Fans finally got a look at the anticipated sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild during the E3 2021 Nintendo Direct, but the heavily rumored Nintendo Switch Pro reveal was absent. With speculation mounting towards an announcement, it seems odd Nintendo said nothing about the alleged upgraded console, but the reason may very well be that the company plans to announce and launch the Switch Pro alongside BOTW 2.

The original Switch launched in 2017 alongside Breath of the Wild, and the Switch Lite's 2019 release was accompanied by the Link’s Awakening remake. Just before the Switch Lite’s reveal, there were quite a few rumors of the console’s existence. This could be mirrored in the Switch Pro launch - though the more powerful version of the console has been rumored since before the Switch Lite's announcement. Still, Nintendo could plan on continuing its trend of releasing Switch consoles with Zelda game, waiting to announce the Switch Pro until there is a definite release date for Breath of the Wild 2.

Related: Why The Nintendo Switch Pro Hasn't Been Announced: Does It Exist?

BOTW 2 is at least already confirmed for sometime in 2022, which means Nintendo has an opportunity to release Breath of the Wild's and the Switch's successors on an ideal occasion: March 3, 2022, the fifth anniversary of both. Perhaps Nintendo will announce the Pro late this year or early next, then have the console launch with Breath of the Wild 2 in March in celebration.

Will The Switch Pro Launch With BOTW 2 In 2022?

Breath of the Wild 2

Considering so many people bought a Switch in 2020 (and likely 2021, as well), Nintendo will need to give a good reason for fans to go buy another new console - especially one that will likely have a higher price tag. A good way to do this would be to bundle it with a long-awaited Zelda title. If Nintendo wanted to take things further, there could even be a special edition Switch Pro with a Breath of the Wild 2 theme.

Breath of the Wild 2 may also need a more powerful console to run smoothly. It is no secret the Switch is pushed to its limits by a lot of games, including Breath of the Wild. If any graphical updates have been made to the sequel, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Switch Pro is necessary to run it properly. Conversely, a new, graphically impressive game would be a great way to show off the Switch Pro’s capabilities, rather than just relying on Pro updates to older Switch games. Besides, companies often use new games to sell new consoles, as Sony did with the Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales launch alongside PS5. If Nintendo is planning such a simultaneous release for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's sequel, fans may just have to wait a bit longer before the Nintendo Switch Pro is announced.

Next: Everything We Know About Breath of the Wild 2