Zelda 40th Anniversary Leak Hints at Mystery Nintendo Product and Ocarina of Time Remake

Nintendo’s rumored Zelda 40th anniversary plans continue leaking as fans question what the company is deliberately keeping hidden.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Nintendo to hide the preparations for The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary, as new leaks are stirring up excitement about what the company will announce next. With the anniversary approaching, it sounds like Nintendo is planning some kind of presentation, whether it’s a Nintendo Direct or a dedicated Zelda 40th anniversary event.

Leaks have already suggested a special Zelda-themed Switch 2 system and Pro Controller to celebrate the franchise’s 40th anniversary. But one leaked photograph has caused even more excitement, as it appears to show another Nintendo product that was deliberately kept under wraps.

The same source that gave us the manufacturing images also gave us a clearer look at the next anniversary Pro Controller, and the leaked material is said to have come from the same source. The enhanced image gives a much clearer look at the controller than previous photos.

According to rumors, the 40th anniversary logo appears right at the top, with a miniature eight-bit version of Link and the jubilee emblem design also included. The controller itself isn’t shocking given previous leaks, but another image showing the packaging with an entirely blacked-out box has fueled even more curiosity.

The concealed box, according to the leak, is for another Nintendo product that the insider can’t reveal. This soon led to speculation over what might be hidden away inside. There has been speculation that it could be a different Joy-Con variant, although it seems unlikely, as the anniversary Joy-Con designs have already been released.

The Mystery Box may expose more to fans than Nintendo wants to know.

The theory that seems most interesting is that the mystery product is an amiibo for the supposed Ocarina of Time remake. There are any number of reasons that an amiibo may be used to justify why Nintendo would want the product a secret. The package might just be identifying where the information was received or might just be a regional production issue.

But the most interesting explanation is that the product can contain information that spoils something about the supposed replica. Nintendo has said little about the project so far, but even a character design may be meaningful. Apparently the rumored Ocarina of Time remake has not shown much at all, other than an early video of Link.

The Master Sword, the Hylian Shield, or other major elements that could reveal Nintendo’s strategy for the remake. If the mystery figure is an amiibo of a character further in the game, it may feature a brand-new design that Nintendo hasn't released yet. Previously, Nintendo has published amiibo for big games, with character designs and appearances often providing indications for big story aspects.

Therefore, even the packaging for an unreleased amiibo could be a spoiler. If the leaked product is related to Ocarina of Time, Nintendo may have greater motive to actively investigate its source as the rumored release date approaches. It’s interesting timing, particularly since the remake is reportedly due out in November.

With all the anniversary leaks, there are still questions concerning the Ocarina of Time remake.

If that release date is right, the game will be just a few months away, leaving Nintendo less and less time to prevent leaks. The production leak of hitherto unknown products may add extra pressure on the firm to announce the initiative before more information surfaces from stores, factories, or other sources.

Fans have also speculated that the hidden box might simply contain game art. Some have hypothesized that the concealed content may be related to the game’s box art, considering that the leaked images already reveal packaging for the Switch 2 and the anniversary Pro Controller. But the production setting makes a genuine product a more plausible explanation than artwork.

The biggest question remains, though: what does Nintendo have planned for The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary? The anniversary-themed Switch 2 hardware and Pro Controller are definitely a highlight of the event, but ongoing leaks have many fans thinking Nintendo may have more in store.

And one of the most likely is the long-rumoured Ocarina of Time remake. But even if there is the initiative, then what form it will take is not clear. Nintendo might be developing a straight remake that stays true to the original, a more ambitious reimagining, or something in between a remaster and a full-on remake. Almost nothing has been released to the public; thus, every detail is open to interpretation.

The strangest thing about the recent reveal is the obscured product.

Another big project that could be part of the jubilee celebrations is the alleged Zelda film. Details regarding the film are few and far between, but it could provide Nintendo with another big chance to promote the franchise at what could be one of its most successful anniversaries. Could be something physical like an amiibo, could be something completely unrelated to Ocarina of Time.

The only way to know what is really inside the sealed container is to get confirmation from Nintendo. It increases the chances that Nintendo will have to finally deal with the mounting speculation. It may be a full Zelda anniversary Direct, a bigger Nintendo event, a surprise video, or an actual product launch; who knows?

And in the meantime, production and retail leaks might continue to let slip what Nintendo’s aims are before the company itself is ready to share. With the 40th anniversary of Zelda on the horizon and Ocarina of Time being a hot topic, fans may not have to wait long for answers. If Nintendo doesn't announce the project soon, another leak might do it for them.