Nintendo has a reputation for designing games around its hardware gimmicks, but I don’t think the Switch 2’s mouse controls will ever be a primary feature inThe Legend of Zelda. From early 3D graphics to motion and touchscreen controls, the series has reinvented itself repeatedly, but the obvious choice for a mouse control-centric title probably wouldn’t fly from a usability and thematic standpoint.
I’m actually quite fond of the Switch 2 mouse controls. They’re not perfect, and holding a Joy-Con 2 on its side isn’t exactly ergonomic, but I’ve had little issueplayingCivilization 7on the Switch 2. The console has the potential to become a destination for strategy, 4X, and tactics games simply because it has built-in mouse support. It’s gotten me thinking aboutwhat aZeldastrategy game might look like, and while the idea is enticing, I don’t think Nintendo would ever make one.
I Want A Zelda Strategy Game That Uses Switch 2 Mouse Controls
Conquer Hyrule
A lot of the potential for aZeldastrategy spin-off comes from Hyrule being such an interesting, fleshed-out setting. RTS and 4X games live and die by their various factions, and Hyrule has that in spades. Just imagine the difference between playing as the Goron and the Zora. If there’s town building, the former does better in mountainous regions with metalworking, while the latter thrives near oceans and rivers with endeavors like fishing or sailing.
There are clear combat differences as well, which only multiply the moreestablishedZeldasocietiesyou throw into the mix. The Rito could have specialized air units, while the Gerudo excel in subterfuge or thievery. Hylians, the Sheikah, Ganon’s minions, and even the Koroks could providevastly different play styles.
Hyrule’s landscape is constantly shifting between games and the series notoriously plays it fast and loose with the canon timeline. It could be set during an established event, like thecivil war prior toOcarina of Time, or it could simply be a non-specific timeframe. Well-known characters could make appearances as heroes or leader units, or it could keep its focus on societies more broadly.
Nintendo Is Unlikely To Make A Zelda Strategy Game
Dev Time Is Precious
As great of a candidate for a strategy spin-off asThe Legend of Zeldais,I don’t think Nintendo would ever make one. One factor is simply the required development resources. The series is already broadly split into 2D and 3D branches, and we only get oneZeldagame every few years. Even if it’s a fun thought experiment, I’d rather have the next mainlineZeldagame.
There’s also the issue of the idea clashing with Nintendo’s vision of Hyrule. The series has long centered around the eternal struggle between good and evil. There are more minor conflicts throughout each game, butthe prominent races that inhabit Hyrule are never seen at war with each other. Even the aforementioned Hyrulean Civil War that precedesOcarinais light on details, and theImprisoning War inTears of the Kingdom(not to be confused withA Link to the Past’s Imprisoning War) is shown entirely through flashbacks.
Zeldagames generally shy away from killing sentient beings, and while Nintendo could certainly make a more light-hearted strategy game, it’s another hoop to jump through. There’s also the fact that Nintendo already has a strategy series:Pikmin. WithMarioas the genre-crossing exception, most Nintendo franchises tend to stay in their lane.
Another Studio Could Develop It, But I Won’t Hold My Breath
Zelda Is A Protected Property
Other developers creatingZeldagames isn’t unheard of. Koei Tecmo leads the development of theHyrule Warriorsspin-offs, andCadence of Hyrulefrom Brace Yourself Games is a notable departure fromZelda’s normal wheelhouse, but neither really solve all the above issues. To me, it feels likethe idea of conquering Hyrule at the expense of the other native races would be a non-starter to Nintendo.
Hyrule Warriorshas you battling legions of Ganon’s minions, not unlike the mainline series. Perhaps in a bygone era, when Nintendo wasn’t so strict about its family-friendly image, aZeldastrategy game could have been made, but I don’t see the Gorons routing the Zora in a large-scale strategy game conflict under the company’s current direction.
One could certainly be a more focused experience, letting you lead different factions against Ganon’s army, but that doesn’t necessarily conform to the broad appeal of strategy games, historical or otherwise.Civilizationwouldn’t be as charming if famed pacifist Mahatma Gandhi wasn’t allowed to throw any punches against anachronistic opponents.
The continued success ofHyrule Warriorshas me hopeful that moreZeldaspin-offs are on the way – not to mentionEchoes of Wisdombeing a triumphant comeback for the 2D mainline branch. However, I don’t think aZeldastrategy game is in the cards, even if the Switch 2’s mouse controls make it a possibility. I thinkThe Legend of Zeldahas great potential in the strategy game realm, but Nintendo likely wouldn’t green-light such a project.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda franchise follows the adventures of Link, an elf-like Hylian, and Princess Zelda as they protect the land of Hyrule from the evil warlord-turned-demon king Ganon. The series is known for its mix of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements, often revolving around the collection of the Triforce, a powerful relic left by the goddesses who created Hyrule. Each game features different incarnations of Link and Zelda, maintaining core elements while introducing new characters and settings.
