Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Brings the Imprisoning War to Life on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has officially unveiled Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, the highly anticipated next entry in the Hyrule Warriors franchise, set to launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 in Winter 2025.

Developed by Koei Tecmo Games in collaboration with Nintendo, this action-packed title transports players to a pivotal era in the Legend of Zelda series—the Imprisoning War, a legendary conflict referenced in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. In a recently released Creator’s Voice video, producer Ryota Matsushita of Koei Tecmo and AAA Games studio head Yosuke Hayashi shed light on the creative direction and technical innovations behind Age of Imprisonment.

Matsushita reflected on his journey in the gaming industry, emphasizing his lifelong passion for video games and creative pursuits, which ultimately led him to become a game developer.

Hayashi echoed this sentiment, explaining that his love for games inspired his education and career path, reinforcing his sense of purpose within the industry. Discussing the game’s narrative scope, Hayashi noted, “This story unfolds during the Imprisoning War, which was only glimpsed in fragments in Tears of the Kingdom.

In Age of Imprisonment, players will witness how Hyrule’s people faced the original Ganondorf and navigate the challenges that defined this era.” Matsushita further highlighted the uniqueness of this installment, stating, “As the only title to fully portray this chapter, Age of Imprisonment explores not just the battles but everyday life in Hyrule after Princess Zelda is sent back in time.

Players will also meet the four masked sages from Tears of the Kingdom and uncover many secrets hidden in this ancient world.” The gameplay, a signature highlight of the Warriors series, sees an expanded scale on Nintendo Switch 2.

Hayashi remarked, “We refined classic elements like facing down endless hordes and tackling towering bosses, optimizing them to leverage the power of Nintendo Switch 2.

Players can craft their own strategies, whether by combining items or teaming up with allies, for a flexible approach to each encounter.” Taking advantage of the upgraded hardware, Matsushita explained, “Nintendo Switch 2 has enabled us to populate the battlefield with more enemies than ever before, greatly enhancing the realism and excitement.” Hayashi added that higher frame rates are now possible, ensuring the gameplay remains smooth even amid the crescendo of 1 vs.

1,000 showdowns. Both developers shared their belief in video games as a means of connection.

Matsushita emphasized that games unite people of all backgrounds, offering shared experiences even across distances.

Hayashi likened games to ‘tools for sharing memories,’ citing familiar mechanics from the Zelda franchise that form a common language among players. With its deep narrative roots, reimagined Warriors gameplay, and technical prowess harnessed by the Nintendo Switch 2, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment stands poised to rewrite the history of Hyrule for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The game will be available worldwide in both physical and digital formats via retailers and the Nintendo eShop in Winter 2025.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Koei Tecmo Switch 2 Switch Hyrule Warriors Hyrule Koei Koei Tecmo Games Yosuke Hayashi Ryota Matsushita The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom AAA Games Nintendo eShop