The Case for a Classic 3D Zelda Revival on Nintendo Switch 2

With The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary on the horizon, a plea is being made for Nintendo to return to the series’ most celebrated era of 3D adventures. This golden age, spanning from the revolutionary Ocarina of Time through to the ambitious Skyward Sword, perfected a blend of intricate dungeons, satisfying item progression, and exploration on a carefully crafted leash.

Revisiting titles like The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess highlights their timeless quality. Their tight scope and structured narratives feel refreshing in a modern gaming landscape often dominated by open-world bloat. While the freedom of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom was groundbreaking, the linear progression of classic 3D Zeldas offered a different, equally compelling kind of adventure.

It has been over a decade since a mainline Zelda game followed this specific formula. As Nintendo plans for the Switch 2, the most exciting move might not be to top its recent open-world titles, but to sidestep them entirely. A new 3D Zelda built on the foundations of its greatest run could be the perfect celebration for fans longing for the classic dungeon-crawling action that defined a generation.