Best. Thread title. Ever.

I know all these different opinions can make it even harder, but I'll put in my two cents as well. If you decide you'll try the series, I hope you'll enjoy it!

1. This is hard to say, first because every Zelda fan would give a different opinion because they're all so different, second because we don't know yet if the new game will relate to an existing one (9 out of 10 Zelda games are stand-alone, with the exception of some series' lore) and if so, which game. The safest bet right now would probably be Ocarina of Time, because almost all other games somehow reference that one. It also establishes pretty much everything gameplay-wise about the modern games. Otherwise, A Link to the Past established a lot of the important lore, but it's of course an old game in 2D overhead. Like I said, they do stand on their own, so I figure the new game will be just as accessable to new players.

2. WiiU is backward-compatible with Wii, but not with GameCube. Right now there's no N64 available on WiiU either, without real word on if it'll ever come. Technically one could access digital N64 games through the WiiU's Wii mode though, but I'm not sure if that's going to be a good idea. Simply put, the games you can play on WiiU are The Wind Waker (because of the HD remaster) and Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess through backward compatibility. From the WiiU's eShop there's both NES Zelda's and GBA's The Minish Cap.

3. Besides the GamePad there's the WiiU Pro Controller, which is basically an XBox 360-esque controller. You can also use the Wii Remote in most games, but don't expect a more elaborate game like Zelda to support it. Some games take the Wii Remote's add-ons like the Classic Controller as well. The GamePad is quite comfortable still, though not perfect.

4. Yeah that is correct, unless you really rush through it, which you're not going to do the first time playing. Personally I'd say those times are still quite optimistic, though I like to take my time so they could be done faster. They're pretty big games even though they're usually not totally open world, and I'll spent 35-45 hours on Ocarina of Time or Wind Waker. Twilight Princess is slightly longer, 45-55 hours. I spent 75 hours on Skyward Sword, though I 100% that game.

Lots of mixed advice and some consistent advice. The key take home is you won't need to play any Zelda games to be able to play the WiiU version, but as a gamer you deserve to give it a shot.

The Zelda games have varied quite alot through their history and so not all Zelda fans like all games. There are games that most like, games that many like and games that are polarising. On this point I have to disagree with Spemanig; while there is no guarantee that you will like them, both Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past are the series' most acclaimed games so they would be my recommended starting point. Both games are playable on the WiiU i believe, even if that's not necessarily the best place to play them. (see S Peelman's post above)

I also enjoyed my replay of Windwaker in HD (WiiU retail) more than I enjoyed playing the game first time. It really is a beautiful game, but it's one of the polarising games mentioned above. Personally I didn't really care for Skyward Sword (WiiU via backwards compatibility), the only Zelda game I would say that about, but there are a number of people here that list it as their favourite.

 I think the lengthy replies that many have provided are a pretty good testament to the quality of the series.

p.s. The WiiU controller is much more comfortable than it looks and is one of the reasons I preferred Windwaker on WiiU.  The new game will undoubtedly support the pro controller too though as most games support off-TV play and off-TV play basically requires the game to be playable without any significant touchscreen/second screen features.

Link and Zelda in almost all the games are a different person. At a different point in history. Think of the whole same guy/gal plays their son/daughter joke on shows. None of them normally connect. And are self contained to that universe. The Link's and Zelda's all have different personalities and looks. And some are older or younger. The only consistent thing in the games is the general time of the series. And the items you get. So there normally won't be anything futuristic.

Their families are also different. Sometimes Link is brought up as a normal child. Sometimes adopted by other races. Zelda is usually a princess. But will either know, not follow rules, or won't know her history. Till it's important. The maps are also different in each game. While the games have a lot of the "same" locations. The places will normally look different each time. IE: The Temple Of TIme.

1. You can technically start with Zelda U, since every Legend of Zelda is a different story of the Hero (Link) and only 4 Zelda games have a sequel to it (Kind of how Final Fantasy is). Good Zelda's to start with however are Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess, and the best 2D Zelda's are a Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, and A Link between Worlds, just so you can fimiliarize yourself with the mechanics. I consider these the best in the series, although I personally adore Phantom Hourglass AND the Minish Cap, but they usually are considered the Bastard Children of the Zelda Franchise. Wind Waker HD is also a great game, but it also has a negetive stigma that follows it due to its kiddy look.

2. The Wii U is backwards compatible to the Wii, and like the Dengle said you have access to 9 of the 17 Zelda's on the Wii U (The OG Legend of Zelda for the NES and Zelda II:The Adventures of Link thru Wii VC, A Link to the Past on the Wii U VC, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask on the Wii VC, The Minish Cap on the Wii U VC, Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword retail, and The Wind Waker HD on the eShop or retail). The other Zelda Handhelds games are all available on the 3DS ( Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks retail but kind of hard to find, A gorgeous remake of Ocarina of Time in 3D retail or eShop, Link's Awakening, Oracale of Ages and Seasons in eShop, and A Link between Worlds retail or eShop). IMHO opinion you should start with either Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess on the Wii U just to get yourself familiar with the mechanics of 3D Zelda's. Most Zelda Handhelds are in 2D Overworld, so only go into those if you get really involved with the series (albeit they have REALLY EPIC Stories).

3. Looks can be so ever decieving man. The game pad is uncomfortable on some Wii U games, but all the Nintendo brand games seem to work right on the money with it. I played Wind Waker HD with it and it was great, as well as Hyrule Warriors. But if that's still a problem they are other options of play like the Wii U Controller Pro and the Nun-chucks controller.

4. They generally are long but like a GREAT Movie you don't feel the time go by man. And also the majority of the Zelda's are all different stories from each other (Only sequels are OG Legend of Zelda NES -> Zelda II: The Adventures of Link, Ocarina of Time -> Majora's Mask** (TECHNICALLY but its VERY FEW things you need to know from it's prequel) Wind Waker -> Phantom Hourglass, and Oracle of Seasons -> Oracle of Ages. So you can basically pick up any Zelda game and start anew!

If you got any other questions just ask!

Yeah I don't think you need to play them in any order to get into it. My first zelda game was Skyward Sword and I loved it. It took me about 45 hours including sidequests so its a bit lenghty. The games themselves aren't released in order within the timeline so I'm sure you'll be fine jumping into the one for Wii U if less games is what you want.

1. As many have said, each game stands along. So it doesn't matter where you start. Since it my favorite franchise I say play them all.

2. There are several games available for the U. Man I can't wait for the U version in November. 

3. Many options here. Although the pad is the best option for me with what it offers.  Plus it's way more comfortable than given credit for.  Far more than the awful PlayStation controllers. The DS4 is an improvement over past Sony controllers.  The U pad is criticized more by people who haven't used it than people who have. 

4. I guess it mostly depends on how familiar you are with Zelda games.  But you get your money's worth. 

Ocarina of Time 3D on 3DS.

Well.im gonna say any but windwaker hd. Its story line seems abit weak then others i played and art style may or may not pit you off. Combat is a bit weak too. I would say ocarina of time or twilight princess are the best imo.

1. Majora's Mask (getting 3d remake on 3ds) Twilight Princess (mussssssst) Ocarina of Time, Windwaker HD

2. The Wii U is backwords compatible with Wii software, yes.

3. The Gamepad is not awful, even though it looks awful. It is comfortable fits well, is not heavy. (It is a required controller for the new Zelda due to Gyro controls) Unless they put in a option to not use it which they probably will.

4. Some games are longer than others but that is due to the intense puzzles. If you like the puzzles, you will like Zelda and it won't feel that long.

Hope I was able to help! Hope you enjoy the series and become a Zelda fan! :D

1. For me personally, I would say play Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past. For me, those are the two best Zelda games and give you a good idea of a 3D one as well as a 2D top down one.

2. You can play most of the Zelda games if you get a Wii U. You are able to access the Wii shope (fully backwards compatible) and are able to get the ones that aren't directly available on the Wii U eShop. You can also get Wii versions of Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword and play them on your Wii U if you desire.

3. You can use Wii remote & Nunchuck, Wii classic/classic Pro Controller. The Wii U pro controller. Gamepad, don't knock it till you try it, that is the main reason it has a bad rep is because people haven't used it. It's far from awful but as with many controllers it might not be for everyone.

4. Those hours seem fairly accurate. I never really recorded time while playing them though, the hours melt away when playing. I don't think it would be overwhelming to hop into the series. No more so than any other series. One of the great things about Zelda is that isn't not a continuing story, so you can pick up and play which ever one you want.