For anyone new toThe Legend of Zelda, it can be difficult to determine where to start in the series. Fortunately, Nintendo Switch Online provides an easily accessible way to play through many of the classic video games that establishedThe Legend of Zeldaas the iconic series and household name that it is today.
There is a plethora of games in theZeldafranchise but so many of them are restricted to older Nintendo consoles. Nintendo Switch Online gives Switch players access to numerous NES, Super NES and Game Boy games including severalZeldagames. With the smash hit release ofThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, fans may be looking to jump into some of the older games.
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All Zelda Games on Nintendo Switch Online
The Legend of Zelda and Zelda 2
This game is the first and most simplified of theZeldatitles and establishes the rudimentary ideas and gameplay cycles ofThe Legend of Zeldagamesto come. In top-down view with pixelated graphics, Link must fight his way through various dungeons in order to collect the eight pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom, which will allow him to fend off Ganon and save Zelda. While this is where the series originated, it may feel dated for some Switch players as it was released in 1986.
Side scrolling gameplay, a less forgiving lives system, and the removal of the regular “The Legend of Zelda” monikerseparateZelda 2: The Adventure of Linkfrom other games in theZeldafranchise. Due to its bold decisions and high-stakes combat, players looking for a more difficultZeldagame should definitely play this one on the Nintendo Switch Online service.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Pastis the third mainline installment of the franchise. While retaining the top-down camera point of view, this game deviates from its predecessor by being much more focused on its story and characters. This installment is where Link’s iconic weapon, theMaster Sword, is introduced. There’s also an emphasis on new mechanics likeA Link to the Past’s Light and Dark Worlds.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakeningfinds Link trapped on the island of Koholint and needing to find the eight instruments of the Sirens to make his way out. This game revisits the top-down format while bringing some newer features with a more light-hearted tone to the series. This is the game for hardcore Nintendo fans as thisZeldagame includes some familiar enemies from theMarioseries, like Goombas and Thwomps.
Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timeon Nintendo 64 was the first Zelda game to be fully 3D and is the first game to introduce Link’s horse, Epona. A captivating and emotional story coupled with engaging and fresh gameplay madeOcarina of Timebecome renowned as not only one ofthe bestZeldagames, but one of the most beloved video games in general.
The sequel toThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timecontinues in the 3D format introduced in the previous game. Switch players can enjoyMajora’s Mask’s unique gameplay with Link’s ability to manipulate time in order to complete the quests that he’s faced with. There are plenty of characters to interact with and quests to take on in this installment, with the main objective being to save the world in just three days.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
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