If you want one Zelda game to start now, choose The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for open-ended exploration. If you have already played it, Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel. For a self-contained adventure away from Hyrule, try Link’s Awakening.
“The new game” can mean different things: Nintendo’s U.S. catalog includes multiple Zelda-related listings, but the pages checked do not establish a release date for a new original mainline Zelda game. The recommendations below focus on games Nintendo currently lists, not an assumed upcoming release.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Which Zelda game should you play while you wait?
Pick based on the kind of adventure you want, rather than trying to follow a single required order. Breath of the Wild is the best starting point for a broad, exploratory Hyrule; Tears of the Kingdom continues that story and setting; and Link’s Awakening offers a separate, self-contained island adventure.
| Game | Best fit | Setting or connection |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Open-ended exploration | Hyrule; a strong starting point |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | A continuation after Breath of the Wild | Direct sequel; Hyrule’s land, sky, and depths |
| The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening | A distinct, self-contained adventure | Koholint Island |
| The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom | Another recent catalog option | Nintendo lists it for September 26, 2024; the catalog listing alone does not establish comparative length or mechanics |
Breath of the Wild: Start here for freedom to explore
Breath of the Wild follows Link after he wakes from a 100-year slumber and sets out to explore a vast, dangerous Hyrule. Its open-ended exploration makes it the clearest recommendation if you want to choose your own direction and discover the world at your pace. Nintendo lists the original Nintendo Switch release date as March 3, 2017. See Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch product listing.
#1 Best Overall
- Discover Hyrule as never before: by making your own path, choices, and consequences
- Ingenuity is the key to survival: find multiple solutions to tons of dynamic puzzles
- Surprises hide around every corner: scavenge weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more
- Live off the land: find weapons and armor, cook food, and brew elixirs
- Utilize special technology: the in-game Sheikah Slate controls, objects and enemies in fun ways
Nintendo also lists a Switch 2 Edition, released June 5, 2025, with performance enhancements, higher resolution, and faster loading. That edition is playable only on Nintendo Switch 2; the original Switch product page says the original game is supported on Switch 2. Check the edition name before buying so you select the version that matches your console. Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition page.
Tears of the Kingdom: Continue with the direct sequel
Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel to Breath of the Wild. Nintendo describes a Hyrule that extends across the land, sky, and depths, making this the natural next pick if you want to return to that world and its continuing story. Nintendo’s Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition page.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Edition listing gives a release date of June 5, 2025, and describes performance and resolution improvements as well as the ZELDA NOTES feature. The Switch 2 Edition is playable only on Switch 2. Verify the listing and console compatibility before purchasing; it is separate from the original Switch version.
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Link’s Awakening: Choose a different, self-contained setting
If you want a break from Hyrule’s large-scale adventures, Link’s Awakening takes place on Koholint Island. Nintendo describes it as a rebuilt version with a new art style and lists physical and digital versions. That makes it a fitting alternative when a distinct setting and presentation matter more than continuing the Breath of the Wild story. Nintendo’s Link’s Awakening page.
Rank #2
- Step into a world of adventure—now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system!
- Use your ingenuity to survive and thrive in Hyrule
- Support your journey with ZELDA NOTES on the Nintendo Switch app
Echoes of Wisdom: Another recent catalog choice
Nintendo’s U.S. Zelda catalog lists Echoes of Wisdom with a September 26, 2024 release date. The catalog listing confirms its place among the available Zelda titles, but it does not provide enough detail to make a grounded comparison of its length or mechanics with the other recommendations. Check Nintendo’s current Zelda catalog.
Check the console and edition before you buy
Nintendo’s catalog separates Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 listings and includes physical availability among its product attributes. In particular, the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are distinct listings from the Switch versions. Before checkout, confirm:
- Whether the listing is for Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2.
- Whether it is the original Switch version or a Switch 2 Edition.
- Whether you want a physical copy or a digital version.
- The current listing details and price, which can change.
What “the new game” means in Nintendo’s current listings
Nintendo’s U.S. catalog currently shows Zelda-related listings including Ocarina of Time with “Releases 11/5/26” and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Those listings do not, by themselves, establish that a new original mainline Zelda entry has been announced or dated. Nintendo’s official Zelda news page is the place to check for current announcements; do not treat either catalog listing as confirmation of a new mainline game.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
