Move over, makeup tutorials. Kylie Jenner has a new obsession — and it involves a certain pointy-eared hero named Link.
The billionaire cosmetics mogul and reality television star revealed her growing fascination with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild during a recent appearance on the Therapuss podcast hosted by Jake Shane. The admission has sent ripples through both pop culture and gaming communities, marking the latest instance of a major celebrity embracing a franchise once considered the domain of dedicated “gamers.”
Jenner, who described herself as “still kind of new” to the long-running Zelda franchise, spoke openly about her experience exploring the vast open world of Hyrule. While she admitted to not fully grasping every plot point or character relationship, her enthusiasm was unmistakable.
“I really enjoy playing it,” Jenner said, adding that she occasionally mixes up character names — a confession that drew laughter from the host but also empathy from casual gamers worldwide.
The podcast clips quickly circulated across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, with fans reacting with a mixture of surprise, amusement, and genuine excitement. The hashtag #KylieZelda began trending within hours.
The ‘Kylie Effect’ and Gaming’s Mainstream Moment
Jenner is not the first celebrity to publicly embrace Breath of the Wild, but she may be the most unexpected.
Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U, Breath of the Wild revolutionized open-world game design. Unlike linear predecessors, it allowed players to climb virtually any surface, cook meals, and approach the final boss immediately after the tutorial — a freedom that redefined the action-adventure genre.
The game has sold over 33 million copies worldwide as of 2026, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. Its 2023 sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, sold over 10 million copies in its first three days.
But until recently, the franchise’s fanbase skewed toward dedicated gamers rather than casual celebrity endorsers. That has changed.
Other celebrities who have publicly embraced Breath of the Wild include:
- Brie Larson – The Oscar-winning actress streamed herself playing the game during the pandemic
- Post Malone – The rapper has cited Zelda as one of his favorite franchises
- Tom Holland – The Spider-Man actor mentioned playing Breath of the Wild during lockdown
Jenner’s endorsement, however, reaches a different demographic — one more accustomed to luxury fashion, beauty tutorials, and reality television than Korok seeds and Shrines.
Gaming Culture Goes Glam
Jenner’s podcast appearance did not reveal which platform she uses to play — whether a standard Nintendo Switch, an OLED model, or even a PC emulator. She also did not mention whether she has played Tears of the Kingdom, the critically acclaimed 2023 sequel that expands on Breath of the Wild‘s mechanics.
But those missing details are almost beside the point. The mere fact that Kylie Jenner — one of the most-followed women on Instagram — is talking about Zelda represents a cultural shift.
For years, gaming was marketed primarily to young men. That stereotype has eroded, but celebrity endorsements have typically come from actors or musicians known for geek culture. Jenner’s brand is different. It is aspirational, aesthetic-driven, and deeply embedded in mainstream pop culture.
Her openness about mixing up character names may actually strengthen her connection with casual audiences. Many first-time Zelda players struggle to distinguish between the Great Deku Tree, the four Champions, and the various Sheikah characters. Jenner’s honesty normalizes that learning curve.
“She’s not pretending to be a hardcore gamer,” one fan wrote on X. “She’s just a normal person who found a game she likes. That’s actually refreshing.”
The Business of Celebrity Gaming
Jenner’s Zelda comments arrive amid a broader trend of celebrities monetizing their gaming interests.
Notable examples include:
| Celebrity | Gaming Activity |
|---|---|
| Drake | Frequently streams Fortnite and Valorant |
| Offset | Has a dedicated gaming room and streams on Twitch |
| Hailey Bieber | Discussed Animal Crossing during the pandemic |
| Henry Cavill | Openly passionate about The Witcher games and Warhammer |
While Jenner has not announced any streaming partnerships or merchandise collaborations tied to Zelda, her comments inevitably raise questions about potential brand deals. Nintendo is famously selective about celebrity partnerships, preferring to let its games speak for themselves.
However, the company has shown flexibility. In 2021, Nintendo featured Billie Eilish in a Switch commercial. A Kylie Jenner–Nintendo collaboration — even just a social media post — would generate massive engagement.
For now, Jenner’s comments appear organic. She was not paid to mention Zelda. She simply shared an interest. That authenticity may be more valuable to Nintendo than any paid advertisement.
Why ‘Breath of the Wild’ Still Dominates Conversations — 9 Years Later
It is remarkable that a game released in 2017 continues to generate headlines in 2026. Breath of the Wild has aged extraordinarily well for several reasons:
- Art Direction – The cel-shaded, watercolor-inspired visuals remain beautiful and do not show technical age
- Nonlinear Freedom – Unlike many open-world games, Breath of the Wild never forces the player down a specific path
- Physics-Based Puzzles – The game’s chemistry engine (fire spreads, metal conducts lightning, wind affects sailing) encourages creative problem-solving
- Accessibility – The Switch is a portable, family-friendly console that appeals to casual players
Jenner’s experience — enjoying exploration even without fully grasping the story — is actually a common entry point. Many Breath of the Wild players never defeat Ganon. They simply ride horses, cook dubious food, and climb mountains. The game accommodates both completionists and wanderers.
That flexibility may explain why Breath of the Wild has transcended traditional gaming demographics. It is a game for people who do not normally play games — including, apparently, billionaires.
What Comes Next?
Jenner did not announce any future gaming content. She is not launching a Twitch channel (at least not publicly). She is not collaborating with Nintendo.
But she has done something perhaps more valuable: she has made Zelda feel accessible.
For every hardcore fan who has completed every shrine on Master Mode, there are dozens of casual players who have barely left the Great Plateau. Jenner represents that second group. Her visibility may encourage other newcomers to pick up a Switch and try the game.
Nintendo, meanwhile, has said nothing — and likely will say nothing. The company rarely comments on celebrity endorsements unless they are official partnerships. But behind the scenes, executives are surely pleased that a cultural icon is praising their flagship franchise without being asked.
In an era of paid influencer posts and manufactured authenticity, Kylie Jenner simply said she likes a video game. Sometimes, that is enough.
📊 Short Analysis: Why This Story Matters
1. Demographics
Jenner’s core audience — young women interested in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle — is not Nintendo’s traditional Zelda demographic. Her endorsement could drive new players to the franchise.
2. The Authenticity Question
Unlike many celebrity gaming moments that feel staged, Jenner’s comments included imperfections (mixing up names, admitting confusion). That honesty registers as genuine in an era of polished PR.
3. Franchise Longevity
Breath of the Wild remains relevant nearly a decade after launch — a testament to Nintendo’s design philosophy. Most games fade after 2–3 years. Zelda endures.
4. The Next Game
Nintendo has not yet announced the next mainline Zelda title. Jenner’s comments keep the franchise in public conversation during the quiet period between major releases. That benefits Nintendo directly.
For now, Kylie Jenner is doing what millions of others have done: getting lost in Hyrule. And the gaming world is thrilled to have her.
