New Zelda game

[CindyCrawfoot]

I’ve never played computer games.

if I wanted to play the new Zelda game, do I just need to buy it and a Nintendo switch? Will I be able to just start playing or do I need to have played the earlier versions?

Yes just the console and the game.

If you want to have the option to play it handheld and on the TV then get the proper Switch and not the Switch Lite as that's handheld only.

You don't need to have played any of the previous ones to understand it either but the previous one, Breath of the Wild, was a great game and it would be a shame to miss it.
The new one is a sequel but they've added to the already huge environment so if you fell in love with the Zelda franchise then decided to play it afterwards it would feel like a backwards step.
It took me a few hundred hours to complete it but I enjoyed taking my time and exploring it all.

That is really helpful- thank you!

Oh- if I buy a switch can I play multiplayer games like Mario with my kids or would we need two switches for that?

Agree with @Gingerlygreen - Breath of Wild is amazing. DH & I completed it & are so looking forward to the new game.
If you want to play multiplayer games you can use the two JoyCons on each end of the Switch, if you want to play with more than two you will need extra JoyCons or controllers. Personally I prefer the controllers as they're a better fit in the hand.

I'd also recommend playing Breath of the Wild before the newer one (Tears of the Kingdom). They are related and set in the same world, and it makes sense to play BotW first really. Both are truly excellent games.

The other Zelda games are different and you could play those in no particular order really (there probably is an 'official' order but I wouldn't worry too much!)

You don't need two switches for multiplayer but you might want to buy an extra controller - this could be a set of joycons or a pro controller. The official nintendo pro controller is good, it fits nicely in your hands.

I'm interested in what made you want to play the new Zelda when you've never played computer games before, just out of curiosity? :)

I've got far further in tears of the kingdom then breath of the wild. But both are amazing.
Get a proper switch so you can connect it to the TV and take it with you on adventures.