Summary

• The Nintendo Switch 2 could potentially revive a forgotten Zelda tech demo from the Wii U era, showcasing stunning graphics and a new direction for the franchise.
• The graphical style of the 2011 demo, though not possible at scale at the time, is now more attainable and could be implemented in a future Zelda title for the Switch 2.
• The visual appeal of the demo footage, combined with the technical capabilities of the Switch 2, has the potential to create a gameplay experience that would drive consumers to the new console.

With Switch 2 leaks are almost certainly fake, but the console undoubtedly has the potential to create an even better gaming experience than the Switch.

With unique Zelda games being canceled to more fragmented details, the development history of the franchise is full of intriguing but discarded concepts.

The Switch 2 Could Revive The Wii U’s E3 Zelda Tech Demo

Naturally, a new Zelda game would be a perfect part of the Switch 2’s launch catalog, much like Breath of the Wild was for the Switch. As one of Nintendo’s most famous and beloved franchises, The Legend of Zelda would be the perfect incentive for many to purchase the console as soon as possible. Moreover, the perfect basis for such a game already exists; a tech demo of the Wii U at E3 2011 revealed an absolutely stunning version of Hyrule, showcasing Link facing off against an incredibly detailed and imposing Gohma. The Switch 2 is now in the perfect position to revive this graphical style for a full game.

Zelda’s Beautiful Demo Graphics Would Be Perfect For the Switch 2

Although only off-screen recordings seem to now exist of this footage, this does little to detract from the impression it makes. Although TOTK and BOTW have proved to be very popular games for the Switch, and their graphics and game engine could easily become the basis for the next title as well, it is important to recognize that the franchise now taking a new direction is equally possible. The art style of the 2011 footage, while clearly not possible to maintain for a Wii U game, is now far more attainable after more than a decade of progress, and one which many would be happy to see finally implemented.

The sheer visual appeal of the E3 demo footage provides a glimpse at a Legend of Zelda game which never was, yet could also very clearly become a reality. Graphics such as these would be an excellent demonstration of any games console’s capabilities, and thus could provide the foundation of a perfect title for the Switch 2. BOTW and TOTK’s graphics are incredible themselves, but the potential of a new, more realistic, HD style for The Legend of Zelda cannot be understated. The Switch quickly outsold the Wii U, but if its successor is able to create gameplay of this technical quality, then the Switch’s record could easily be matched.

Source: cmb271/YouTube