‘Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ Soundtrack to Release on Vinyl in U.S. as Nintendo Test Physical Media Appetite Outside Japan

In a landmark departure from its established practices, Nintendo has confirmed the inaugural U.S. release of a physical game soundtrack. The company is partnering with Laced Records to press "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" onto vinyl, with a launch date set for June 19, 2026. This marks a significant change for the Japanese gaming giant, which has historically reserved such physical music products for its home market. Available as a 2-LP set or an expansive 8-LP box set, the release will come in limited colored vinyl or standard black, all featuring seldom-seen archival artwork from the game's original development team.

Pre-orders for the special colored editions begin this Wednesday via the My Nintendo Store and Laced Records' website. Pricing is set at $49.99 for the 2-LP version and $194.99 for the deluxe 8-LP collection, which contains a staggering 130 newly remastered tracks. The comprehensive box set is thoughtfully curated, with each of its eight discs representing a unique thematic arc from the game—from exploring the vast terrains of Hyrule and liberating the Divine Beasts to unraveling the secrets of the Shrines. This move capitalizes on the thriving video game vinyl market, where classic soundtracks often command high prices from collectors. For instance, the original "The Legend of Zelda" soundtrack for the NES, released in Japan in 1987, can now fetch hundreds of dollars on the secondary market, illustrating the long-term value and demand for these audio artifacts.

For those seeking a more concise listening experience, the 2-LP version offers 34 carefully selected tracks, including fan favorites like "Overworld (Day)," "Great Fairy Fountain," and "Hyrule Castle." According to Nintendo, this selection is designed to sonically encapsulate the game's narrative, specifically evoking the final days of the Great Calamity. The original, award-winning score was a collaborative effort by composers Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, Hajime Wakai, and Soshi Abe. The game "Breath of the Wild" itself was a 2017 launch title for the Nintendo Switch and is widely considered a masterpiece that transformed the open-world genre through its emphasis on player autonomy and its deeply atmospheric audio landscape.

Bill Trinen, Nintendo's Vice President of Player & Product Experience, explained to Variety that this initiative is a strategic test for the American market. He pointed to the differing media consumption habits, stating, "In Japan, the CD remains a prominent format, and they have a long history of releasing video game soundtracks on CD. Here in the U.S., we haven't been releasing much in the way of physical soundtracks at all." This release is part of a broader effort to assess demand for physical media and introduce game music to wider audiences. Industry analyst Liam Chen observed, "Nintendo is acknowledging that its soundtracks are not just background noise but standalone artistic works with significant commercial value. This is a calculated move to monetize a highly passionate segment of their fanbase that values tangible, high-quality collectibles."

The vinyl announcement also strategically coincides with the one-year anniversary of Nintendo Music, the company's exclusive streaming service for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. Trinen added that the dedicated app provides a massive library ranging from classic NES titles to modern Switch games and even includes previews of music from the upcoming next-generation console. This dual approach—offering both convenient digital streaming and premium physical collectibles—demonstrates Nintendo's adaptive strategy in catering to the varied preferences of its global community. By providing options for both the casual listener and the dedicated collector, the company ensures it can meet the musical needs of its entire fanbase.