As one of gaming's most beloved franchises approaches a monumental milestone, speculation is mounting about how Nintendo will mark the occasion. The Legend of Zelda celebrates its 40th anniversary on February 21, 2026, the date the original NES classic launched in Japan. Given Nintendo's history of celebrating its iconic series, fans are eagerly anticipating what the famously unpredictable company has in store.
Learning from Past Celebrations
Nintendo has established a precedent for honouring its major franchises. The 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. was a significant event, featuring Lego sets, the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, and a special Game & Watch device. For Zelda's 35th, the company released a themed Game & Watch, albeit announced after the actual anniversary date. The 30th anniversary saw new amiibo figures and the re-release of Skyward Sword on Wii U. This track record, combined with the significance of the 40th birthday, strongly suggests that Nintendo is preparing something special for 2026.
Top Predictions for Zelda's 40th Year
So, what concrete possibilities could be on the table? Based on rumours, leaks, and Nintendo's recent patterns, several exciting announcements seem plausible.
A Legendary Lego Collaboration
This prediction is almost a certainty, as it has already been teased. Lego previewed a new Legend of Zelda set in a trailer in late 2025, confirming a 2026 release. The footage hinted at a scene from the climactic battle in 1998's seminal title, Ocarina of Time. While the exact details remain under wraps, a high-quality Lego set based on Hyrule's iconic characters or locations would be a perfect celebratory product.
The Dream: An Ocarina of Time Remake
This is the fervent wish of many fans. With the successor to Tears of the Kingdom likely still years away, a ground-up remake of the Nintendo 64 classic would be a monumental release. Nintendo already laid the groundwork with the excellent Ocarina of Time 3D for the 3DS in 2011. A fully reworked version for the Switch and its anticipated successor, the Switch 2, would be a fitting tribute to the game that defined 3D adventure gaming and a major pillar of the anniversary celebrations.
Lights, Camera, Hyrule! The Movie Teaser
This is one of the more realistic expectations. Filming is already underway for the live-action Zelda film, starring Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, with a cinema release scheduled for May 7, 2027. While a full trailer might be premature, a brief teaser or a further cast announcement—such as confirming Jamie Campbell Bower as Ganondorf—would be a logical way to tie the film's promotion into the anniversary year and generate immense hype.
Filling the Library: HD Ports for Switch
Rumours have swirled for years about The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD making the jump to the Switch. Both were enhanced for the Wii U but remain inaccessible to the vast Switch audience. Releasing these acclaimed titles, either separately or in a collection, would be a straightforward yet highly welcome move for the anniversary, giving players more ways to experience Link's adventures.
Expanding the Battlefield: Hyrule Warriors DLC
Given that the previous musou-style game, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, received two waves of DLC via an expansion pass, it seems a safe bet that the latest entry, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, could follow suit. New characters, stages, and weapons themed around the anniversary would be a likely addition to extend the game's life.
A Symphonic Celebration
Music has always been central to Zelda's identity. The acclaimed Symphony of the Goddesses concert tour ran from 2012 to 2017. A revived global concert tour for the 40th anniversary, featuring music from the entire series including Tears of the Kingdom and the recent Echoes of Wisdom, would be a perfect fit. Nintendo has shown increased interest in celebrating its musical heritage through vinyl releases and apps, making this a strong possibility.
While Nintendo is famously hard to predict, the combination of a major anniversary, known projects in the pipeline, and the company's own celebratory habits makes 2026 a pivotal year for The Legend of Zelda. Fans should prepare for a year likely filled with nostalgia, new experiences, and several surprises from the kingdom of Hyrule.
