As Nintendo’s first Direct of 2026 unfolded on February 5, the spotlight was firmly on third-party titles—Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Valheim, Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition, and more—leaving Zelda conspicuously absent from the showcase . Yet, with the franchise celebrating its 40th anniversary this month, fan speculation is reaching a fever pitch, fueled by subtle hints and the company’s historical penchant for milestone celebrations.
What’s Missing from the February Direct?
The Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase on February 5 focused exclusively on third-party games, with no Zelda-related announcements . This omission has only intensified curiosity among fans, especially given the timing of the franchise’s 40th anniversary—an occasion Nintendo has historically marked with significant releases or remasters.
Anniversary Expectations: What Fans Are Hoping For
Fans are drawing parallels to the Mario franchise’s 40th anniversary, which was celebrated with a flurry of announcements—remasters, themed merchandise, and even a movie . Many expect Zelda’s milestone to be honored similarly, with speculation ranging from HD remasters of classics like Wind Waker and Twilight Princess to full-scale remakes or new game announcements .
Signs of a Bigger Rollout?
Several indicators suggest Nintendo may be preparing a multi-faceted celebration for Zelda’s 40th anniversary:
- LEGO Collaboration: Reports suggest a new LEGO set based on Ocarina of Time—specifically the climactic battle between Link and Ganondorf—is in the works .
- Cross-Media Strategy: Analysts believe Nintendo is gearing up for a broader franchise push, potentially spanning games, merchandise, and media tie-ins .
- Movie Timeline: A live-action Legend of Zelda film is reportedly slated for release in 2027, positioning the 2026 anniversary as a promotional springboard .
Nintendo’s Silence Speaks Volumes
During its February 4 earnings call, Nintendo was asked directly about Zelda’s anniversary plans. President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged upcoming software releases but made no mention of Zelda, focusing instead on Mario-related content . This omission has only fueled speculation that a major Zelda announcement is being strategically withheld for a later reveal.
Fan Theories Taking Shape
Here are some of the most popular fan theories circulating online:
- Remasters or Remakes: Many anticipate HD remasters of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, or even a remake of Ocarina of Time .
- New Game Reveal: Some hope for an entirely new Zelda title, possibly leveraging Switch 2’s enhanced capabilities.
- Merchandise & Crossovers: Beyond LEGO, fans expect themed amiibo, in-game items for Animal Crossing, or other crossover content .
- Media Tie-Ins: With the live-action film on the horizon, fans are watching for trailers, casting news, or promotional tie-ins .
What Could Be Next?
With Zelda absent from the February Direct, attention now turns to upcoming opportunities:
- Next Nintendo Direct: A future Direct—possibly focused on first-party titles—could be the stage for Zelda announcements.
- Nintendo Today! App: Nintendo has previously used its mobile app to drop major news, including release dates for films .
- E3 or Summer Showcase: If Nintendo follows its usual cadence, a mid-year event could be the perfect moment for a big reveal.
In summary, while the February 5 Direct offered no Zelda news, the franchise’s 40th anniversary and Nintendo’s strategic silence suggest something significant is brewing. Whether it’s remasters, new games, or media tie-ins, fans are watching closely—and Nintendo may have a surprise in store.
