The Legend of Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma has explained Zelda Wii U will push the home console’s hardware to its fullest. In a recent interview with Gamereactor Magazine, the producer spoke about the upcoming Zelda game’s open world, elaborating that the team has always pushed each game in the series to its peak with “as large a world as can be realised” on the hardware. And Aonuma says it’s no different for the Wii U.

Elsewhere the iconic producer also mentions the GamePad’s map functionality within Zelda Wii U, believing it’s a great tool that gives a bigger sense of adventure. In the past, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto hasmentioned that the upcoming game will feature plenty of events for fans to come across in the vast overworld, so the GamePad’s interactive map will be crucial in keeping track of where you are. You can find a snippet of Aonuma’s interview below.

“A huge, seamlessly unfolding world is something that can’t be achieved if the hardware isn’t advanced enough. Ever since we made the very first generation of Legend of Zelda games though, we’ve had as large a world as can be realised with the hardware, so you could say it was inevitable that we’ve now done the same with the new Wii U title.

“When I first showed off the new Zelda game on the Wii U, it seemed everyone was very excited and started proclaiming that a Zelda game had at last become open world! Zelda games have always allowed you to roam and explore a huge world.

“What’s changed now is that the hardware has progressed to the point that you can now explore this vast world seamlessly; the underpinning of the game hasn’t changed.”

“Recently, I’ve taken to relying on the map on my smart phone when I’m out walking in a place I’m not familiar with. A map isn’t something you keep tucked away in your bag, it’s by holding it in your hand and being able to constantly check it as you move forward step by step that gives you that sense of adventure.”

http://mynintendonews.com/2015/02/16/aonuma-says-zelda-wii-u-will-push-hardware-with-as-large-a-world-as-can-be-realised/

Hopefully that doesn't harm the quality of the story and gameplay.

I'm just saying Xenoblade X ;)

Cant tell which one is pushing it
zelda or xenoblade?

Both.

This game is going to be so gigantic and awesome, I haven't been this hyped for a game since Twilight Princess.

My body is ready!

It's awesome that we get x and this same year.

Zelda doesn't need a good story to be great Imo.but how would this harm the story? 

Going to be amazing! Can't wait for Nintendo's E3's Zelda show case.