Finally, Legend of Zelda fans might be able to play the game as a female character. Rumors have emerged that the next Zelda game, potentially being released at the end of 2016 or in early 2017, will give gamers the option to play as either a male or female protagonist. There is speculation that this either means there will be a female Link available, or a new female character created and added to the universe just for this installment of the franchise. This rumors of this possibility stem from some tweets so the evidence is tenuous at best, but the source has been accurate about other Nintendo rumors before so the chances are good she is accurate this time as well.
Even though it is more likely the male/female option will be available via a completely new character, it would be pretty cool to have a gender-swapped Link after so many years. The iconic character is great as-is, but the possibility of expanded representation of women in video games is never a bad thing. Plus, a female Link could mean expanded storylines and a different perspective on each adventure. An entirely new character could mean a choose-your-own-adventure option from the start with little differences based on whether you are playing as a girl or guy. An endless string of changes in the details based on the main character, a Legend of Zelda butterfly effect if you will. For right now though the possibility is still only a rumor. So the speculation can be whatever we want it to be until the rumor is confirmed to be fact.
(via Nintendo Life)