As the launch of the Switch 2 steadily approaches, many fans will wonder what the company has in store for one of its flagship franchises, The Legend of Zelda. The success of the Zelda series' major 3D titles on the Switch has set a higher standard for future entries moving forward. While the next big 3D Zelda title may be a ways off, there will be huge expectations for Nintendo to continue the success that the series saw during the Switch era.

An easy solution to ensure the Zelda series continues its success on the Switch 2 would be to develop a direct sequel to Tears Of The Kingdom. This title and its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, are two of the best-selling games in the Zelda series. With that in mind, a direct sequel will surely draw in a huge number of players from recognizability alone. However, if Nintendo does head down this path, it would be detrimental to the quality of the next 3D Zelda game, limiting its potential to push the series in a new, ambitious direction.

Why The Next Zelda Game Shouldn't Be A TOTK Sequel

Direct Sequels Of Zelda Games Are Rare

A new 3D Zelda game should create its own identity if it wants to avoid becoming redundant. With a series like Zelda that's home to a number of inventive and game-changing titles, direct sequels are rare and are usually only developed if a previous game's core ideas or mechanics can still be utilized in unique ways. Majora's Mask, for example, was developed at series creator Shigeru Miyamoto's request to make use of the game engine made for Ocarina of Time (via Nintendo), while TOTK started life as DLC for BOTW before becoming a fully-fledged title, according to Kotaku.

That's not to say these specific Zelda games aren't as creative or enjoyable as the rest of the series. TOTK has been so well-received precisely because of how it builds on the foundations established in BOTW. TOTK's more inventive mechanics, its larger scale and ambitious narrative come together to create a fully realized version of Hyrule, while making BOTW feel bare-bones in comparison.

TOTK fully realized the potential shown in BOTW and, in doing so, has become the complete and definitive game for this iteration of the Zelda franchise. That's not saying a direct sequel couldn't refine the world and gameplay mechanics further, but it's hard to see how this would set the title apart when TOTK has already stretched BOTW's core ideas to their limits. By restricting the next 3D Zelda game to the world and mechanics of TOTK, it would result in a title that lacks any sense of creativity and experimentation that the series is known for.

An Original Zelda Game Would Be Better For Switch 2

The Zelda Series Offers Something New With Each Generation

An entirely original 3D Zelda game would also be ideal to help broaden the appeal of the Switch 2. While official details on the console's features remain scarce, it would be safe to assume that the Switch 2 will be a step above its predecessor in of its power and capabilities. With that in mind, there will be huge expectations from players for the new console to include a range of titles that take full advantage of the Switch 2's capabilities, providing experiences that once seemed impossible.

The Zelda series has always been at the forefront of showcasing the capabilities of Nintendo's consoles. Skyward Sword is a great example of this, taking advantage of the Wii's motion controls to place greater emphasis on combat, making for a more immersive experience than the Zelda series had provided up to that point. Subsequently, BOTW's development on the Wii U and the Switch allowed the game to utilize the upgraded power of both consoles to take an entirely different direction, disregarding major elements of the traditional Zelda formula to create a much larger adventure that placed emphasis on player freedom.

It's within these original Zelda titles where the developers gain the freedom to put Nintendo's hardware to the test while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the franchise as a whole. A direct sequel won't have the ambition that the Switch 2 will need, since players know the console will be more than able to deliver a TOTK-like experience. If Nintendo keeps to what's been done before, it won't be able to prove to players that the Switch 2 is capable of offering something new and exciting, while the momentum of the Zelda series quickly grinds to a halt.

There's Still Room For Classic Zelda Games

Nintendo Has Made An Effort To Preserve The Classic Zelda Experience

Of course, as important as it is for the next major 3D title to head in a new direction, that shouldn't be at the expense of more traditional Zelda games. While the open approach to BOTW and TOTK was a breath of fresh air, many of the series' most beloved entries make use of the well-established Zelda formula, while offering something new in of gameplay or presentation to make it stand out. There are many fans who prefer games that have heavier reliance on the Zelda formula, making the continuation of classic titles hugely important.

Thankfully, Nintendo has made an effort to balance more unique and experimental titles alongside traditional games. The latest title in the Zelda franchise, Echoes of Wisdom, adapted many classic series elements alongside new ideas to make for a riveting, action-packed 2D experience. Moreover, the numerous rereleases on Switch through remasters, remakes, or Nintendo Switch Online means players always have easy access to some of the Zelda series' most iconic outings, ensuring that classic games are a mainstay for the franchise.

However, alongside these more traditional games, Nintendo has continually established Zelda as a series that consistently reinvents itself with more ambitious and experimental titles, which is where the main concern lies heading into the Switch 2. The priority for many players will be how the next major 3D game pushes the series forward, and not even a TOTK sequel will be able to accomplish this, despite its refreshing contrast to classic Zelda titles. If The Legend of Zelda franchise is to continue its success during Nintendo's new era, then the next major 3D game must take a bold, new direction for the series.

Sources: Nintendo, Kotaku