Nintendo ready to take Zelda mainstream

Nintendo believes it can draw new gamers to the Zelda series for the first time with upcoming DS release Spirit Tracks.

The game, which hit shelves on December 11th, is being backed by Nintendo with a wide-scale TV campaign – as the firm aims to capture ‘occasional gamers’ who have previously picked up Brain Training and Professor Layton.

This is certainly a Zelda title that can be expanded out to a broader audience,” product manager Roger Langford (pictured) told MCV.

Initially at launch we will be concentrating on our passionate Zelda fanbase, ensuring that they all know that the latest title is out there. Moving forward we can leverage the DS installed base and broaden the demographic out so that hopefully those that enjoy our titles such as Brain Training and Professor Layton will be exposed to the adventure and puzzle elements of Spirit Tracks.”

The entire Zelda series has sold more than 59 million units to date, according to Nintendo. The first Zelda was released on the NES in Europe in 1987.

The last entry in the series to be released was another DS game – The Phantom Hourglass, which hit shelves back in 2007.