After days of publisher and developer showcases, Nintendo finally dropped its direct at the end of E3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild fans were likely thrilled to get a new sneak peek at what awaits them in the upcoming sequel, but unfortunately, Splatoon fans weren't so lucky when it comes to Splatoon 3.
While brief, Breath of the Wild 2's E3 trailer showed off a variety of new abilities for Link to utilize while exploring the world, including one that appears to let him phase through solid objects. It's this ability that has now become the highlight of an amusing piece of Zelda/Splatoon crossover fanart.
While Link's Sheikah Slate seems to be missing in action in the latest trailer, that doesn't mean he's lost the opportunity to use unique abilities. At one point, Link is seen emerging from a solid stone floor after traveling through a sort of portal-like watery pool. This ability must have reminded Twitter artist of Stupjam of the way that Inklings navigate through ink in Splatoon, as the charming art features the protagonists of both upcoming games peering at each other after emerging from their respective transportation methods.
With Splatoon 3 and Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 both slated to land on the Switch in 2022, it's likely that this won't be the last time that fans think to cross over the two upcoming Switch exclusives. While there aren't any direct connections between the two games, both are setting into unknown territory following the events of their predecessors.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2's E3 trailer raised more questions than it answered as Link and Zelda explore the world and its skies above. A lot is unclear about the game, with even its real title being kept under wraps for the time being. Link seems to have gained access to new, evolved abilities, and strange circumstances are happening in Hyrule, with Hyrule Castle floating in mid-air for reasons currently unknown.
Meanwhile, Splatoon 3's teaser previously revealed that players will be going to a new city, with much of the rest of the world appearing to be a desert wasteland. This is most likely due to the outcome of the final Splatfest in Splatoon 2, where Chaos defeated Order. Previously, Splatoon 2's story was partially influenced by the final Splatfest in the original game, so it seems that the fate of Splatoon 3's world has been set by Pearl and her Chaos army of Inklings.
While Inklings and Link might never meet outside of crossover titles like Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart, this fun piece of fanart can certainly spark some interesting ideas for how the worlds of Breath of the Wild and Splatoon could collide.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 and Splatoon 3 are slated to release in 2022 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.