The new Legend of Zelda will launch simultaneously on both Wii U and NX in 2017

Nintendo: “The new Legend of Zelda will be the focus of E3 2016. It will launch simultaneously on both Wii U and NX in 2017.”

[Kalebninja]

Holy, shit I'm sure everyone was joking about Zelda being delayed again and while I'm glad Zelda NX is a thing, I can't believe it's getting another delay.

[3-4-5]

* It's being delayed so it can release at launch making it an awesome launch release game. If they release the Wii U versions first it would take away sales from the NX version, which is the more important version because it will launch with the new console.

* Also launching at release increases the quality of their launch window games and allows developers more time to finish and polish their games for release.

They would be rushing the NX at 2016 release.

[OtakuDJK1NG-Rory]

I blame the Nintendo NX for this.
Taking my Wii U Zelda away.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Well its still releasing for Wii U...

Also, who knows it might have not even be done for Wii U in the first place. Sure it could have been delayed to have a launch with NX day and date, but who knows.

[KentBenMei]

Are you kidding? Dude, you absolutely know it was delayed just like TP for the same reason; simultaneous launch. That's blind fanboyism if I've ever seen it.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Kent- Um....ok.

Where is WonderfulMonkeyMan when you need him! He needs to see someone thinks I'm a Nintendo fanboy based on a assumption I've made!!! LOL!

Too funny!

Buddy, I'm not saying that its not being delayed based on that, merely that " it could have been" as we don't know the state of the game. Of course it could be delayed because of NX in favor of a simultaneous launch like TP. Buddy, thats what I stated MONTHS ago when Nintendo confirmed NX was even a thing.

But then again, who knows. Neither you, nor I know why it was delayed. It could legit not be done for all we know.

Whats "fanboyism" is jumping to the conclusion as if their was NO OTHER REASON for the delay. I stated "could" and "might have not been done" based on....well we don't know for sure. Games do get delayed all the time buddy, this wouldn't be the first time.

Check out how many times Zelda OoT go delayed.

[OtakuDJK1NG-Rory]

No I am not saying it not on Wii U. I am saying that is delaying the Wii U version even further when we could had already gotten it. The whole polishing PR was just to cover NX.

[remixx116]

Well edmix remember it was first shown at the VGAs and Sakurai said it would launch in 2015 right after starfox zero. Both got delayed and then everyone got skeptical when they wouldn't even show it at e3...

[Knushwood Butt]

Massively predictable news.

I wonder if this is enough to wake some folks from their kool aid hypnosis.

[Neonridr]

If someone thinks EDMIX is a Nintendo fanboy then clearly that person has not been a part of N4G for long... lol

It's exactly Twilight Princess all over again. I don't mind. I mean if you want to get it for the Wii U you still can. But if you want it on the shiny new console, then get it for the NX.

I just hope that the NX version isn't just a simple higher resolution port of the Wii U version, and that there is some sort of optimizing/enhancing going on besides a coat of polish.

[_-EDMIX-_]

I mean I don't even disagree with such a thing as, of course that could legit be the reason behind the delay, but this isn't the first time a Zelda game has gotten delayed though, but I can see the implications on how one would believe NX has something to do with it.

[Dunban67]

Of course its the reason they delayed the game- Wii U owners- particularly the ones of us that bought it at launch are getting 2nd class treatment by Nintendo again- Delaying Zelda even more so they can to a dual release for NX, taking what once were going ot be wiii u games and moving them to NX - basically the 1st 1.5 years saw little from Nintendo for the Wii U due to their incompetence and not being fully behind the Wii u- now the 2nd 1/2 of the Wii U s life span are 2nd choice games like Mario Tennis and Amiibo festival so they can foucus their energy on the NX- which no way in heck ill be buying close to launch if at all- thei ris no doubt in my mind that after their launch window games, they will be catering mostly to casual/mobile fans

[conanlifts]

We spoke a while back and i did warn you this would happen. You still get a zelda for wii u though.

[OtakuDJK1NG-Rory]

nah there no point in wanting Zelda Wii U now.

[RashBandicoot]

Totally agree. Delaying the Wii U version just seems plain greedy to me.

[Geobros]

Good news, day one for Zelda and NX!!

[Ricegum]

You know absolutely nothing about the NX, buy day one? Really?

[Geobros]

The only thing I know is that I will play a new Zelda, maybe the best series of video games. This is enough for me.

[TheUndertaker85]

They demoed a playable Zelda game as coming for the WiiU before launch also...

Well, here it is almost five years later.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Surprised at the spring 2017 launch, I think they should have fought for the fall 2016, but if they are not ready, no need to rush it.

Called it on that Zelda being a simultaneous release though! Surprised they are even saying this right now....I think they should have just waited for E3 to make a huge unveiling vs telling us info like this...I'm not sure its a good idea to state THIS LONG its going to release consider they might have just killed wii u even more.

10 months is a long time to let folks know to not buy a Wii U. I think they might have been better off with a deep 6 month window of marketing, vs.....well this.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

The 2017 release on NX can also imply that the NX won't release until then, so they'd better have something big ready for the latter half of this year to make up for Zelda not releasing this year.
The only good thing about that is that, if this is true, it means Nintendo is, at the very least, respecting Wii U owners by not killing off the system far too early, which is what I've been hoping they'd decide on for ages.

Guess I'll have to just hope they've got a surprise waiting in the wings for E3 to replace Zelda in the meantime.
@ Skate
Re-read my post.
I posted exactly what you're saying.

[Skate-AK]

It says simultaneous launch so the NX won't launch until 2017.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Wonder- "respecting Wii U owners by not killing off the system far too early," Well the rumors also stated many Wii U games got cancelled in favor of releasing as NX titles.

"so they'd better have something big ready for the latter half of the year to make up for this"

Why for a system that is already being replaced? If Zelda U is releasing for NX too, what would they be releasing for Wii U ending of this year that would not go to NX? If such a title did get ported to NX....why not wait to release it on NX at launch and delay the game for both like they are doing with Zelda?

I mean...Zeldas is as big as it gets with Nintendo so I'm not sure what they would do consider they are already telling use Zelda is coming to NX day 1, what else?

What other IP would they release this fall for Wii U that we don't know about? I mean it could be an Animal Crossing but I think they already have that party game or something and I think it might be unlikely. We already know about the new Paper Mario game which I believe this this fall. My friends and I are keeping hope alive for Smash Bros Melee remaster for Wii U with online play LOL!

It would have done MILLIONS!

Wonderful....Kent stated this to me.

"Are you kidding? Dude, you absolutely know it was delayed just like TP for the same reason; simultaneous launch. That's blind fanboyism if I've ever seen it"

The ironic, deep, deep lolz. I think I almost woke up one of my friends laughing!

[FarEastOrient]

The other news is that NX is March 2017, it's going to miss the holiday season!?! That's crazy.

[Dunban67]

Not releasing much software at the beginning and at the end of the WiI u s lifetime was disrespect enough- it s not like they are using this extra time to do anything of significance for the Wii u other than delay Zelda again so it can release on the eNX

[KentBenMei]

Same here, a fall 2016 would be smarter. I think they could make it if they wanted to, but they're probably trying to avoid pissing Wii U fans off any more than necessary, and competing with whatever may release around then (thinking NEO may be a thing at that time).

[_-EDMIX-_]

Not sure. I think they might be merely avoiding launching along side Sony and MS's rumored upgraded skus, or didn't want to be compared in holiday sales or legit didn't have enough finished in the platform to really do a fall release. In regards to Wii U fans.....you are talking about 12 million gamers, I don't think they care about not "pissing them off" some are mad that they are even releasing NX at all. Nintendo's job is to make money, not friends with gamers who want them to not release new consoles. It just doesn't really make any sense. I've yet to hear of any platform releasing based on what past consumers might feel from the previous platform.

Again...the fans you are talking about are also 12 million, not sure they pose THAT much of a threat to Nintendo as why would releasing fall upset them vs spring?

NX is replacing Wii U anyway so, those who care are very few. Who they should be seeking to please should be the install base they don't have vs the one they do.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

Yeah, well, if a lot of Wii U projects were moved to NX, it can be interpreted in two ways; it can be looked at as disrespectful to Wii U owners, but it can also be viewed as Nintendo learning from the mistakes of the Wii U.
IE, after the example of the first year of the Wii U, they want to avoid having a launch that's barren of truly block-buster titles.

As for why they'd have something left for the latter half of this year?
Because it would be even more dumb of them to go literally 11 months from today without a single worthwhile title to keep people interested.
I'm almost positive that they'll have some big titles to talk about aside from Zelda at this year's E3, because 11 months with no new titles is just not something Nintendo does.

[_-EDMIX-_]

" it can be looked at as disrespectful to Wii U owners" It can be, but this is business. They need to market NX as the next big thing and having those titles day 1 will help them a long ways.

They have that Paper Mario title coming. Guess we'll have to wait til E3 to see what they have in store for Wii U owners.

[LOL_WUT]

Why waste resources on a console that is going to get replaced anyway? Time to move on! ;)

[Dunban67]

they were telling fans not to buy a wiiu the day they mentioned NX by name- but they know they have plenty of fans and parents that don't know any better they can always take advantage of- they will probably repackage the 3DS again this holiday and sell a few million more to the same people who have already bought 2 or 3+ 3DS s

[bouzebbal]

WTF is this s***?
Nintendo you disappointed me!!!!!!
This has been my most anticipated game of this year.. Damn!!!!!

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

Ditto.
But at least this means the Wii U isn't getting killed off early, if the 2017 release date also implicates the NX.

@ abz
That's nice.
Bully for you.
Door's that way.

@ one-shot
You can't say something's already dead when it's still getting software.
Go troll somewhere else.

[bouzebbal]

Wii U is dead for me.. i haven't turned it on for so long. Definitely the worst Nintendo console ever...First Nintendo console without an exclusive Zelda..what a sad record.
Not even one single zelda before the next console is out. Only remasters of games i know by heart since GC.
Now expect Wii U sales to flop even more because the only reason to get one was zelda.

[One-Shot]

You can't kill what was already dead. They are just letting it rot out in the open for longer.

[Vegamyster]

At least it'll be the focus at E3.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

Well, sh*t, that sucks.
I was hoping to play Zelda this year, not next.

The only positive is that this is implying a 2017 release for the NX, which means they aren't killing off the Wii U over two years too early.

Also, Link is looking a LOT more manly in that new pic.

Edit: LOL @ disagrees; Nintendo already confirmed March release for NX.
Stay salty.

[Germany7]

I'm not sure, but after Paper Mario and the new Zelda, Wii U will not receive any games, or am i wrong?

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

Fairly certain you are.
There's still 11 more months to go until the NX is ready [assuming it isn't pushed back] and we already know that Pikmin 4 is on the way, as just one example.

[ShadowKnight]

Like I said I knew it was going to come out in 2017

[Zikax]

its the 30 anniversaire of Zelda this year and they delay it... and no NX at e3? Why?

[pootymcpoockle]

I've been a huge supporter of the Wii U and Nintendo since the start, but this is leaving a REALLY sour taste in my mouth.

[shockwave4life]

Fucking bullshit! So that's gonna make it 5 yrs & 4 months since the last main Zelda game!!! They need to get more ppl working on there main 1st party games! It should be 2 to 3 yrs TOPS for every Zelda game period

[Dunban67]

it s being delayed so they can release it on the NX and they dont think enough abut wii u owners to care -
they could still release Zelda on the wi u this year and on the nx when it comes out - but no

[shockwave4life]

I mainly bought my Wii U 3yrs ago just for Zelda and they take fucking 5 yrs to make the god damn game!!! WTF it's not like there is multiplayer or any other extra shit! It's just the main story mode and that's it. 5 YRS!!! God damn Nintendo u stubborn Japanese mother fuckers! Get with the times or your gonna end up like sega which I pray to God will happen so u can stop making shitty consoles and just put ur 1st party games on the ps4 and Xbox one!

[ZeekQuattro]

Kinda makes it seem like the NX won't be out until next year. If it had been this year I would think Nintendo would showcase playable NX games at E3 2016 if they were dropping it this year.

[LOL_WUT]

Most likely the pressure from Sony and Microsoft got to them. ;)

[shockwave4life]

Hey Nintendo maybe stop putting all your effort into making Amiibos and coming up with another shitty gimmick that no one gives 2 shits about and make a proper Metroid game! Remember Metroid??? U know your most popular franchise that's not Mario or Zelda....stop shoving Mario down our fucking throats yr after yr! Take about 200 of your slanted eyed jap fuck employees that work on the Mario games and have them help out with more Zelda games and work on a proper metroid game you out of touch stuck in the 80's stubborn fucking Gooks!

[Double_O_Revan]

Lol. Who honestly didn't see this coming?

[FarEastOrient]

Thanks for killing the WiiU for the rest of the year, maybe better news when 2017 hits!

[MasterCornholio]

I was hoping for this. Buying a Zelda game with a new Nintendo console has always been great for me.

But I do understand why this delay frustrates Wii U owners. In my opinion they could have released the Wii U version during the holidays and the NX version with the consoles launch.

[Lionalliance]

Not really that surprised that they pulled a Twilight Princess like this.

[OtakuDJK1NG-Rory]

They should call it The Legend of Zelda: Link's Delayed Adventure
Slow down arrow shot in the air after jumping off your horse delaying your kill

[LOL_WUT]

You know deep down this was right decision. If its the sacrifice we got to pay for the NX to be successful at launch, then so be it ;)

[Free_Fro]

It's always a waiting game when it comes to Japanese games development. surely we're all use to this by now.

The PC has never been so attractive until this gen, for me.

@ E3 we'll find out the NX's actual name.

[TheGamez100]

Delays delays delays...its always the games im really looking forward to that are constantly delayed...oh well i supose the great games this year will keep me busy...if those dont delay too that is...

[moegooner88]

Summing up Nintendo approach with the Wii U: A joke.

[EddieNX]

Dissapoint

[LOL_WUT]

Why? it'll make the NX that much better. Sometimes sacrifices need to be made ;)

[Artemidorus]

That's the wisest idea in a while from Nintendo. Just need to create new games.

[thepatientgamer]

I'm never buying a Nintendo system again.

[XXXL]

Complete BS on Nintendos part. And 1 playable game at e3? Weak. Wonder if they'll buy back my Wii u if I tell them "please understand" I don't want this piece of shit anymore,

[noxeven]

Saw this coming. Its pretty much twilight princess all over again. Now its just a question of which will have better controls and if they are gonna do the mirror swap for the maps. I have a feeling that this gonna be one of the most popular games at e3 this year not to mention that probably the game that most judge the system hardware worth by maybe. Who knows just interesting either way.

[rjason12]

Only fucking reason it got delayed again was because of the NX. This sucks man.

[MasterCornholio]

Its pretty obvious that they want a big game at launch to sell the NX.

Which is a good thing for NX owners but sucks for Wii U owners. Nintendo is probably banking on the fact that most Wii U owners will upgrade to the NX at launch.

P.S I'd like to clarify that I meant Wii U owners with an interest in Zelda.

[Pullmywaffle]

Except they already said it was coming out in 2017, but not at launch. So it won't even be a launch title. They're just sitting on a 99% complete wiiu version, making everyone wait.

[mep69]

WTF they did that last time with Twilight Princess, just make it on the NX or Wii u otherwise it will be hindered.

[Relientk77]

And getting The NX and Legend of Zelda it is.

[Germany7]

Get one for me too, please.

[Pullmywaffle]

So for those of us that pretty much bought the wiiu for a new zelda game, we're getting the inferior version a year later. What a kick in the teeth. I'm done waiting for nintendo to stop making bad decisions. The wiiu will be my last nintendo console. Everything else from here on in i'll play through emulation when it catches up.

[blawren4]

No game is worth buying a system for, not even a Zelda game. Did you not play all of the other excellent games on your Wii U? You are being a little overdramatic, don't you think? What I've already played is enough, and we are still getting a Wii U version. Simple solution. Have a little patience and self control and don't by the NX at launch. Wait like two years and then begin playing the gold that will likely be the NX games lineup. It's not that hard.

[Pullmywaffle]

You mean all of the remasters and rehashes of old games? Yeah, i played them last gen. No new metroid, no real new mario game, no new zelda, a very mediocre star fox, mediocre kirby, a garbage mario tennis,garbage mario party, garbage animal crossing, a very dismal amount of VC, no GC VC, a terrible battery life for the gamepad, need i continue? Zelda has been the one reason i've held onto my wiiu for this long, and now i have to wait a year AND get the inferior version just so it doesn't take away from the NX? Get outta here with that bullshit. Overdramatic, definitely not. Fed up with nintendo's terrible decisions and expressing my anger for money wasted on consoles that they had no idea how to market or create games for, so they just said f*ck it, and moved everything to the nx.

[dauntingpixel]

why does nintendo always have to do things so difficulty? just show us the system, tell us about what it can do when you announce it. enough with this whole hey look what we're doing. yea.... so there you go. now you know it exists but sit on your hands until late this year before you can learn anything about it.

[rashada07]

I think they should just focus on a NX version at this point.

[-Foxtrot]

Funny because I said this and got the whole "It won't happen" speech.

[gangsta_red]

I remember that and I said it too and got disagreed to hell and back.

It was obvious considering they did the same thing with Twilight Princess.

Why would Nintendo keep one of their biggest IP's off of their next console and on a console with one foot out the door?

[Germany7]

It's all your fault!

[Big_Game_Hunters]

At least other games have a shot at GOTY now.

[Servbot41]

Why would anybody buy the NX after the shitshow that was the Wii U? Consumer confidence is at an all time low and I can't imagine it getting much lower than this.

[Ninte]

I've just sold my console so lucky the timing could of been better now I don't need to wait long for nx and a great birthday present

[Chaosdreams]

Well that decides it. Skipping the Wii U and getting the NX. I said from day one if it releases with Zelda, I'll buy it.

[Number-Nine]

Twilight Princess was delayed multiple times to make way for the Wii and look how that turned out!

[Protagonist]

Most with a sensible mind predicted this.

[Germany7]

At least i can play the new Zelda on Wii U, i'm not sure if i will buy the NX on the release date.

[DivineAssault]

Thats some BS! I know the game is damn near ready but they want to show off how much better the NX version is first.. Sleazy move.. That system better be mind blowing if its launching in 2017 and the game best be the greatest of all time or im done..