New HD Zelda game in the works as Nintendo returns ‘to the basics’ of franchise

As expected, Nintendo will release a brand new Zelda game for the Wii U — and no, I'm not talking about the HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. There is an entirely new Zelda game being developed for the Wii U, but because Nintendo was unable to show any screenshots or footage of the game, franchise producer Eiji Aonuma instead chose to discuss the scope and "driving theme" behind the development.

"Our mission in developing this new Zelda game for Wii U is quite plainly to rethink the conventions of Zelda," Aonuma explained. Things like dungeons having to be completing in a certain order and single-player only gameplay are being "set aside" as the team returns "back to the basics."

The goal, according to Aonuma, is to "create a newborn Zelda so players today can enjoy the real essence of the franchise."

Unfortunately, Nintendo had nothing to show with the new Zelda game. Aonuma acknowledged that "it is going to take some time to complete." In the meantime, Wii U owners and Zelda fans can enjoy an HD remake of Zelda: Wind Waker, which Aonuma also showed off today.