Well, it’s news no one wanted to hear, but I guess we all slightly expected it. Nintendo has confirmed that the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been delayed.

In the video above, Eiji Aonuma announces that the title will no longer make it out this year. That said, the delay isn’t that long, as the game’s new release date is Spring 2023. With most of us expecting the game to launch sometime around November of 2022, a push to Spring 2023 stings, but it’s not devastating.

Normally, I’d share Miyamoto’s quote about delayed games right about now, but we just recently learned he never actually said it!

[Nintendo]

Add Comment

Comments (31)

the_crimson_lure

2y ago

As a legendary developer never once said: "a delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad!"


I dunno if you’re making a pun, but Miyamoto never actually said that ;)


kingbroly

2y ago

Disappointing, but expected. Now for Mario Odyssey 2 to be announced for the fall.


donutmuffin

2y ago

In case someone isn't in a place to watch the video right now, here is the transcript.
"Hello, I'm Eiji Aonuma, producer of the Legend of Zelda series.
I have an update to share on the launch timing of the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
We previously announced that we were aiming for a 2022 release for this game. However, we have decided to extend our development time a bit and change the release to Spring 2023.
For those of you who have been looking forward to a release this year, we apologize.
As previously announced, the adventure in this sequel will take place not just on the ground as in the previous game, but also in the skies above.
However the expanded world goes beyond that, and there will be an even wider variety of features you can enjoy, including new encounters and new gameplay elements.
In order to make this game's experience something special, the entire development team is continuing to work diligently on this game, so please wait a while longer.
That's all for today's announcement. Thank you"
The sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Spring 2023


hawk

2y ago

Dang it, I was really excited to be playing it this holiday season.

But what Aonuma said gives me the impression that the scope of the game is a lot larger than many of us expected. Hopefully when we DO get it, it's incredible. I wonder if we're in for another generation-spanning Zelda game that will also launch on a new system.


daisyismywaifu

2y ago

Since I already have a backlog I'm never going to get through anyway this news doesn't affect me one bit.


masterlinkx

2y ago

As much as I want to play it. There's more than enough video games to keep anyone occupied before getting their hands on this title.

Looking forward to seeing what kind of new things they have done with the game.


conangiga

2y ago

Very disappointing but nothing we can do about.
Nintendo released one new Zelda game every year since the Switch's launch. I wonder if they'll port something for 2022 now.


thedestructo94

2y ago

Shame but not surprising. Kinda had a feeling this would happen when Pokemon Scarlet/Violet was announced for this holiday.

Maybe Nintendo has another game for its place in addition to Pokemon Scarlet/Violet this holiday season like another 3D Mario, Metroid Prime 4, or for the LOVE of GOD a new Donkey Kong game! Or they could go the cheap and easy route and just make a Wind Waker/Twilight Princess HD duel pack for the holidays.

Edited 2 times

clark2k

2y ago

Ok, I know Pikmin 4 is being held to be release in gaps like these!


pt-

2y ago

While it’s disappointing, it’s just nice to get confirmation that work is still continuing.

COUGH SILKSONG COUGH COUGH


yoshikun

2y ago

Comes as launch title for Nintendos next console😉
(Not to start a rumor, more like wishful thinking)


marl0

2y ago

Probably the least surprising delay announcement in ages. Everyone knew this one was coming.


rick-fil-a

2y ago

I'm completely convinced that all mainline Zelda games have delays pre-scheduled into their development and hype cycles. (This is a jest)


retroman64

2y ago

With all these delays, I hope this game lives up to the hype, wasn't too hyped myself when they said it was going to be an MM style expansion more than a full fledged sequel.

I think Bayo 3 will probably be the Christmas release this year since Prime 4 is still in early development in its fifth year now.


kalta

2y ago

Well, i mean it is what it is, if they need more time i understand that :)


socar

2y ago

I kinda expected this. When you have BOTW, its normal to expect the same for the sequel.

Besides, there are too many games right now on the Switch. We're getting a brand new Pokemon game for crying out loud!


pajob

2y ago

Expected, because It was unrealistic to believe Pokémon and Zelda were going launch in the same month.


martynstuff

2y ago

It's not getting released until someone pays Aonuma a compliment on his new haircut


joeshabadoo

2y ago

This confirms that we’ve only barely scratched the surface of what this game is going to offer from the drip feed available thus far. Take all the time needed. This will be a very special one


lazysprite

2y ago

Another 12 to 16 month delay and the game had a 6+ year development. Considering the framework was there already, I hope for a vast jump in quality. Wasnt that big a fan of the shallow story and empty, lifeless world of BotW.


khufuthemummy

2y ago

@the_crimson_lure

I can’t wait for gaming podcasts to butcher this easily accessible quote.


artistic_anarchy

2y ago

Expected it so it doesn't disappoint me. As long as you give me more Kass, all is forgiven!


wiired

2y ago

I hope it releases with the Switch 2


sligeach_eire

2y ago

Who honestly is surprised by this announcement? I'm not, I never expected it this year. And I don't think it'll release in Spring 2023 either, more likely a Christmas title. It's Zelda, delays are inevitable and expected.

Although, having said that, that Spring date... It's unusual. Would Nintendo use BOTW2 to help launch a new console/Switch Pro? As they did back in 2017. Maybe.