14 Predictions for the September 2026 Nintendo Direct and Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct

As Nintendo prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda franchise, speculation is running rampant about what will be revealed in the company's upcoming Directs on September 8 and 9. While the specifics remain shrouded in mystery, several predictions have emerged that could shape the narrative for the eagerly anticipated event.

The centerpiece of Tuesday's Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct is expected to be the full reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. This highly anticipated title, set to launch on November 12, has only been glimpsed in tantalizing 10-second snippets so far. Fans are brimming with curiosity as to whether the remake will be a faithful reproduction of the original or a bold reimagining of the beloved classic. The reveal trailer and release date are sure to provide answers to these burning questions.

Amid the excitement, anticipation also builds for the potential unveiling of a new line of Ocarina of Time-themed amiibo figures. These figurines, which typically accompany Zelda releases, have been rumored for some time. Given the tradition of Zelda amiibo figures and Nintendo's penchant for launching amiibo simultaneously with first-party games, a Zelda amiibo release alongside the Ocarina of Time reveal seems highly plausible.

Nintendo's October release slate currently features no major games, leaving a perfect slot for the Ocarina of Time remake. With Black Friday looming, November 12 appears to be the most suitable release date, avoiding competition with blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto VI. The Nintendo UK store's temporary placeholder date for Kirby Air Ride amiibo on November 12 has since been removed, but the anticipation remains strong.

In a move that could further fuel the hype, Nintendo may introduce a special-edition Nintendo Switch 2 console and Pro Controller, themed around the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. While the connection to Ocarina of Time is not explicitly stated, the timing and context suggest it could be a fitting tribute to the iconic franchise.

The Legend of Zelda movie, set to hit theaters in April, is another feather in Nintendo's cap. While details remain scarce, it's widely speculated that Shigeru Miyamoto, the mastermind behind Mario, will appear in the Direct to discuss the film. Fans are eagerly awaiting official casting news for key characters, including the infamous villain Ganondorf, as well as a short clip or full trailer to whet their appetites.

Building momentum for the milestone year, Nintendo may roll out a "Zelda Challenge" tied to Donkey Kong Bananza and classic Zelda games available on Nintendo Switch Online. This time-limited challenge, reminiscent of the popular DK Challenge, could encourage players to revisit their favorite Zelda titles while generating excitement for the 40th anniversary.

Lastly, a crucial omission in Nintendo's digital offerings is the absence of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on Nintendo Switch Online. Despite its GameCube counterpart's inclusion, the Switch version remains inaccessible. Nintendo may rectify this oversight by shadowdropping Twilight Princess on Nintendo Switch Online and adding its soundtrack to the Nintendo Music app in the coming weeks. With its 20th anniversary approaching, now appears to be the opportune moment for this much-anticipated addition.

As the countdown to September 8 and 9 begins, fans are left to ponder the possibilities and eagerly await the unveiling of these highly anticipated Zelda revelations.