The Legend of Zelda Turns 40: The Game That Changed the World of Gaming

February 21, 2026

TL;DR

The Legend of Zelda franchise is celebrating its 40th anniversary, with the first game released in Japan on February 21, 1986.
The series has sold over 156 million copies globally and is considered one of the greatest video game series of all time.
The games were conceived by Nintendo designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, inspired by Miyamoto's childhood explorations and fantasy literature.
The main characters are Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganon, and the story often revolves around the magical Triforce.
A live-action film adaptation produced by Nintendo and Sony Pictures, directed by Wes Ball, is scheduled for release in May 2027, with Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link.

Continue reading the original article