Nintendo and PlayStation both held major showcases within days of each other, but gamers apparently had considerably more interest in what was happening in Hyrule.
Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct attracted more than twice as many peak viewers as Sony’s September State of Play, according to figures reported by GamesRadar.
A screenshot from Ghost of Yōtei (2025), Sucker Punch
Data from game marketing analyst LevelUp reportedly shows that Nintendo’s presentation peaked at approximately 2.1 million viewers across livestreaming platforms.
By comparison, Sony’s September State of Play peaked at approximately 1 million viewers.
Nintendo’s presentation even managed to edge out Gamescom Opening Night Live, which attracted approximately 2 million peak viewers.
The comparison is particularly striking considering Nintendo’s presentation was dedicated almost entirely to a single franchise.
Nintendo Celebrates Zelda
Nintendo used the 30-minute presentation to celebrate four decades of The Legend of Zelda.
The centerpiece was the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2, which received an extended gameplay demonstration ahead of its November 5 release.
Nintendo also unveiled a special Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2, new accessories, amiibo figures, an international concert tour, and additional anniversary merchandise.
A scene from The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake – Nintendo
READ: Jimmy Kimmel Claims FCC Is Blocking His James Talarico Interview — But That’s Not The Truth
The company even provided an update on its upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie, which arrives in theaters next year.
Sony’s September State of Play, meanwhile, featured considerably more games. However, Geeks + Gamers described the overall presentation as “lackluster.”
Among its biggest announcements were an extended look at Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, new Ghost of Yōtei content featuring the return of Jin Sakai, Marvel’s Wolverine, Until Dawn 2, and Metro 2039.
Despite the broader lineup, the presentation apparently generated less than half the peak audience of Nintendo’s Zelda celebration.
A Sign of Greater Enthusiasm?
Viewership for two individual presentations obviously cannot provide a definitive measurement of enthusiasm surrounding Nintendo and PlayStation. The enduring popularity of The Legend of Zelda and excitement surrounding an Ocarina of Time remake undoubtedly gave Nintendo a considerable advantage.
Still, the disparity is difficult to ignore at a time when Sony is actively alienating a portion of its longtime PlayStation audience.
A scene from Final Fantasy VII Revelation – Square Enix
READ: Andrew Garfield’s Attacks on the Rich Are Ludicrous and Hypocritical
Sony has faced significant backlash since announcing that it will discontinue physical game production for new PlayStation releases beginning in January 2028. The decision means future PlayStation games will be distributed digitally, eliminating physical ownership for new releases.
While Sony appears to have hidden the live chat replay from the State of Play YouTube video, users can still leave comments. The most popular responses are overwhelmingly some variation of “No Disc, No Buy,” while others question what gamers will actually own when they select “purchase” on a digital title.
Two Very Different Messages
Nintendo, by comparison, spent its Zelda presentation appealing heavily to longtime fans and collectors. That included not only a limited-edition console and physical merchandise, but also a commemorative physical edition of Ocarina of Time featuring special packaging.
Comments on Nintendo’s YouTube video generally reflect excitement for the remake and nostalgia for the long-running series, creating a noticeable contrast with the reaction to Sony’s presentation.
A scene from The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake – Nintendo
READ: Mario Kart World Free Update Announced at Nintendo Direct
None of that proves Sony’s move away from physical games is responsible for the State of Play’s smaller audience. The two presentations featured different games, formats, and expectations, making a direct comparison imperfect.
But the contrast is nevertheless difficult to miss. While Sony is asking its customers to accept a future without physical games, Nintendo is leaning heavily into its history, physical products, and one of its most beloved franchises.
More than twice as many viewers showed up for Nintendo’s presentation. Whatever the precise reasons for that gap, Sony may want to pay attention to where the enthusiasm appears to be.
Why do you think Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary stream drew more viewers than Sony’s State of Play? Sound off and let us know!
UP NEXT: Netflix Posts ‘Neck Injury’ Joke on Exact Anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
