Nintendo Releases Exclusive New Official Book Celebrating 40 Years of The Legend of Zelda
Image by James RichardsonNintendo has officially released a new book celebrating The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary, giving fans another way to revisit the beloved game series through an exclusive release at the Nintendo Museum.
The “Nintendo Museum Official Book Vol. 02” features a special section dedicated to Zelda’s anniversary alongside highlights from the museum itself, with both Japanese and English editions available for visitors.
The Legend of Zelda originally debuted on Japan’s Famicom Disk System in February 1986, introducing players to the kingdom of Hyrule and the adventures of Link as he battled monsters, explored dungeons, and searched for the pieces of the Triforce.
Four decades later, the franchise has grown into one of Nintendo’s most important series, with its anniversary celebrations now extending from new games and merchandise to special exhibitions and events.
The Nintendo Museum first opened in October 2024 in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, offering visitors a look at Nintendo’s history through displays of its consoles, games and other products, alongside interactive attractions and hands-on experiences.
Its official book series was introduced in 2025, with the first volume celebrating Super Mario Bros.’ 40th anniversary while also providing a deeper look at the museum’s exhibits.
The new Zelda-focused edition follows that approach with an expanded 60-page, full-color A4 publication, compared with the original book’s 48 pages.
It also includes a built-in pocket designed to hold a Nintendo Museum admission ticket, giving visitors somewhere to keep a physical reminder of their trip alongside the book.
Nintendo has yet to provide a detailed breakdown of the Zelda feature’s contents, although the publication forms part of the museum’s wider celebrations marking the franchise’s 40th anniversary.
Those celebrations have also introduced a special Zelda history board, allowing visitors to scan illustrations from past games using the Nintendo Today! app to revisit memorable scenes and music from across the series.
A new Master Sword photo spot has also opened beside the museum’s BONUS STAGE shop, recreating the legendary weapon embedded in its pedestal within a setting inspired by the Temple of Time from Ocarina of Time.
Visitors can also choose a special Zelda 40th anniversary admission ticket design, while the museum is receiving anniversary-themed illumination during the evening.
The new book joins other official celebrations planned for the milestone, including Nintendo’s worldwide Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert tour, which will bring orchestral performances of music from the series to Japan, North America, Europe and Australia in 2027.
Image by James RichardsonThe “Nintendo Museum Official Book Vol. 02” officially launched on November 5, 2026, priced at ¥1,980 (approximately $13 / £9) for either the Japanese or English edition.
The book is sold exclusively at the Art Gallery on the second floor of Exhibition Building 1 at the Nintendo Museum, with no online sales offered.
Purchases are limited to one copy per visitor in either language, and the museum only accepts cashless payments, with admission requiring an advance ticket reservation.
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