"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" is one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2017, and it has been widely speculated that the game may launch along with the Nintendo Switch. However, it is now revealed that the game will be delayed and is now expected to be released four to six months after the release of Nintendo's new console.
According to industry insider Emily Rogers, the localization of the game has proven more difficult than what Nintendo initially perceived. Because of this, the game still requires several months of testing and refinement in order to ensure that every line has been properly translated from Japanese to English.
The report also reveals that the main cause of difficulty is the open-world design of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild." This is the most ambitious game in the series as it skews the traditional linear paths and order of dungeons for a more open-world design, something more often seen in the top-down 2D "Legend of Zelda" titles but not for the 3D titles.
Eurogamer further reveals that these reports are likely true, based on their own sources from Nintendo. This would hint that the game is not going to be a launch title for the Nintendo Switch. Instead, the game's launch might be moved to August 2017.
Nintendo has never given a specific release date for "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," and it is possible that the game is not coming out until the last quarter of 2017. The game has been delayed numerous times before, and Nintendo is known for pushing back projects to meet their own high standards.
However, if "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" is not going to launch alongside the Switch, then the console will need a big AAA title from Nintendo to help its sales. According to the report, fans may expect a brand new "Super Mario" title for the time being.
