Previously, speculations suggested that the upcoming "The Legend of Zelda" installment will be a launching game for the Nintendo Switch. However, it seems that the new title will not be released until the middle of 2017.
According to IGN, an online listing for "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" for giant retailer Target points out that the game will have a June 2017 launch date. There are some who say that it may only be a placeholder since a specific release date has yet to be set for the upcoming game. However, it should be noted that most retailers use a Dec. 31 placeholder date for upcoming titles that have yet to receive a launch date.
In addition, a journalist has also tweeted that Nintendo is planning a June release date for the new game in the United Kingdom. According to Laura Kate Dale, the gaming company is likely to release the Nintendo Switch version of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" on June 16. Meanwhile, its Nintendo Wii-U version will reportedly be released on June 23.
Should the dates be confirmed, it is likely that the global release of the game for other regions like North America and Asia will likely be at least days before or after the supposed U.K. launch, particularly if the next "The Legend of Zelda" game will be released on a staggered schedule.
The new reports ran counter to previous rumors, saying that "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" will be a launching title for the Nintendo Switch. Having the game launched as one of the titles for the upcoming system means that it will be released much earlier than the alleged June target date. The Nintendo Switch is supposed to come out in March next year.
In addition, the March release date for the game is supported by supposed leaks from the Nintendo Europe website. Supposedly, the website's source codes hint that the tie-in merchandise for the game, the Amiibo figurines, will launch on March 4. This dovetails the speculations of an early 2017 release for the game.
