Nintendo's Switch 2 Zelda Spin-Off Could Signal Franchise Shift

Nintendo's long-running Legend of Zelda franchise may be pivoting toward more action-oriented gameplay, according to signals from series producer Eiji Aonuma regarding the Switch 2 launch title Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.

The game, a hack-and-slash "musou-style" title developed jointly by Koei Tecmo's AAA Games Studio and Nintendo's Zelda team, represents a departure from the franchise's traditional adventure format. Yet Aonuma indicated the collaboration could shape future mainline entries in the series.

Influencing the Next Mainline Zelda

The project brought together Aonuma and Tears of the Kingdom director Hidemaro Fujibayashi with Koei Tecmo's development team. Yusuke Hayashi, head of AAA Games Studio, told Japanese gaming outlet 4Gamer the goal was merging Zelda's strategic gameplay with the Warriors franchise's large-scale combat system.

Fujibayashi praised Koei Tecmo's contributions during development, saying the partnership was stimulating and that the external team consistently returned with improved proposals when Nintendo raised concerns. Aonuma went further in the 4Gamer interview, suggesting fans watch closely how the spin-off's mechanics evolve.

Narrative Significance Beyond Spin-Off Status

Despite its action focus, Age of Imprisonment carries franchise weight. The narrative connects directly to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom storylines, depicting the Imprisoning War that sealed away Demon King Ganondorf. Aonuma emphasized the game qualifies as a legitimate Zelda entry rather than a side project.

The title fills a gap left by Nintendo's decision not to produce downloadable content for Tears of the Kingdom. Together with the previous Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, it provides narrative connective tissue for this era of the franchise.

Aonuma acknowledged his team wanted to release the first Zelda game on the Nintendo Switch 2 but was outpaced by Koei Tecmo. Age of Imprisonment now holds that distinction as the console's debut Zelda experience.

Whether the next mainline Zelda game continues this timeline or breaks new ground remains unclear, though Aonuma's comments suggest the franchise may incorporate more action elements going forward.