The Legend of Zelda is one of the most beloved and iconic franchises in gaming, and as the Nintendo-owned series continues to grow and evolve, each era has brought something fresh and exciting. Whether it’s Wind Waker or Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda has taken many wonderful forms over its four-decade run. It’s hard to believe that The Legend of Zelda is set to turn 40 in just a few months, and while that milestone alone is exciting enough, it could also be paving the way for some long-awaited announcements and surprises.
Of course, it may be unlikely for a fresh Legend of Zelda entry to pop up next year. After all, Echoes of Wisdom just launched in 2024, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment was released this year. Nintendo may be holding off before revealing the next chapter in the long-running franchise with those still fresh in a lot of fans’ minds. Nothing is impossible, however, and 40 years is a significant anniversary. Even if a new game announcement isn’t on the horizon, fans will still want to keep an eye out for The Legend of Zelda‘s 40th anniversary because it’s still the perfect time to make some big reveals.
The Legend of Zelda’s 40th Anniversary is Right Around the Corner
When is The Legend of Zelda’s 40th Anniversary?
- The Legend of Zelda officially turns 40 on February 21, 2026.
The first game in the franchise launched in Japan back in 1986, and while it wouldn’t come to America until August 1987, it quickly became a hit in both regions. Since that first launch, a large variety of sequels and spin-offs have continued to be made, making the games a staple for Nintendo. As one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises, The Legend of Zelda has been present on every console released by the company since the genesis of Link’s journey. Whether it be fresh titles, ports, or remasters, Nintendo has made sure that the franchise has maintained a solid presence within its roster. Now that the Switch 2 is here, many have been eagerly awaiting to see what Nintendo has in store for the franchise on the brand-new console.
How Nintendo Has Celebrated The Legend of Zelda’s Anniversary in the Past
When it comes to anniversary celebrations, Nintendo tends to stretch them throughout the year instead of one central event. From special concerts to merchandise, the company usually has something up its sleeve whenever one of its core franchises hits a big milestone. The Legend of Zelda‘s history has been filled with exciting announcements, and looking to the past could help give an idea of what to expect from the 40th anniversary.
The Legend of Zelda’s 25th Anniversary
- Skyward Sword was released on November 18, 2011, for the Wii.
- Special edition 25th anniversary Nintendo 3DS
- Link’s Awakening DX for the Nintendo 3DS
- Ocarina of Time 3D for the Nintendo 3DS
- Four Swords Anniversary Edition for the Nintendo DSi and 3DS
- 25th anniversary Club Nintendo posters
- A five-page Skyward Sword comic
- A special opening tribute at E3 2011 celebrating the franchise’s legacy.
- The Legend of Zelda Symphony’s worldwide concert tour
- Official 25th anniversary website
- A flash mob of cosplayers was organized for Gamescom 2011. Fans dressed as their favorite characters from the franchise.
- A “25 Years of…” video series that chronicled the best aspects of the franchise
The Legend of Zelda’s 30th Anniversary
- The Legend of Zelda: Arts & Artifacts was first released in Japan as Hyrule Graphics on August 26, 2016. The book contains 30 years of art, including rare concept art and character designs.
- Skyward Sword was released on September 1, 2016, for the Wii U
- The Legend of Zelda 30th anniversary amiibos
- At E3 2016, the first gameplay trailer for Breath of the Wild was revealed.
- The 30th Anniversary The Legend of Zelda Game Music Collection, a Japan-exclusive CD
- Special 30th anniversary concerts in Japan
- Special Nintendo 3DS home menu
The Legend of Zelda is far more than just a game to a lot of people. For many, the franchise is a significant part of their childhood.
The Legend of Zelda Could Have Several Surprises in Store for 2026
Even if a new game isn’t released next year, a trailer reveal is definitely possible. Beyond the hope of a new game, though, plenty of fans have been waiting years for Nintendo to finally bring two beloved HD remasters to the Switch. Now that Nintendo is in the throes of a new console generation, the hope for Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD on the Switch 2 has been growing.
Of course, there’s no way to know for sure, but with fan demand and rumors and leaks about the hoped-for ports popping up every few months, the 40th anniversary year would be the best possible moment to finally make a lot of fans’ dreams a reality. Beyond game announcements, it’s also possible that the first Legend of Zelda movie trailer could finally be revealed. Last month, Miyamoto showed the first official images from the set, and a trailer would be the next logical step.
The live-action Legend of Zelda movie is slated to hit theaters on May 7, 2027.
There is also a Legend of Zelda LEGO set planned for next year, which could be a hint that Nintendo plans to introduce unique merch to commemorate the anniversary. Only time will tell what 2026 has in store for The Legend of Zelda, but based on past anniversaries and milestones, Nintendo no doubt has a few things planned to celebrate the 40th year of one of the company’s most successful franchises.
