I'm not a graphics whore, but it NEEDS to.

Wind Waker HD was a great example of how the gamepad could improve the overall Zelda experience, however (even though it was gorgeous) it didn't quite show the graphical capabilities of the console. The first Zelda on a console should show off the visuals, and the second should show off the gameplay. Nintendo got this backwards (OOT3D showed us how great 3DS games could look, ALBW showed us how the 3D could improve the Zelda experience.) with the Wii U.

If they want to end the negative perception that the Wii U is underpowered, they need to have one of the "big 3" mascots in a realistic setting. Whether it be Zelda or Metroid (realism doesn't work for Mario) they need to show off their system. Plus, realistic Zelda is what sells the most. If they want to sell the console, it has to be realistic.

Hopefully Anouma gets this but if it has HD Skyward Sword like visuals, I'm going to be disappointed. We've had cartoony console and handheld Zelda games for the past 6 years. It's time to let the style rest for a bit.

A mix of Skyward Sword and TP would be nice, but wouldn't be disappointed if it looks like that E3 tech demo. :)

I think the Wii U's future depends quite a bit on this, and seemly I'm not alone in thinking that. If Nintendo gives this game cartoony artstyle it will hurt the game's sales, not to mention the hardware seller status it has.

The perception will never go away, a great looking Zelda game won´t change a thing.

About the point below: A Link between worlds released a week ago, are the visuals "cartoony" for you ?

The Zelda team should choose the style they are comfortable with, I don´t want them to cater to the "the more realistic the better" group.

Wind Waker and Skyward Swords visuals will stand the test of time, Twilight Princess looks downright bad today.

The future is already set in stone, Zelda won´t change anything in the grand scheme of things.

I'd say it needs to because Nintendo needs a mature IP, lets face it if Zelda has SS graphics people are gonna think its a kidy game and if it has TP graphics people are not.

I hate to agree with graphical rants but I feel the same way. This needs to impress just like OoT did. The graphics must be on par with the best that Nintendo can do.

You sound like a fortune teller.

I don't believe in fortune tellers.

Alas, I do agree with you. In the grand scheme of things it won't be able to do that. It will be out earliest next fall/winter, and that's two years too late, realistic or not. The game will however sell more if it's realistic than if it's not, and it will sell more consoles too. 

I don't think this would do the wii u any favours. It's much better doing cartoon type graphics. Any attempt to take on the ps4 and xbox one with realistic graphics will come out badly.

The best thing for wii u is to keep away from multiformat games where its weak hardware is obvious by comparing. It needs exclusive games that are programmed from the ground up for wii u that don't show its weaknesses visually.

Nah, let Nintendo do their magic. Whatever they do will be great, people always complaints. As long as they keep the gameplay being at the core of the development process, the artstyle is just the icing on the cake.