AceShowbiz - I would not be surprised if Nintendo considers developing a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, especially given the immense success of both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. These two titles are the highest-selling entries in the franchise, and a trilogy conclusion could attract significant interest, potentially serving as a major selling point for the upcoming Switch 2. However, amidst recent swirling rumors surrounding new Zelda projects, I find myself yearning for a shift in direction.

Having two expansive, open-world games set in a similar version of Hyrule—despite the distinct features introduced in Tears of the Kingdom—has led to a certain degree of fatigue in a series that has recently undergone a remarkable reinvention with Breath of the Wild. My hope is that Nintendo aims to radically reimagine Zelda's iconic kingdom or even explore narratives outside of Hyrule altogether. However, my primary concern lies not with the location but with the timing of the next installment.

Specifically, setting the next Zelda adventure mere moments after Tears of the Kingdom would squander a significant opportunity for storytelling and world-building. I am particularly eager to see more about the Zonai, a mysterious ancient civilization introduced in Tears of the Kingdom.

By the timeline of Tears of the Kingdom, the Zonai have become a relic of the past, possibly extinct for thousands of years. Although Link encounters Rauru and Mineru in their ethereal forms, the full story of the Zonai's disappearance remains largely untold. At the conclusion of Tears of the Kingdom, the spirits of Rauru and Mineru seem to fade away, signaling the potential end of the Zonai lineage. If Nintendo continues to develop games within this timeline, I strongly advocate for a prequel that explores the Zonai’s vibrant history.

The series has a precedent for introducing new intelligent species, yet none have captured the imagination quite like the Zonai, who were pivotal in shaping this particular version of Hyrule. Their portrayal in Tears of the Kingdom establishes them as crucial figures, and it would be a disservice to their legacy to leave their full story unexplored.

In conclusion, the prospect of a sequel to Tears of the Kingdom is exciting but should be approached with caution. Instead of continuing the current narrative thread, I hope Nintendo will seize the chance to delve deeper into the history of the Zonai and present a fresh perspective on the Zelda universe.