This has been a real whirlwind week for Nintendo fans. On Wednesday, we saw a Nintendo Direct packed with returning favorites like Samus (in another 2D horror-inspired outing, Metroid Ravenous), Kirby (in the world-spanning Kirby and the World Beyond), and Mega Man (joined by his predecessor Proto Man in Mega Man: Dual Override). Not to mention teasers for more specialized fare like Persona 6 and Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain (which, it turns out, is a Switch 2 remake of family favorite Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits/Fleshy Souls/Psychic Specters).
All this, of course, followed directly after Tuesday’s spectacular The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, a half-hour of power dedicated to the hero of Hyrule. While the big takeaways were the upcoming Switch 2 release of a stunningly reimagined The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time alongside some equally inspired 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 hardware, what really stood out to me was the presentation’s focus on the franchise’s iconic music.
Opening with a fully orchestrated performance of a medley from across four decades of standout soundtracks, then going on to tout everything from a 40th anniversary concert series to the release of fully playable and simplified electronic versions of Link’s trademark ocarina, it truly covered all the bases for fans of the series’ beloved musical element. (They even brought in composer Koji Kondoto to talk about the evolution of the video game soundtrack.)
Something that got a little lost in all the well-deserved hype, however, was a treat that both gamers and album collectors are sure to love. The unforgettable music of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the franchise’s first truly open-world entry, is available now on vinyl from Nintendo and Laced Records.
Featuring 34 specially mastered tracks—taking you from the sunny “Main Theme” to the atmospheric “Zora’s Domain (Day)” and “Goron City (Day)” to the sinister pulse of “Battle With Dark Beast Ganon”—you’re sure to find all your favorites on this deluxe edition double LP. Complemented by gorgeous outer sleeve art and full-color inner sleeves, it’s an unforgettable tribute not only to the game itself but to the masterful work of the composition team of Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, and Hajime Wakai.
Available on black heavyweight vinyl ($40) at Laced Records and on limited edition blue and white marble vinyl ($49.99) via the Nintendo Store, Nintendo NEW YORK, and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO while supplies last, it’s the perfect piece to add to your collection. Or, if you’re a fan of more discriminating tastes, you can also cop a full 130-track, eight-LP collection on blue and gold splatter vinyl, also available at the Nintendo Store ($194.99).
A review copy of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Deluxe Double Vinyl was received for the purposes of this review. This post contains affiliate links. The sound of “Hinox Battle” still gives me an anxiety attack!
