The use of generative AI for commercial applications is a contentious issue. Fans object to the stilted sound of the voices, and professional voice actors protest that these models have been trained on their voices without their consent. Suspicions that Nintendo has turned to an AI-generated voice for a Switch 2 companion app have caused a backlash in the fan community.

The Zelda Notes companion app is a new companion app designed to interface with the upgraded Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. It provides access to features such as community tools and progress tracking. One of the most notable aspects of this companion app is the integration of a Google Maps-like navigation system, which provides voice guidance towards notable locations.

The app also features new audio diaries for prominent characters, including Princess Zelda. Nintendo shared some of this new dialogue on social media, and Spanish-speaking fans of the series immediately expressed concern. Fans on Twitter/X noted that the voice sounded stilted, not like the usual Spanish-language voice actor, Nerea Alfonso.

Fans believe that either AI was used to copy her voice, or she was replaced by a lesser-known performer who is less familiar with the role. It has also been pointed out that the Latin Spanish voiceover sounds “natural” in comparison.

Zelda maps narrator sounds robotic

It was also noted that the narrator on the map guidance system also sounded robotic and unnatural. Some were convinced that a generative AI voice model was being used. It is not confirmed at this stage if these problems are the same in the English-language version.

AI-generated voices have been the center of controversy. One recent example that springs to mind is a woman in Scotland, who has accused ScotRail of using an ‘AI Clone’ of her voice as an announcer, despite never giving consent for her voice to be used in such a manner.

Nintendo has yet to release a statement on its use of AI in the Zelda Notes app. Until then, the issue remains in the realm of speculation.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.