If you want one Zelda game to start with, choose The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for a wide-open Hyrule built around exploration. If you have already played it, Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel. For a separate, self-contained setting, try Link’s Awakening; Nintendo’s catalog also lists Echoes of Wisdom.
“The new game” can mean different things: Nintendo’s U.S. listings include upcoming Zelda-related releases, but the reviewed official pages do not establish a date for a new original mainline Zelda game. Check Nintendo’s official Zelda news for announcements rather than treating another listed release as confirmation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition | $56.99 | 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 |
Which Zelda game should you play first?
For the broadest open-ended adventure among these choices, start with Breath of the Wild. Nintendo describes Link waking after a 100-year slumber and exploring a vast, dangerous Hyrule. Its original Nintendo Switch release was March 3, 2017. Nintendo also lists a separate Switch 2 Edition, released June 5, 2025, with performance enhancements, higher resolution, and faster loading. The Switch 2 Edition is playable only on Switch 2; the original Switch product is supported on Switch 2.
See Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch product listing and Switch 2 Edition page for the edition details.
#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
Choose by the kind of adventure you want
| Game | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Breath of the Wild | Exploring a large, open Hyrule | Link wakes after a 100-year slumber and sets out across a vast, dangerous Hyrule. Nintendo lists an original Switch version and a separate Switch 2 Edition. |
| Tears of the Kingdom | Continuing the story and world of Breath of the Wild | A direct sequel with exploration across Hyrule’s land, sky, and depths. Its Switch 2 Edition is a distinct product and is playable only on Switch 2. |
| Link’s Awakening | A different, self-contained setting | A rebuilt version set on Koholint Island, with a new art style. Nintendo lists physical and digital versions. |
| Echoes of Wisdom | Another recent Zelda catalog option | Nintendo’s U.S. catalog lists it with a September 26, 2024 release date. The listing alone does not support a comparison of its length or mechanics with the other games. |
Game descriptions and edition details are available from Nintendo’s Zelda games catalog, Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition page, and Link’s Awakening page.
Should you play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, if you want the direct continuation: Nintendo identifies Tears of the Kingdom as a sequel to Breath of the Wild. The two games share Hyrule, while the sequel adds the sky and depths to the places Link can explore. Starting with Breath of the Wild gives you the earlier adventure first; choosing Tears of the Kingdom first is an option if you are more interested in its broader land, sky, and depths setting than in following the sequence.
Which option has a more self-contained setting?
Link’s Awakening is the clearest choice if you want to step away from the large Hyrule adventures. It takes place on Koholint Island and is presented as a rebuilt version with a new art style. Nintendo lists both physical and digital formats. The available official listing does not establish a comparative completion time, so it is better described as a distinct setting than promised as a shorter game.
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
Check your console and edition before buying
Nintendo’s store separates Switch and Switch 2 catalog listings. In particular, the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are separate listings from their Switch versions, and those Switch 2 Editions can only be played on Switch 2. The original Breath of the Wild Switch listing says it is supported on Switch 2.
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- For Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, check whether the product is the original Switch version or the Switch 2 Edition.
- Choose physical or digital after checking the format shown on the current listing.
- Check the current Nintendo Store listing for availability and price; those details can change.
Use Nintendo’s current Zelda catalog to compare the listings.
What does “the new Zelda game” mean?
Nintendo’s U.S. catalog currently includes multiple Zelda games and Zelda-related listings. It displays Ocarina of Time with “Releases 11/5/26” and lists Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Those listings do not establish that a new original mainline Zelda entry has been announced or dated. For confirmed news, consult Nintendo’s official Zelda news page.
Quick Recap
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.
