The Legend of Zelda is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and though a new entry in the franchise won't be arriving until early 2017, Nintendo is making sure fans have something to get excited about in 2016.
Revealed during a Nintendo Direct conference this morning, four new Legend of Zelda Amiibo will arrive later this year. Each new Amiibo is based on a different Legend of Zelda game, starting with the original game that launched the franchise. An 8-bit Link based on the character's appearance in the first entry of the series is coming, much like the 8-Bit Mario Nintendo released for that character's 30th anniversary last year alongside Super Mario Maker.
However, that's not all. Link from Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is also getting the Amiibo treatment, and it's one of the most impressive figures to date. It shows Link playing his magical ocarina in a classic pose, and is surely going to be one of the most in-demand Amiibo yet. Last but not least, a two-pack of Toon Link and Toon Zelda from Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker will also be sold. Each Amiibo will have the same in-game capabilities as previous Link and Zelda Amiibo, though all these new figures will also have a special functionality in the upcoming Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
As is the case with Amiibo, you might want to try and preorder the figures in order to guarantee you receive one come launch day. The figures are expected to arrive at retailers on Dec. 2. Here's hoping Nintendo can keep up with demand.
It won't be too much longer after that date that the next wave of Legend of Zelda Amiibo arrive, this time for Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo revealed a number of new figures based on the upcoming game earlier this year, including two different Link figures and one based on an intimidating new type of enemy. The Amiibo are set to release alongside the new game sometime in March, which is also when Nintendo's new (and still-unrevealed) console is expected to release.
Nintendo also announced during the Direct that Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now available for Wii U via the console's eShop, making every 3D Legend of Zelda game available on the console for the first time.
