Analysts Predict New Zelda Game For 2009

Lazard Capital Markets' Colin Sebastian has joined his peers in predicting a new Zelda game for the Wii in 2009, although he admits that the suggestion is pure speculation. Although Nintendo has confirmed that new entries in the Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda series are underway for the Wii, the company has never given any further details or hints of a release date. However, many analysts have suggested that a late 2009 release date is likely, including Wedbush Morgan’s Michael Pachter. Although often only one mainline Zelda game is released per generation of Nintendo home console, unusually, Twilight Princess was a launch title for the Wii and essentially a repurposed GameCube title. This, combined with Nintendo’s confirmation that a new title is underway has led many to assume that a new game is imminent. In his latest investor note, as passed on by consumer site GameSpot, Colin Sebastian made a list of 22 titles that could help to ensure a 5 percent revenue growth for games in 2009. Most of these were previously announced titles such as Resident Evil 5 and StarCraft II. However, some titles have not been announced, and Sebastian references a new "Princess Peach adventure". Although he admitted that the release date for the new Zelda game was speculation on his part, Nintendo's never given any hint of a new Princess Peach game. Sebastian also referenced Grand Theft Auto V in 2010, although he was apparently not referring to a numbered sequel, but the potential for a follow-up using the existing game engine – in the manner of Vice City and San Andreas.