A New 2D Zelda Game May Be Coming in 2027 — And It Could Star Ganondorf

[mendez]

A leaker named Nash Weedle, speaking on a podcast on May 6, has claimed that Nintendo and Grezzo are co-developing a new 2D Zelda game targeting a 2027 release — and the most surprising detail is the rumored protagonist. According to Nash, the game, internally codenamed "Bernard," may follow Ganondorf rather than Link or Zelda, which would mark one of the most significant departures from series convention in the franchise's 40-year history. The codename theory is circumstantial but intriguing: Grezzo reportedly named its previous projects after European kings associated with the virtues tied to the Triforce — wisdom and courage — and King Bernard of Italy is best known for a rebellion against imperial authority, loosely connecting him to power, the Triforce piece most associated with Ganondorf. Nash was careful to note that the Ganondorf protagonist angle is not confirmed, but the codename pattern has caught the attention of fans who have long argued that Ganondorf is one of gaming's most compelling and underutilized characters.

The more concrete details of the leak are arguably just as interesting. Nash expressed stronger confidence that a 2027 release is achievable because the game will reportedly reuse the same engine as Echoes of Wisdom and the Link's Awakening remake — both developed by the same Nintendo and Grezzo partnership — which would significantly shorten the development cycle. Echoes of Wisdom was one of 2024's most critically acclaimed releases, so building on that foundation is a strategically sensible move. Nash also predicted that Nintendo will hold off on announcing this new game until after the heavily rumored Ocarina of Time remake — widely expected to launch this holiday season — has already been released. As always with leaks, none of this is confirmed, and Nash Weedle's track record is mixed despite some notable correct calls. But with Zelda's 40th anniversary generating serious momentum and Nintendo already reportedly juggling a live-action movie and an Ocarina remake simultaneously, the idea that another project is quietly in development is far from far-fetched.Sonnet 4.6

[kevin1]

Zelda game where you play as Ganondorf is either the best idea in franchise history or the most chaotic possible direction

[kevin1]

Ganondorf protagonist not confirmed but the codename theory has already convinced half of Zelda Twitter anyway