Since its original release in 1986 in Japan,The Legend of Zeldaseries has delighted millions of fans around the world with its daring tales of heroism,whimsical cast of characters, and (sometimes) devious puzzles. Now, decades later, the franchise is still going strong withno signs of slowing down, giving players new ways to explore and save Hyrule from the evil clutches of Ganon.
There are no shortage of ways for fans to enjoyLink’s various escapadesthroughout the lands, whether they opt to pick up the latest release or delve into some old school nostalgia with an earlier title. Below are some ofThe Legend of Zeldagames available on the most consoles.
Link’s original adventure through Hyrule released in Japan on the Famicom Disk System certainlylooks a lot differentthan the series' more modern entries, but that doesn’t make it any less of a blast to play. The top-down perspective and 8-bit graphics carry a certain charm, while the unrestricted exploration make it one of the earliest (if not the first) open-world games. It’s also the origin of one of the franchise’s most iconic lines: “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.”
A direct sequel to the original outing,Zelda II: The Adventure of Linkwas a huge departure from the first entry inalmost every way. This time around, the green-clad hero tackles side-scrolling levels more akin to aCastlevaniagame, complete with experience points and more strategic combat elements. There are also magic spells to collect, and interactions with NPCs were vastly expanded to help flesh out the story further.
Players can access this title through a Nintendo Switch Online subscription with the Nintendo Entertainment System service. They could also purchase a NES Classic Edition console with the game pre-loaded, or grab a Game and Watch: Legend of Zelda system if they prefer a handheld version.
Releasing to critical acclaim in 1992 and still regarded as one of the best entries in the series,The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Pastsaw a return to the top-down perspective of the first title. It also leveraged the increased power and capabilities of the SNES to present Hyrule as a vibrant and colorful land bursting with a vibrant palette that would eventually become a mainstay of the franchise. In this adventure, Link must conquer various dungeons toobtain specific itemsnecessary for progression. Players are also tasked with exploring two different realities, the Light World and the Dark World.
Subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online and using the Nintendo Entertainment System service nets players the opportunity to adventure through this essential title. They can also pick up a SNES Classic Edition console which includes this game.
Holding a very special place in many fans' hearts,The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timeis often cited as one of the best games ever made. From its engrossing story of love, loss and the pains of growing up, to the stellar dungeon design and challenging bosses, this entry is an absolute must for any player looking for the definitive Zelda experience. The main mechanic of hopping back and forth betweenchild and adult versionsof Link opens up lots of gameplay opportunities, and is a vital part of solving the game’s many puzzles (spare a thought for the Kakariko Village windmill man.)
Players looking to dive into this essential adventure can access it with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription through the Nintendo 64 + Expansion Pak service.The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3Dis an enhanced version of the game that is available physically for the Nintendo 3DS.
Releasing just two years afterThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timeand using the same engine, this pseudo-sequel finds Link crossing through to an alternate reality version of Hyrule named Termina. Not long after entering the woods that border this parallel realm, he is accosted by the devilish Skull Kid, who steals both Epona and the Ocarina of Time itself. So begins a desperate race to save this strange land from imminent destruction as the Skull Kid - possessed by the malevolent spirit of Majora - calls down the terrifying visage of the moon to crush everything in its wake.
If players want to challenge themselves and save the world in just three days, they can access this title with aNintendo Switch Online subscriptionthrough the Nintendo 64 + Expansion Pak service.The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3Dis also available physically for the Nintendo 3DS.
Leaving Hyrule for distant shores unknown, inThe Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakeningour pointy-eared hero sets sail for a new adventure. Unfortunately, he is soon caught in a storm and shipwrecked on Koholint Island, where the mysterious Wind Fish has entered a seemingly unending slumber and needs some help waking up. Though this is a strange place, there are plenty of familiar faces and threats, as well as the usual dungeon-delving antics and puzzles for players to engage in.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakeningreceived acute chibi-style remakefor the Nintendo Switch in 2019, letting fans old and new alike experience this adventure in a brand-new way.The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DXversion is also available to play with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription through the Game Boy service, or as a handheld title Game and Watch: Legend of Zelda system.
