The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, or whatever Nintendo properly titles it, is one of the most anticipated gaming releases of 2022. It’s up there with Elden Ring in terms of anticipation, especially after 2017’s Breath of the Wild proved to be a seminal release for the franchise. However, as many know, there’s not be a lot put out there about it.
There are a couple of trailers, a few hints, and plenty of details to speculate about, but it’s easy to get worried about the future of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. It’s already been a while since it was first revealed, and while many have said more news would come in 2022, it’s understandable if anyone is apprehensive. However, Nintendo seems pretty confident in meeting that 2022 release window.
On February 2, Nintendo gave a presentation for its investors, naming much of its upcoming launch schedule, including first-and-third-party games. This includes confirmed release dates for the recently-released Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Triangle Strategy, and more, as well as general 2022 release windows for Splatoon 3, Bayonetta 3, and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.
Among the latter games was the mention of “the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” reaffirming once more Nintendo’s dedication to releasing the game this year. Hopefully, when at its next showcase, fans finally get a proper title for Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, but at the very least, confirmation by Nintendo that this is still in the cards should provide some relief to fans.
Of course, this poses the question of when fans can expect to see more of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. It’s hard to say. Nintendo is expected to hold another Direct sometime this month, and it’s certainly possible that it’s there. However, recent rumors have tossed around names like Kirby and The Forgotten Land, Fire Emblem, and Mario Kart 9—not Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Rumors should only be heeded so much there, and it would make sense to kick off the year with Zelda.
At the same time, there may be more pressing releases than Zelda on Nintendo’s more immediate plate. With much of the year, though, Nintendo has plenty of time to show more of the game, announce a proper title, and do all the needed marketing before a summer or fall/holiday release. That’s likely where it falls given Kirby’s release in March, but only time will tell. At the very least, for now, it doesn’t seem a push to 2023 is planned.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is set for release in 2022 on Nintendo Switch.
Source: Nintendo’s Investor Presentation (via GamesRadar)