Fans of The Legend of Zelda series are eagerly anticipating a new return to the universe of Tears of the Kingdom. It was revealed during the September Nintendo Direct that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will be released on November 6, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for this title became available on September 12 at prominent retailers, with the game priced at $70, consistent with many other Nintendo-published Switch 2 titles.
While Nintendo-published games seldom feature pre-order bonuses, there`s a possibility that unique Zelda-themed collectibles might be offered by major retailers in the near future.
Both the physical and digital editions of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment are priced at $70. The physical version comes on a Switch 2 Game Card, which is standard for exclusives. However, it`s notable due to the game`s substantial file size of 44.9GB. Players opting for the digital download should be aware that this will consume approximately 20% of the console`s available storage.
For those choosing the digital version and needing additional storage, a licensed Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card is available for $59. A larger capacity option, the SanDisk Gameplay 512GB microSD Express Card, can be found for $78, offering similar performance to a more expensive standard SanDisk model.
Age of Imprisonment marks the third installment in the collaborative Dynasty Warriors and The Legend of Zelda series by Koei Tecmo. Following its predecessors, it is a hack-and-slash action title supporting both solo and cooperative gameplay. Princess Zelda leads a diverse roster of characters, making this the second recent Legend of Zelda game to feature her as a primary protagonist, after The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which was the first main series title not centered around Link.
Similar to how Age of Calamity functioned as a prequel to Breath of the Wild, Age of Imprisonment is set prior to the events of Tears of the Kingdom. The narrative explores Demon King Ganondorf`s earlier bid for dominion over Hyrule – an invasion hinted at in Tears of the Kingdom, now fully revealed. Beyond Zelda, players can control characters such as King Rauru, Mineru, and various Sages, with the exciting inclusion of a playable Korok.
Age of Imprisonment offers GameShare functionality on Switch 2, allowing two players to enjoy the game via local wireless with a single copy. Additionally, all Zelda Amiibo figures are compatible, providing crafting materials and other useful items upon scanning.
Players who have a save file from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on their console will receive the High Guard`s Claymore weapon in Age of Imprisonment. A save file from Tears of the Kingdom will grant them the High Guard`s Sword.
Explore Other Hyrule Warriors and Zelda Titles
To catch up or revisit previous entries in the series before Age of Imprisonment arrives, titles like Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition and Age of Calamity are available. These versions are compatible with both Switch and Switch 2 consoles, regardless of regional origin.
While Age of Imprisonment is set prior to Tears of the Kingdom, players who have experienced the acclaimed open-world adventure may find the story more engaging. Other mainline Zelda titles with physical editions, compatible with Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, The Legend of Zelda: Link`s Awakening, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.