Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If you want one Zelda game to start now,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 separate, self-contained setting, choose Link’s Awakening. Nintendo’s U.S. catalog also lists Echoes of Wisdom.
“The new game” can mean different things: Nintendo’s catalog currently shows Zelda-related listings including Ocarina of Time with a November 5, 2026 release date and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Those listings do not establish a release date for a new original mainline Zelda game. Check Nintendo’s official Zelda news for announcements.
Which Zelda game should you play while you wait?
Pick based on the kind of adventure you want, rather than an unsupported ranking of which game is best. Nintendo describes Breath of the Wild as a vast, dangerous Hyrule to explore, while Tears of the Kingdom continues that adventure as a direct sequel. The other two choices below offer alternatives if you want a different setting or another catalog option.
- For broad, open-ended exploration: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- For a continuation of that Hyrule adventure: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
- For a distinct island setting: The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
- For another recent Zelda catalog option: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
Breath of the Wild: the pick for exploration
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the clearest starting point if you want room to explore at your own pace. Nintendo’s description begins with Link waking after a 100-year slumber and setting out across a vast, dangerous Hyrule. The original Nintendo Switch version was released on March 3, 2017. See Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch product listing.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Become the Hero of Time and save Hyrule from darkness
- Venture into dungeons, solve puzzles, and travel across time in two different eras to restore balance to the land
- A classic tale, reborn for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, symphonic orchestral music, visuals built from the ground up for Nintendo Switch 2, and more
- Play Link’s in-game ocarina by humming or singing into the Nintendo Switch 2 system microphone
Nintendo also lists a separate 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 version is supported on Switch 2, so check the edition name rather than assuming the listings are interchangeable. Details are on Nintendo’s Switch 2 Edition page.
Tears of the Kingdom: continue the story in Hyrule
If you have played Breath of the Wild and want another large-scale Hyrule adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel. Nintendo describes exploration across Hyrule’s land, sky, and depths, making it the natural next choice for someone who wants to return to that setting rather than start a separate one.
Rank #2
- 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
The Switch 2 Edition was released June 5, 2025, and is playable only on Switch 2. Nintendo lists performance and resolution improvements and the ZELDA NOTES feature for this edition. Consult Nintendo’s Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition page and confirm the platform and edition before buying.
Link’s Awakening: a different, self-contained setting
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening takes place on Koholint Island, away from Hyrule. Nintendo describes this as a rebuilt version with a new art style, and lists physical and digital versions. It suits players who want a distinct setting and presentation rather than another sprawling Hyrule adventure. Nintendo’s Link’s Awakening page has the product details.
Rank #3
- As Link, explore a reimagined Koholint Island and collect instruments to awaken the Wind Fish to find a way home
- Explore numerous dungeons, riddled with tricks, traps, and enemies, including some from the Super Mario series
- Meet and interact with unique locals to get help on your adventure
- Listen to a reawakened soundtrack that helps bring life to Koholint Island
- Earn Chambers (Dungeon Rooms) and arrange them to complete objectives in the all new Chamber Dungeon
Echoes of Wisdom: another recent catalog option
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom appears in Nintendo’s U.S. Zelda catalog with a September 26, 2024 release date. The catalog confirms its listing and platform context, but does not provide enough detail here to make a grounded comparison of its length or mechanics. Use the Nintendo Zelda games catalog to check its current listing and platform information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the platform and edition before you buy
Nintendo’s catalog distinguishes Switch and 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 separate listings from their original Switch versions; the Switch 2 Editions are Switch 2 only. Before purchasing, verify:
Rank #4
- The Legend of Zelda - Tears of the Kingdom
- Whether the listing is for Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2.
- Whether it is the original Switch game or a Switch 2 Edition.
- Whether you want a physical or digital copy.
- The current listing, availability, and price, which can change.
Use Nintendo’s Zelda games catalog to compare current listings. It does not establish comparative completion times, difficulty, or an objective quality ranking, so choose by setting and the kind of adventure you want.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Battle hordes of enemies in the untold story of the Imprisoning War
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.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors
