The Japanese and North American Nintendo Switch versions of Breath of the Wild bear some differences in the final moments of the game. Players may not realize it as they are playing one or the other, however a comparison at Legends of Localization by Clyde Mandelin shows the slight differences between the two versions. Below is a comparison of the dialogue and, be warned, spoilers lie ahead.

There is a line in the final battle that reads “He has given up on reincarnation and assumed his pure, enraged form”. This, of course, refers to Ganon as he shifts into his beastly form. Zelda’s Japanese version takes a slightly different read, leaving interpretation headed in another direction. “This form was born from his obsessive refusal to give up revival”.

This leaves a small but significant conflict that could mean two things for the big baddie of Breath of the Wild. In the English version, it is assumed that Ganon has given up reincarnation, meaning he can now die. Zelda’s Japanese translation gives the impression that Ganon’s  obsession with immortality made him this way and that he may be back yet again.

The difference in Zelda’s Japanese and English text ultimately means a difference between the return of Ganon, and this being his final appearance. With the original text saying this was Ganon’s final form, it could mean that his defeat means finality. Legends of Localization break it down further here for those interested in reading more about the differences in translation and the possible variations of meaning therein.

What could the difference in translation mean for the Zelda franchise? Are people reading too much into it? Join in on the conversation in the comment section below! Don’t forget to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!