Nintendo has announced that it is postponing the release of the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Nintendo has confirmed that it will not be releasing The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess this year. The development team has decided to take extra time to add some "incredible new elements" to the game. As a result, the game will now launch in 2006 globally.

In a statement released this morning, Nintendo said: "We recognize there may be some disappointed fans, however we firmly believe this additional time will result in a much more enjoyable gaming experience. GameCube fans will have a variety of Nintendo games to choose from this Christmas, including Mario Smash Football, Battalion Wars, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness."

Regarding a new release date, Nintendo of America's vice president of corporate affairs, Perrin Kaplan, said to IGN earlier today: "Consequently, we're announcing a new global launch in 2006, after the conclusion of this fiscal year (March 31). We'll provide a specific date at a later point in time. While this may come as a disappointment to many eager fans, it will absolutely enrich the game and make it a multi-million seller."

The delay of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will certainly have impact for both Nintendo and retail. The game was going to help give the GameCube the sales boost it needed during Christmas. Now it will be up to Mario and Pokémon to defend Nintendo's console market position during Christmas.

Nintendo sent seven new screens along with the announcement to try and soften the pain. We have to admit it is working, a little. The screens do look amazing! We will bring you more news as it breaks! Stay tuned...