The time has come to celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, which means it's the perfect excuse to replay your favorite games in the series. There is just one problem. Aside from the re-releases, there are nearly 20 main Zelda games scattered across more than 10 Nintendo consoles. Unless you've been collecting since the beginning, it's not easy to track down these games today.
So I went through all the Zelda games with Link in his green tunic and all the platforms. Nintendo has re-released many (but not all) of the Zelda games on modern consoles, and many are relatively easy to find, if not as cheaply as one might expect. For the purposes of this article, the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS are considered "modern" consoles, even though Nintendo has stopped making games for its parallax 3D handhelds. Also, keep in mind that we are not listing all re-releases, only the most recent ones.
Still, these two consoles alone can play almost half of the Zelda library. For the rest of the games, we have listed only the most recent consoles on which they can be played. Read on to find out where you can play all of The Legend of Zelda.
Let's start with the easy ones. The Legend of Zelda was originally released on the NES, but Nintendo has re-released it frequently since then. You can download the a la carte version from the Nintendo 3DS eShop ($5) or as part of a Nintendo Switch Online subscription ($20 per year).
Like the original "The Legend of Zelda," "Adventure of Link" is available through the 3DS eShop ($6) or through Nintendo Switch Online ($20 per year). The game was originally released on the NES.
"Link to the Past" is a fan favorite Zelda title originally released on the SNES. These days, it can be purchased on the Nintendo 3DS eShop ($8) or downloaded with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription ($20 per year).
Released on the Game Boy in 1993, "Link's Awakening" is a bit different. While the original is not available for download anywhere, a remastered Game Boy Color version of "Link's Awakening DX" is available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop ($6). However, you can also play "Link's Awakening" on the Switch. It is a complete remake, with the graphics completely changed, but all gameplay and level design intact. It is available for $60 at both retail stores and on the Nintendo eShop.
Ocarina of Time was originally released on the N64, but has been released on other Nintendo systems in the meantime. The easiest way to get it now is to purchase a digital copy of Ocarina of Time 3D on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. The game is available for $20.
A direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, Mujuru's Mask, is also available on the 3DS eShop as Mujuru's Mask 3D ($20). While some quality-of-life changes have been made from the original game, the story, characters, dungeons, characters, items, and structure are all intact. Oddly enough, some of the gameplay systems were changed, forcing some hardcore fans to continue playing on the rare The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition for the Nintendo 64 and GameCube.
The underrated 2001 Game Boy Color games "Oracle of Seasons" and "Oracle of Ages" are available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop for $6 each. The two games can connect to each other and carry over progress, assuring that you will want to purchase both.
Here's where things get tricky. The Two Swords was originally an add-on to the GBA version of A Link to the Past, which required another player to complete the game. Later, Nintendo offered a free single-player option on the 3DS. However, that was a limited time offer and that game is no longer available. If you really want it, try searching for it on Google.
We really, really want a Switch port of Tact of the Wind. Until it is available, however, the best bet is to play "Wind Waker HD" on Wii U, which can be downloaded for $20 on the Nintendo eShop.
Another hard-to-find Zelda game, "Four Swords Adventures," was a multiplayer title for the GameCube that required each player to bring their own Game Boy Advance and link cable (no pun intended). As with "Four Swords," there is no superior way to play this title - as with "Four Swords," you may find another way if you ask around.
Minish Cap is an affectionate little Zelda game that was released on the GBA in 2004. Nintendo has not re-released it, so you'll need a GBA console or an older DS model. Genuine used ones sell for around $60 on eBay. Sorry.
Like "Tact of the Wind," "Twilight Princess" was re-released on Wii U, but a Switch port is still awaited; if you have a Wii U, you can download Twilight Princess HD from the Nintendo eShop ($50).
Phantom Hourglass was released on the DS in 2007. If you find a physical copy, that's one option, as many 3DS models are backward compatible with the original DS games. Otherwise, it can be purchased digitally for $10 on the Wii U's Nintendo eShop.
Like Phantom Glass, Spirit Tracks is an original DS title. This means that the physical cartridge is compatible with many 3DS models. There is also a Wii U port of this game, which can be purchased for $10 on the Nintendo eShop.
Here's a bit of good news. Skyward Sword was previously only playable on the Wii or, if you had a compatible remote control, the Wii U. But this July, an upgraded Switch port will be available for $60. Until then, we suggest you sit tight and be patient.
One of the most underrated Zelda titles, A Link Between Worlds is a great adventure that debuted on the 3DS in 2013; you can pick it up for $20 on the 3DS eShop, and physical copies are readily available.
Arguably the black sheep of the Zelda franchise, Triforce Heroes is available for $40 on the 3DS eShop. It's designed with multiplayer in mind, so you might even be able to convince two friends to buy it. If you're not sure, you can download a demo.
Since Breath of the Wild is the flagship title for the Nintendo DS, physical copies can be bought almost anywhere, or downloaded from the Nintendo DS eShop. Either way, the price is $60, but the two meaty DLC packs cost an additional $20.
That's it; you can play 14 of the 19 games listed here on the Switch and 3DS. Trying to find the rest will be more challenging and a bit more expensive, but the adventure will come with some obstacles.
.
Comments