The last time we saw The Legend of Zelda’s Link in a proper console adventure was in 2003’s The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. He was just a wee lad back then, barely taller than the shield he wore in the stellar Ocarina of Time. The elfin hero of Hyrule is coming back in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and this time he’s all grown-up.

However, it’s apparently taking Link a little longer to mature than expected. In what could be the most disappointing delay to fans rabid for a sequel since Bungie’s Halo 2 was knocked back a few seasons, Nintendo today announced that the Twilight Princess will miss its original ship date of 2005’s holiday season.

“After much discussion, the Zelda development team has requested extra time to add new levels, more depth, and even higher quality to Zelda: Twilight Princess. Consequently, we’re announcing a new global launch in 2006,” stated Perrin Kaplan, Nintendo of America’s vice president of marketing and corporate affairs.

The new release date is now no sooner than April 1, 2006, as the game is pegged to hit shelves sometime after Nintendo’s next fiscal year kicks off.

“While this may come as a disappointment to many eager fans, it will absolutely enrich the game,” said Kaplan.

Nintendo let out a trifecta of big news stories today. In addition to the disappointing Zelda delay, Nintendophiles will be happy to know that the Game Boy Micro now has a release date of September 19, and the DS will be $20 cheaper as of August 21, to coincide with the release of Nintendogs and Advance Wars: Dual Strike for the DS. Stay tuned to GameSpot for more information.

Source: GameSpot