Ethan Crossfield 
The Legend of Zelda is entering another transition point. Nintendo’s current era has been defined by the open-world design of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but 2027 could mark the franchise’s shift toward a new focus. Players deciding what to follow should keep an eye on the Ocarina of Time remake, the delayed Secrets of the Zonai book, the upcoming Zelda movie, and an unconfirmed report about a 2D game starring Ganondorf.
What is changing for Tears of the Kingdom?
Tears of the Kingdom remains the latest 3D Zelda release, and Nintendo has continued to support it more than three years after launch. That support has included a substantial Switch 2 upgrade, the supplementary release Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and a Mineru’s Construct amiibo released in September. However, the franchise now appears to be preparing for a handoff.
The strongest sign is Secrets of the Zonai, a 472-page Dark Horse book featuring developer interviews, game artwork, and additional material tied to Tears of the Kingdom. It was initially scheduled for October but has been delayed until April 2027. Because the book may be the game’s final major official release, its delay could extend Nintendo’s current Zelda era beyond the company’s earlier plans.
Who should pay attention in 2027?
Fans of classic 3D Zelda should watch the Ocarina of Time remake, which is positioned to replace Tears of the Kingdom as the franchise’s central point of attention. The next Zelda amiibo are based on that game, with Young Link and Young Zelda confirmed for 2027. Zelda 40th Anniversary accessories are broader franchise products, but some also carry Ocarina of Time-inspired styling, including a special Switch 2 console and other accessories.
The shift matters because Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom moved Zelda away from the more linear structure used by earlier 3D entries. Their expansive worlds and emphasis on player freedom represented a major reinvention. The next phase may not immediately abandon that formula, but Nintendo’s current plans suggest the series is ready to foreground a different chapter.
What comes next for The Legend of Zelda?
The Legend of Zelda movie is also scheduled for release in 2027, giving the franchise another major spotlight outside games. Its arrival, alongside the Ocarina of Time remake and related merchandise, could make 2027 the clearest transition year since Breath of the Wild changed the series’ direction.
There is also a rumor that a new 2D Zelda game starring Ganondorf could arrive in 2027. Nintendo has not confirmed that project, so it should not be treated as part of the official lineup. If the report is accurate, however, it would be notable as the first Zelda game in which Ganondorf is the main playable character. That possibility would make 2027 more than a change in branding: it could also expand who can lead a Zelda adventure.
What players should know
- Secrets of the Zonai is now scheduled for April 2027 after being delayed from October.
- The book includes Tears of the Kingdom developer interviews, artwork, and 472 pages of material.
- Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo are confirmed for 2027.
- The Zelda movie is planned for release in 2027.
- A 2D Zelda game starring Ganondorf is only rumored and remains unconfirmed.
Expert View
2027 looks less like a definitive ending for Zelda than a clear change in emphasis. Tears of the Kingdom is still receiving meaningful attention, but the delayed Zonai book may close its cycle while Ocarina of Time-related projects take over the spotlight. The movie and confirmed amiibo strengthen that reading, whereas the rumored Ganondorf game should remain separate from Nintendo’s verified plans. For fans, the practical takeaway is to expect a transition year rather than assume the open-world formula or the wider franchise has reached its final form.
