News surrounding the follow-up to one of the most successful Zelda games has been like a mirage in the desert, always just out of reach. Thankfully, Nintendo graced us with a May 12th, 2023, release date and a formal title, Tears of the Kingdom.
But that was all back in September 2022 and us Zelda fans aren’t the patient type. We need more juicy info to help make the time go by faster…or something like that.
Luckily, rumors are flying around about what this game has in store, and we’ve got the inside scoop on the latest gossip.
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom-Themed Switch OLED
A Zelda-themed Switch OLED system? We’re here for it. According to rumors, Nintendo might be releasing a limited edition of their hybrid console to coincide with the game’s launch. This isn’t particularly surprising as Nintendo is all about them special edition systems for their most popular games, with a Pokémon Scarlet and Violet-themed Switch being the latest one.
Twitter handle Nintendeal shared some convincing images of the supposed Switch OLED system, and it even matches the iconography from the Tears of the Kingdom Collector’s Edition.
Specifically, the included pin case from the Collector’s Edition features the exact same art as the rumored Joy-Con of the alleged Switch OLED system.
This has fueled speculation that the system is real, and that Nintendo will announce it during the big Zelda Tears of the Kingdom extravaganza that we all know is coming ahead of its release.
Return of Traditional Dungeons
Breath of the Wild was a masterpiece of a game that will go down in history as one of the greatest ever made. But let’s be real, some die-hard fans have taken issue with its lack of traditional dungeons.
Dungeons were a series staple for over 35 years, and while the Switch’s inaugural Zelda romp featured Shrines and Divine Beasts, they just weren’t the same. But it seems that might be changing in the sequel as it might be bringing back the beloved dungeon system, we all know and love.
Fans have been picking apart the September 2022 trailer and have latched onto the featured art depicting seven orbs, speculating about the possible inclusion of seven dungeons.
If true, this may mean that completing each dungeon will earn you an orb, which could be the driving force behind the game’s overarching plot. This feature is unconfirmed, but if it proves to be the case, it’ll be a solid return to form for the franchise.
Zant As the Big Bad
A Zelda game just isn’t complete without a memorable baddie to defeat. While Ganon served as the main antagonist in Breath of the Wild, rumor has it that Tears of the Kingdom might be bringing back another past foe from Twilight Princess – Zant.
The rumor mill seems to be basing this on the initial reveal trailer at E3 2019 which had some mysterious music playing in the background. When played backward, it sounds eerily like the audio from a particular encounter with Zant in Twilight Princess.
Some eagle-eyed fans also theorized that the initial trailer featured a corpse that was posed just like Zant, along with a hand that looked suspiciously like his. Of course, we don’t know for sure who the main villain of Tears of the Kingdom will be, but we and the rest of the Zelda fandom would be thrilled to see this arch-nemesis make a comeback.
Side note, is anyone else having flashbacks to fighting Ganon at least 15+ times?
Upgraded Revali’s Gale and Other Abilities
We all know and love those Champion abilities from Breath of the Wild, like Revali’s Gale, Daruk’s Protection, Mipha’s Grace, and Urbosa’s Fury. However, they always did feel like they could have been much more. Well, Tears of the Kingdom may be making that dream a reality as well.
According to YouTuber Mike Odyssey, Tears of the Kingdom will feature a modified version of Revali’s Gale that won’t just launch you into the air but will also let you propel through solid objects among other maneuvers. This will add a whole new level of gameplay possibilities.
Since it seems that Tears of the Kingdom will be adding verticality to the mix, we can also expect to see some brand-spanking-new Champion abilities in addition to the old favorites.
DLC Potentially Teased
Nintendo updated the Tears of the Kingdom website with a statement about DLC, though they haven’t officially confirmed it.
Fans believe it’s for Tears of the Kingdom since it was initially conceived as Breath of the Wild DLC. However, we can’t get too excited just yet.
The statement at the bottom of the website claims that the “full version of the game will be required to use the DLC. Sold separately.”
This could mean that Tears of the Kingdom may receive some juicy added content in the future. It’s all up in the air, of course, but BotW’s DLC sold well so it’s likely Nintendo will want to do the same for the follow-up.
So, what are you hoping to see in Zelda tears of the Kingdom? Let me know in the comments below!
Zelda Tips 
Leave a comment