'The Legend of Zelda' has been delayed until 2017.

The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda

The much-anticipated new video game was originally set for release later this year, but Nintendo has confirmed the date has been pushed back, with the developer saying the delay is designed to "improve the quality" of the game.

A post on the official Nintendo of America Twitter account stated: "Though originally scheduled for 2016, the release of the latest 'The Legend of Zelda' title is postponed until 2017, to allow further improvement of quality. Thank you for your understanding."

What's more, Nintendo announced that the eagerly-awaited game will now also be made available on its mysterious new console the NX, which is due out in 2017.

Nintendo also revealed it will focus primarily on the new Zelda title at the E3 trade show in June.

The gaming giant shared on Twitter: "The new Legend of #Zelda will be the focus of #E3 2016. It will launch simultaneously on both Wii U and NX in 2017 (sic)"

However, the NX will not be making its debut at E3.

A statement said: "NX will not make an appearance at the upcoming E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles in June and will be unveiled later this year."

'The Legend of Zelda' is among the most popular gaming series in history, having sold more than 60 million copies worldwide since its first release in 1986.