The recent Nintendo Direct presentation helped shed some light on the current status of The Legend of Zelda franchise. Currently celebrating its 35th anniversary, many expected the Direct presentation to be filled with Zelda news, specifically in regards to the highly anticipated Breath of the Wild 2. Unfortunately, the only news that series producer, Eiji Aonuma, had to share with fans is that there isn't much news to share at this time. The lack of an official update on BOTW 2's status was disappointing, but other announcements may help pinpoint a potential release time for the game.
The first teaser trailer for Breath of the Wild 2 was unveiled at E3 2019, but since then Nintendo has kept its lips completely sealed in regards to the game. Seeing as this recent Nintendo Direct was the first since 2019 and coincided with The Legend of Zelda's anniversary, fans were hoping for something big. While the trailer for Skyward Sword's HD remake was revealed during the Direct presentation, all that was shared about BOTW's sequel is that production is going smoothly and they will hopefully have something to share by the end of this year. This now marks nearly two years without another official look at, arguably, Nintendo's most anticipated game.
The lack of on update on Breath of the Wild 2 is disappointing, but delays in development are to be expected given the COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 passed without a single full Nintendo Direct largely because of the pandemic, making it clear many Nintendo titles are suffering delays due to COVID-19. Because of this, it's difficult to pin point a timeframe when fans might finally be able to get their hands on BOTW's sequel. A lot will be contingent on the update that Aonuma mentioned would be coming later in the year, if it even comes at all. Until then, guessing is the only way to go. Luckily, several release dates of other titles can help lend an idea of when Breath of the Wild 2 may potentially be releasing.
Breath of the Wild 2 Likely Won't Release Until Around 2023
For starters, it's extremely unlikely Breath of the Wild 2 will be coming out this year. The franchise's 35th anniversary would've been a great opportunity to release a game of this magnitude, but it seems this year will focus more on Zelda titles from the past. Skyward Sword's HD Remake is scheduled for a July release, while HD remakes of other previous Zelda titles are likely to be announced in the coming months as part of the anniversary celebration. So this pushes BOTW 2's release date back to 2022 at the earliest, but it's likely the game will be releasing a bit later than that.
The biggest announcement from the recent Nintendo Direct was the first look at Splatoon 3. While the trailer wasn't too lengthy, it was informative, highlighting story elements as well as some actual gameplay. The trailer ended by revealing the game is scheduled for a 2022 release with the specific date yet to be announced. It's likely the release day is being withheld so the date doesn't have to be changed in the event delays present themselves. It wouldn't be surprising if information on Breath of the Wild 2's development is being withheld for a similar reason, so Nintendo doesn't overpromise and then need to back track if delays rear their ugly head.
Given the fact Splatoon 3's trailer contained story and gameplay elements, more than BOTW 2's teaser trailer, as well as an idea of a release date, it's safe to say Splatoon 3 will be releasing before BOTW 2. Seeing as Breath of the Wild 2's first trailer was revealed nearly two years ago, the game should be at a decent point in development, but still seems a ways away from the lack of an update. Nintendo normally staggers its marquee releases, so there will likely be months separating the release of these two games.
An early 2022 release for Splatoon 3 could lead to a Summer 2022 release for Breath of the Wild 2, but that feels a bit too soon. It seems more likely Splatoon 3 will received a Summer 2022 release date, like it predecessor, setting BOTW 2 up for a release around the 2022 holiday season, if not early 2023. However, this is purely speculation. Hopefully Aonuma makes good on his promise and fans get an update on Breath of the Wild 2 by the end of this year.