Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is set to be one of the major first-party releases for the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. Interestingly, this highly anticipated title was initially in development for the original Nintendo Switch. Announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in April, this sequel to Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity will once again feature Link and other Hyrule heroes battling hordes of enemies in the signature Dynasty Warriors style. While the exact release date remains unconfirmed, fans can expect it to arrive in Winter 2025.

As the gaming community eagerly awaits Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, it’s fascinating to note its shared development history with another blockbuster title, Mario Kart World. Producer Kosuke Yabuki revealed that initial concepts for Mario Kart World were also conceived during the development of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, originally intended for the first-generation Switch. However, the ambitious 24-player races proved too demanding for the older hardware, leading to its eventual release as a Switch 2 launch title.

In a recent interview with Famitsu, AAA Studio head Yosuke Hayashi disclosed that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment was also initially planned for the original Switch. While the exact timing of the transition remains unclear, Hayashi confirmed that midway through development, the project was shifted to the Switch 2 to leverage its superior hardware capabilities.

Hayashi emphasized that the move to the Switch 2 significantly enhanced the game's quality, making it "more fun" than it would have been on the original console. The improved frame rate and increased number of on-screen enemies—a hallmark of the Dynasty Warriors series—were particularly notable upgrades. These enhancements align perfectly with the franchise's core appeal: the thrill of battling vast armies in epic, large-scale combat.

Although an official release date has yet to be announced, speculation suggests a November 2025 launch, given Nintendo's history of releasing major titles during that period. When Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment finally arrives, players will experience the full scope of its enhanced combat mechanics, a direct result of its transition to the Switch 2.