had the best time in its 38-year history thanks to the Nintendo Switch. As one of the most iconic franchises in Nintendo's repertoire, the Zelda the series has been well suited to a long history of praise and sales success. However, even with ZeldaWith its popularity well established, it would have been difficult to predict how the series reached new heights with the launch of the Switch, achieving sales figures that rival even games from Nintendo's biggest franchise, Super Mario.
This sudden rise in popularity was certainly a pleasant surprise when it first occurred. However, looking back at the Zelda history of the franchise on Switch, it's not difficult to see how it managed to achieve so much success back in the day. The sudden rejuvenation of the series' ambition, along with the revolutionary technology of Nintendo's latest console, were key factors in broadening the series' appeal. Zelda franchise, and shows the steps that what Switch 2 needs to take to ensure its success continues into the future.
The Switch has some of the best Zelda games
These games served as a reinvention for the Zelda series
Possibly the biggest contributor to the Zelda The success of the franchise on Switch was due to its lineup of fantastic titles which sought to reinvent the series as a whole. For example, Breath of Nature was one of the main reasons for the hugely successful launch of the Switch. The game was a groundbreaking release as it rejected many well-known gaming conventions. Zelda series in favor of an expansive open world that players could explore to their heart's content.
The main appeal BOTH comes in the unequivocal sense of freedom which it grants to the player. The game's emphasis on exploration and experimentation became one of Zelda the most original entries in the series, while also harkening back to the first title upon which the entire franchise was built.
Tears of the Kingdom just expanded BOTHthe best aspects of the game, with the introduction of the Ultrahand and Fuse mechanics, encouraging players to constantly experiment with the environment. The freedom and creativity demonstrated in both BOTH and TOTK makes their status as some of the best-selling entries in the series unsurprising.
The best aspect of all of these entries is how they defy the conventions of the Zelda series and the general perception of what it is Zelda game is capable.
Furthermore, the Switch era saw the Zelda franchise continues to play with spin-offs after the initial success of Hyrule Warriors on Wii U. In fact, Age of Calamity served as a great sequel to the original Hyrule Warriorsmaintaining the intensity of the fierce combat that arose from the perfect fusion between the Zelda and Dynasty Warriors franchises.
Hyrule Cadence was another incredible spin-off, merging the top-down Zelda games with gameplay focused on the rhythm of NecroDancer's Crypt to create a fun, fast-paced adventure unlike anything the series has seen before.
The best aspect of all of these entries is how they defy the conventions of the Zelda series and the general perception of what it is Zelda game is capable. The emphasis on experimentation and ambition throughout the Switch era has resulted in a series of games that add a huge sense of variety to gaming. Zelda franchise in general, while also demonstrating the possibilities for even more creative entries in the future. This resulted in some of the Zelda the most creative titles in the series that opened up the franchise to many more players than before.
The Zelda series benefited from being on a hybrid console
Many titles have taken advantage of the Switch's hybrid technology
THE Zelda The series' increased success was also due in part to the Switch itselfand its revolutionary hybrid technology. For example, the Switch's hybrid capabilities immediately broadened the Switch's appeal. Zelda series simply because of the tempting prospect of playing such large, expansive titles on the go. Purchased a longer game like BOTH more viableas players could put in the hours the title required regardless of their gaming habits.
This also helps the design of certain Zelda games adapt perfectly to hybrid technology. The implementation of sanctuaries in BOTH and TOTK is a great example of how these titles can easily adapt to the length of the game and an individual player's general gaming habits. Whether playing in short bursts or for several hours at a time, players will still have a satisfying experience as the abundance of shrines to complete allows for a constant sense of progress, making both BOTH and TOTK ideal games for the Switch.
Plus, the Switch was a huge boost for 2D Zelda games that were previously tied to portable consoles. More powerful hardware allowed titles like Link's Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom make the most of it, creating a beautiful art style that could not previously be achieved, whilst also again adding a sense of variety to the many Zelda games available on the console. The way the Zelda the series perfectly adapted to the Switch's multiple forms of play gave players even more reasons to choose these titles, further contributing to the success of the franchise during this era.
How the Switch 2 should continue Zelda's success
The new console should build on what the Switch established
Having seen unbelievable success during the Switch era, it will certainly be a priority for Nintendo to ensure that the Zelda The series maintains this momentum for the upcoming Switch 2. One way to achieve this is to simply continue the methods the series has already adopted for the Switch era. ZeldaThe company's recent emphasis on experimentation and variety has proven to deliver incredible experiences for the series, so maintaining this focus on the next console will allow the franchise to maintain its broad appeal.
The Switch 2 could also improve on its predecessor's shortcomings with the Zelda series. While the Switch is home to an extensive list of Zelda games, its backlog of classic titles doesn't reach the heights of the Wii U. More specifically, beloved titles like Wind Alarm Clock and Twilight Princess have not yet appeared on Switch. It's a missed opportunity that should be changed for the Switch 2 as it will allow new Zelda fans introduced through latest titles such as BOTH or Echoes of Wisdom to try these incredible starters for the first time.
However, it is difficult to deny that the Zelda The series during the Switch era was simply spectacular. The franchise's recent string of groundbreaking titles has not only allowed for some of the biggest hits in Zeldastory, but it completely reinvented the series while charting an ambitious path for future entries. With that in mind, it's safe to say that the Switch is home to one of, if not the best, era in the world. The Legend of Zeldahistory.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube