Before the Nintendo Direct last month, Vergeben said that the new 2D Zelda game won't have a connection to Link's Awakening (source). When it came to predicting the roster of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Vergeben was on point, but otherwise it doesn't really seem like we can trust the guy, as proven by the fact that the new 2D Zelda game is literally Link's Awakening.
Now, apparently this came from one of Vergeben's sources, who is confused about this reveal as well and now claims that he or she has heard about a different 2D Zelda game that is going to be eShop exclusive (source). But this is quite the claim, honestly, and far from a safe bet, because Zelda games normally get a retail release, unless it's Virtual Console. But the Switch so far only featured a Virtual Console via the Nintendo Switch Online service.
The only new Zelda that ever used to be eShop exclusive is none other than the Four Swords Anniversary Edition. And even that was just a FREE re-release of an old game with some new features.
So, one scenario would be that we're getting another enhanced port of an old 2D game, where it offers something new, but it's still too "shabby" for a retail release. This doesn't allow for many options, however. The NES games are already part of the Nintendo Switch Online service. A Link to the Past will most likely follow. And the GameBoy (Color) games are currently all ready for remakes. That basically leaves the Four Swords games...
Of course they might decide to re-release the Four Swords Anniversary Edition for free again, maybe make it even part of the Nintendo Switch Online service and add online multiplayer to it. That would be great. Or they could decide to finally do something with Four Swords Adventures, but that could be eligible for a retail release...
Otherwise the emphasis really is on "free". If they ever release something for Zelda that is digital-only, it's probably because it makes no sense to distribute it as a retail release for some reason, like this being a free to play game.
This could even happen with a new game. Take something like Kirby Team Clash Deluxe for example, which is a horrible example with its monetization via Gem Apples, but still an example from Nintendo. They could use the engine of the new Link's Awakening to make a new multiplayer Zelda that focuses on the Battle Mode, like the Shadow Battles in Four Swords Adventures or the Coliseum Mode in Tri Force Heroes.
Similar to the different Kirby minigames on Nintendo 3DS, they could take such a small mode and turn it a game of its own. It certainly had some potential, but ultimately lacked the focus it needed to become something lasting.
Well, this would be something new entirely and could be used to advertise Link's Awakening. "Like the minigame? Then get the real deal with this upcoming remake in the same topdown style!"
Right now we don't have any reason to believe that there really is going to be another 2D Zelda game coming this year, but it's a possibility nonetheless.
Now, apparently this came from one of Vergeben's sources, who is confused about this reveal as well and now claims that he or she has heard about a different 2D Zelda game that is going to be eShop exclusive (source). But this is quite the claim, honestly, and far from a safe bet, because Zelda games normally get a retail release, unless it's Virtual Console. But the Switch so far only featured a Virtual Console via the Nintendo Switch Online service.
The only new Zelda that ever used to be eShop exclusive is none other than the Four Swords Anniversary Edition. And even that was just a FREE re-release of an old game with some new features.
So, one scenario would be that we're getting another enhanced port of an old 2D game, where it offers something new, but it's still too "shabby" for a retail release. This doesn't allow for many options, however. The NES games are already part of the Nintendo Switch Online service. A Link to the Past will most likely follow. And the GameBoy (Color) games are currently all ready for remakes. That basically leaves the Four Swords games...
Of course they might decide to re-release the Four Swords Anniversary Edition for free again, maybe make it even part of the Nintendo Switch Online service and add online multiplayer to it. That would be great. Or they could decide to finally do something with Four Swords Adventures, but that could be eligible for a retail release...
Otherwise the emphasis really is on "free". If they ever release something for Zelda that is digital-only, it's probably because it makes no sense to distribute it as a retail release for some reason, like this being a free to play game.
This could even happen with a new game. Take something like Kirby Team Clash Deluxe for example, which is a horrible example with its monetization via Gem Apples, but still an example from Nintendo. They could use the engine of the new Link's Awakening to make a new multiplayer Zelda that focuses on the Battle Mode, like the Shadow Battles in Four Swords Adventures or the Coliseum Mode in Tri Force Heroes.
Similar to the different Kirby minigames on Nintendo 3DS, they could take such a small mode and turn it a game of its own. It certainly had some potential, but ultimately lacked the focus it needed to become something lasting.
Well, this would be something new entirely and could be used to advertise Link's Awakening. "Like the minigame? Then get the real deal with this upcoming remake in the same topdown style!"
Right now we don't have any reason to believe that there really is going to be another 2D Zelda game coming this year, but it's a possibility nonetheless.
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