This week, the Pure Nintendo Podcast shines a spotlight on one of gaming’s most influential franchises: The Legend of Zelda.
Originally released in Japan in 1986, Nintendo’s legendary action-adventure series marks its 40th anniversary in 2026, making it a cornerstone of not only the company’s history but gaming culture at large.
Developed by Nintendo and spearheaded by visionaries like Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, The Legend of Zelda has sold over 135 million units worldwide, with critically acclaimed entries spanning hardware generations from the NES and Super Nintendo to the current Nintendo Switch. Podcast hosts Jemma, Trev, and Kirk dedicate this week’s episode to celebrating Zelda’s storied history.
The team revisits some of the series’ defining entries — from the original NES adventure, the revolutionary The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64, to the expansive, open-world The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo Switch, which redefined expectations for what a Zelda game could be.
With 40 years under its belt, The Legend of Zelda remains a gold standard in game design, storytelling, and innovation. Reflecting on this legacy, the hosts enthusiastically discuss their personal favorites and the series’ enduring impact.
As podcast co-host Jemma noted, The Legend of Zelda’s timeless gameplay and emotional narratives have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless developers and captivating players across generations. The episode also explores Nintendo’s more eclectic hardware with a segment on the Virtual Boy.
With the recent physical release of Online Classics for this short-lived platform, the hosts dissect the Virtual Boy’s idiosyncratic design, games library, and place in Nintendo’s rich hardware history.
Although the Virtual Boy was not a commercial success, it remains a fascinating chapter in Nintendo’s ongoing pursuit of innovation. In addition, the hosts recap several major announcements from the latest Nintendo Direct and eShop updates.
Nintendo recently confirmed a Switch 2 Edition for Xenoblade Chronicles X, continuing the trend of bringing beloved titles to new hardware.
Fans can also look forward to a new Pokémon release, expanding an already stellar lineup in the first full year of the Switch 2.
With a steady stream of new content and announcements, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for Nintendo fans. Regular features such as Kirk’s Corner highlight what the team is currently playing, offering personal insights into the ongoing world of Nintendo gaming.
The hosts encourage listeners to join the conversation, follow Pure Nintendo on Blue Sky for up-to-date news and reviews, and support the podcast’s continued growth via Patreon.
With the next issue of Pure Nintendo Magazine set to release soon, readers can expect more in-depth coverage of Nintendo’s biggest milestones and titles. As the Switch 2 ushers in a new era for Nintendo hardware and beloved franchises like The Legend of Zelda reach historic anniversaries, the Pure Nintendo Podcast remains a trusted source for insightful, passionate coverage and thoughtful analysis of all things Nintendo.
Originally released in Japan in 1986, Nintendo’s legendary action-adventure series marks its 40th anniversary in 2026, making it a cornerstone of not only the company’s history but gaming culture at large.
Developed by Nintendo and spearheaded by visionaries like Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, The Legend of Zelda has sold over 135 million units worldwide, with critically acclaimed entries spanning hardware generations from the NES and Super Nintendo to the current Nintendo Switch. Podcast hosts Jemma, Trev, and Kirk dedicate this week’s episode to celebrating Zelda’s storied history.
The team revisits some of the series’ defining entries — from the original NES adventure, the revolutionary The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64, to the expansive, open-world The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo Switch, which redefined expectations for what a Zelda game could be.
With 40 years under its belt, The Legend of Zelda remains a gold standard in game design, storytelling, and innovation. Reflecting on this legacy, the hosts enthusiastically discuss their personal favorites and the series’ enduring impact.
As podcast co-host Jemma noted, The Legend of Zelda’s timeless gameplay and emotional narratives have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless developers and captivating players across generations. The episode also explores Nintendo’s more eclectic hardware with a segment on the Virtual Boy.
With the recent physical release of Online Classics for this short-lived platform, the hosts dissect the Virtual Boy’s idiosyncratic design, games library, and place in Nintendo’s rich hardware history.
Although the Virtual Boy was not a commercial success, it remains a fascinating chapter in Nintendo’s ongoing pursuit of innovation. In addition, the hosts recap several major announcements from the latest Nintendo Direct and eShop updates.
Nintendo recently confirmed a Switch 2 Edition for Xenoblade Chronicles X, continuing the trend of bringing beloved titles to new hardware.
Fans can also look forward to a new Pokémon release, expanding an already stellar lineup in the first full year of the Switch 2.
With a steady stream of new content and announcements, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for Nintendo fans. Regular features such as Kirk’s Corner highlight what the team is currently playing, offering personal insights into the ongoing world of Nintendo gaming.
The hosts encourage listeners to join the conversation, follow Pure Nintendo on Blue Sky for up-to-date news and reviews, and support the podcast’s continued growth via Patreon.
With the next issue of Pure Nintendo Magazine set to release soon, readers can expect more in-depth coverage of Nintendo’s biggest milestones and titles. As the Switch 2 ushers in a new era for Nintendo hardware and beloved franchises like The Legend of Zelda reach historic anniversaries, the Pure Nintendo Podcast remains a trusted source for insightful, passionate coverage and thoughtful analysis of all things Nintendo.
