RecentZeldagames have consistently nailed immersion by tying in-game tools directly to real-world hardware. The Sheikah Slate that Link used inBreath of the Wildto take pictures, access the map, and activate shrines looked like a real-life Wii U GamePad. InTears of the Kingdom, the updated Purah Pad looked exactly like a Nintendo Switch. It made players feel like Link was holding the same tech they were, which created a fun connection between the real world and Hyrule.
This has become one of the most exciting parts of a newZeldatitle. Players get to discover a new in-game tool that feels unique to each era and hardware. But this trick won’t land a third time, as the Switch 2 looks nearly identical to the original Switch. A new tablet based on the Switch 2 would feel like a lazy copy-paste of the Purah Pad, because Nintendo has no new console form factor to base it on. However, there are ways to deliver something fresh by embracing the new console’s distinct features.
Switch 2 Features That Can Be Incorporated Into the Next In-Game Tablet
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One of thebiggest upgrades for the Switch 2is mouse control support when the Joy-Cons are detached. This can be directly incorporated into Link’s next core device, as the in-game tablet could feature detachable sides that function like magical pointers or control sticks. With these, Link could zoom in on Hyrule’s terrain, drag and drop items in inventory, or trace a route across a map to automatically set waypoints.
Another major upgrade isSwitch 2’s improved microphone. The next tablet could take advantage of this with a voice-controlled interface. Instead of navigating menus, players could speak commands like “Open map,” “Mark location,” “Take picture,” or “Activate shrine.” This makes sense both thematically and mechanically.Zeldagames already play with magical voice and sound motifs, like howling inTwilight Princess, and instrument commands inOcarina of Time. Voice input in aZeldagame wouldn’t feel like a gimmick; it would feel like spellcasting.
The Tools Have Always Tied Into In-Game Lore
Zeldagames have done an incredible job of incorporating these gadgets as part of the world’s mythos. The Sheikah Slate was invented, and then Purah created the more advanced Purah Pad based on it. That’s why the two look similar. Zelda then takes the Pad back in time, where a construct guards it for centuries until it returns toLink inTears of the Kingdom. The story justifies its redesign. So, if Nintendo simply slaps a slightly modified tablet into the next game, it will disrupt the logic that the last two games carefully built. Players expect more, not just in terms of functionality, but also a justifaction of why the tool exists in that world.
Switch 2 Doesn’t Have to be Incorporated as Another Tablet
EverymajorZeldagamehas introduced a core mechanic that reflects its console’s identity, but it isn’t limited to tablets.Skyward Swordused motion controls to turn swordplay into a real-time precision system.Phantom Hourglasson the DS let players use the stylus to draw a path for the boomerang, trace symbols to open doors, and hold the stylus to charge hammer attacks. Similarly,Spirit Tracksused the microphone to blow a spirit flute.
Switch 2’s mouse controlopens the door for new tool types that feel equally tailored to the hardware. One standout idea is a magical levitating dagger, similar to Yondu’s arrow from theGuardians of the Galaxymovies, that can be steered in real time using Joy-Con pointer input. It could slice through enemies or be used in puzzles, such as triggering switches in a specific order or disabling traps from a distance. New puzzle shrines could ask players to draw ancient glyphs or magic seals with pinpoint accuracy using the Joy-Con as a stylus replacement. Even ranged combat could evolve. A new scoped bow could offer pinpoint aiming, using the Joy-Con for sniper-like precision. These kinds of tools would breathe new life intoZelda’s core mechanics and reinforce what the series does best: merging new hardware features with clever, meaningful gameplay.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the sequel to the beloved open-world adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This installment once again sees Link and Zelda battling to protect Hyrule from falling to Ganondorf. This new adventure takes place in the same land of Hyrule as Breath of the Wild but sees something called the Upheaval, which allows link to travel to Sky Islands, as well as deep into the Depths beneath Hyrule. Players can use special abilities to fuse together weapons, and build items to help them progress through the release.
