The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword marks a turning point for The Legend of Zelda franchise. The introduction of full motion control enabled by the Wii MotionPlus accessory synchronizes player movements with Link's actions while offering the most intuitive play control of any game in The Legend of Zelda franchise to date.

For 25 years The Legend of Zelda has chronicled the adventures of heroic Link and Princess Zelda. Now fans can share their passion for the series and document its history with a new 25th anniversary website. The anniversary website includes an interactive history of The Legend of Zelda, as well as a video featuring an orchestra performing music from the series at the 2011 E3 Expo.

Starting today through Sept. 9, Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL owners are also invited to create their own flipnotes, or short animations, inspired by The Legend of Zelda series. Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL owners can use one of three flipnote templates with music from The Legend of Zelda series, then complete and upload their creations via the Flipnote Studio application. Flipnote Studio is available as a free download from the Nintendo DSiWare service, and also comes pre-installed on select Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL hardware. Fans can also submit a paper entry by mail. The best Zelda-themed flipnotes will be evaluated by key Nintendo developers who have worked on the series – including Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka, Eiji Aonuma and Yoshiaki Koizumi – and posted for fans to enjoy on the 25th anniversary website, the Nintendo Channel on the Wii console and Flipnote Hatena on Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL systems. For official rules, visit the official website.

Nintendo’s 25th anniversary celebration also includes the recent launch of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D game for the Nintendo 3DS system, which lets players explore a vastly upgraded classic game in full 3D without the need for special glasses. Later this year, Nintendo will launch The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii system. In September, Nintendo is offering the multiplayer fun of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords as a free gift to fans. Fans can download a Nintendo DSiWare version of the game using their Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL systems, or by accessing the Nintendo eShop with a Nintendo 3DS system (wireless broadband Internet access required for download).

Key Features:

• Thanks to the required Wii MotionPlus accessory, every movement of Link's sword matches the player's motion with exact precision. If players motion left to right, Link swings from left to right. The precision play control is applied to enemies as well, as players must contemplate strategy when battling opponents that actively try to defend against attacks.
• Wii MotionPlus puts an arsenal of items at the player's disposal. It offers a multitude of actions with just simple, intuitive motions. Players will try their hand at firing a bow, tossing bombs and using a whip to battle enemies and solve puzzles.
• The game will also introduce a distinct new graphical style perfectly suited to the franchise's fantastical universe, like a painting come to life.
• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will offer a multitude of new gameplay mechanics, giving it a refreshingly different feel from all of the past titles in the series.