The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Release date, gameplay, more

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will finally let you play as Zelda, with some exciting new mechanics, challenges, and visuals.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom was one of the biggest announcements at the June 2024 Nintendo Direct. Echoes of Wisdom is the first mainline title that enables players to play as Princess Zelda – something the series’ community has wanted for many years.

Unlike Link, Zelda doesn’t use a conventional sword but instead uses a special ability to copy weapons and enemies to solve puzzles.

With that being said, here’s everything we know about Zelda’s adventure.

Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom release date & times

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom enables fans to play as the Princess of Hyrule.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will be released on September 26, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch.

It’ll be available on September 25 at 9 p.m. PDT and September 26 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, 12:01 a.m. BST, 12:01 a.m. CEST, and 12:01 a.m. JST. While it releases just after midnight for most of the world, those lucky enough to be living on the West Coast of North America could sneak a few hours into Echoes of Wisdom before they head to bed.

Zelda-themed Switch Lite release

Along with the release, Nintendo unveiled a brand new Zelda-themed Switch Lite design that will be released alongside the new game.

The eye-catching special edition console boasts a gold casting with the Hylian crest displayed on the underside and small Triforce detailing underneath the analog stick on the right-hand side.

As well as the new design, players who purchase the console will get a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, adding even more available games for you to try out.

Gameplay details

As seen in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom gameplay trailer, the pint-sized princess can utilize her magical Tri Rod to create imitations of objects/enemies. This ability is known as an echo and allows Zelda to copy an object and recreate it whenever she likes.

For example, if something is blocking your path, you can simply use Zelda’s echo ability to make a rudimentary platform using stacked tables. Objects like wooden boxes, beds, and water blocks can be used both separately or combined together.

With no Master Sword to swing, Zelda can use the Tri Rod to make copies of defeated enemies. These creature copies will then fight for Zelda, giving her an edge over her fearsome foes. If this wasn’t exciting enough, Zelda can also create copies of monsters that will fight by her side.

Each enemy type has different abilities, so you’ll need to choose them depending on the situation you find yourself in. Puzzles will also be solved via the use of Zelda’s echo ability, with one example showing how replicated trees could be placed in front of wind vents, which in turn enable the Princess of Hyrule to cross.

Story

Strange rifts have started to appear across Hyrule, which have led to its inhabitants vanishing — including Link. It’s up to Zelda and her mysterious Tri Rod staff to help save the day.

While not much is known about the exact story of the game, we can likely expect lots of Easter eggs and callbacks to other titles from the franchise, as well as some familiar locations from its Hyrule setting.

Trailers

As part of the Nintendo Direct, the company put together an announcement trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Echos of Wisdom which can be viewed down below.

On August 5, Nintendo dropped a new trailer for the game, showcasing how Echoes of Wisdom has transformed Hyrule once again.

Released on August 30, Nintendo dropped more information for Echoes of Wisdom. The trailer reveals more information on Zelda’s swordfighter form, the game’s automatons, and so much more. You can watch it below:

On September 12, Nintendo revealed a brand new Overview Trailer, showcasing the regions you can explore, from Gerudo Desert, Faron Wetlands, Eldin Volcano, and Jabul Waters. It also dives into the terrible rifts that stole Link away, showing off plenty of threats for Zelda to battle.

You can watch the trailer below:

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom wasn’t the only game announced during the Nintendo Direct, we also got a further look at Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, Metroid Prime 4, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

Be sure to check out the full lineup of announcements from our Nintendo Direct June 2024 reveals hub.