The Legend Of Zelda: 10 Remasters That Are Perfect For The Switch

Over the years, the Legend Of Zelda series has encompassed a wide variety of art and gameplay styles across Nintendo’s many consoles. The company has also made a habit of rereleasing Zelda games on newer consoles, bringing older entries in the franchise to a whole new generation of gamers. So far, the Nintendo Switch has only had a couple of Zelda titles, with a remaster of Skyward Sword on the way.

The console is still young, though, and it’s safe to say that more Zelda remasters may be just around the corner, perhaps even transforming some of the older games into new and exciting versions fans won’t see coming (like they did with Link’s Awakening). The future is bright for Zelda fans if any of these games make their way to the Switch soon.

10 The Adventure Of Link

With the Switch remake of Link’s Awakening, Nintendo took a risk by adapting one of the series’ stranger games to their newest console. If they wanted to make another similar move, The Adventure Of Link could be a good choice. This second game in the series switches between the classic top-down view and side-scrolling sections with platforming elements.

Such a different approach to the Zelda formula seems like the perfect opportunity to bring new fans of the series with something different, and the Switch’s versatility as a handheld is perfect for both viewpoints. The role-playing and more dynamic combat elements will also be familiar to fans of Breath Of The Wild.

9 Tri Force Heroes

This relatively recent 3DS title that emphasized multiplayer gameplay has been somewhat forgotten by many, so a reintroduction on the Switch could be the perfect opportunity. Tri Force Heroes stars three different versions of Link each controlled by a different player.

While the game is meant to be played with a very specific number of players, the versatility of multiplayer options on the Switch makes it a great match for the game’s playstyle. Plus, a new Switch version might add the long-awaited two-player mode, which was not available in the original, which included one- and three-player options.

8 The Legend Of Zelda

Way back in 1986, this original entry in the Zelda franchise started a cultural phenomenon. So, what better way to pay homage to the series’ history than to rebuild The Legend Of Zelda for a whole new generation?

The success of the modernization of Link’s Awakening shows that these classic top-down Zelda games can be brought to the Switch without sacrificing any of their charm through graphic and gameplay upgrades. Since the original Zelda has already been ported to the Switch through Nintendo Switch Online, a proper remake also wouldn’t take away from the game’s staying power, as players could still play the untouched original.

7 The Minish Cap

The main gameplay draw of The Minish Cap involved Link shrinking down to the size of the Minish, a race of tiny people in Hyrule, with the help of a man named Ezlo who is trapped in Link’s cap. This clever mechanic and the game’s cute art style are perfect for the Switch.

The Minish Cap is also a fairly short game, which means that this remaster might be a nice bite-sized treat for Switch players to play in short bursts or longer sessions. This Game Boy Advance classic is also on the lesser-known end of the Zelda scale, so newer players could get another perspective on the series.

6 The Wind Waker

This iconic Gamecube entry in the Zelda series was already rereleased fairly recently in HD for the Wii U. That said, its unique sailing gameplay and cel-shaded art style make it a perennial cult classic among the fanbase.

A Switch remaster, then, would give new players, longtime fans, and those who missed the Wii U rerelease a chance to experience or re-experience this iconic entry in the series. Plus, since this game was one of the first to feature the Toon Link design, it could be an opportunity to bring more Toon Link games to the console.

5 Ocarina Of Time

The much-praised Ocarina Of Time is pretty much always welcome among Zelda fans, and it has already proven that it can be successful on both console and handheld platforms. While the Nintendo 64 classic was also remastered for the 3DS, it has been a decade since that rerelease, and the Switch is a great place to reintroduce gamers to this iconic time travel story.

As the first entry in the series to be played in three dimensions, Ocarina Of Time also serves as a historical artifact worth revisiting or visiting for the first time. Both new and returning fans will surely appreciate all this game has done for the Zelda series and gaming as a whole with a new remaster.

4 A Link To The Past

With the successful release of its spiritual successor A Link Between Worlds back in 2013, a remastered version of A Link To The Past feels long overdue for Zelda fans. While a port already exists on the Switch, a complete overhaul in the style of the recent Link’s Awakening could revitalize the game.

The game centers on Link switching between the Light and Dark Worlds to solve puzzles and rescue seven maidens descended from the Seven Sages in order to defeat the wizard Agahnim and, later, perennial series antagonist Ganon. As the third game in the Zelda series, the game’s return to the top-down perspective makes it perfect for the Switch in both handheld and TV modes.

3 Oracle Of Ages/Oracle Of Seasons

These Game Boy Color Zelda entries are two distinct but similar games that could interact with each other, including passing items from game to game and using a password from one game to unlock an item in the other. As suggested by their titles, Oracle Of Ages sees Link traveling back and forth in time in order to defeat the villainous Twinrova sisters, whereas Oracle Of Seasons requires Link to manipulate the seasons.

The dual nature of these games may make them difficult to successfully remaster on the Switch, but the twin games are certainly beloved among players. Putting a new coat of polish on the classic colorful aesthetic and bringing the iconic time and seasons mechanics to the Switch would certainly make many a Zelda fan happy.

2 Twilight Princess

Having released on Nintendo’s last three home consoles, it makes a lot of sense that Twilight Princess should get a Switch remaster in the near future. Not only that, but this darker entry into the Zelda franchise is a fan favorite, garnering fans for its unique take on the universe.

The game features the ability for Link to transform himself into a wolf and an aesthetic that draws on dark fantasy imagery more than most games in the series. As an introduction to both a darker Zelda and with fan-favorite characters like Link’s impish companion Midna, Twilight Princess may be a perfect game for the newest generation of Zelda fans.

1 Phantom Hourglass

This successor to The Wind Waker was the first Zelda game to be released for the Nintendo DS, and whose gameplay includes seafaring travel, mapping out obstacles, and stealth puzzles alongside the typical dungeon-exploring gameplay the series has become known for. Despite not having the dual screens of the DS, the Switch would be a great platform for a remaster.

Remembered now as a classic Nintendo DS game and Zelda entry, Phantom Hourglass features the return of fan-favorite characters like pirate captain Tetra, the introduction of fun new characters like salty sailor Linebeck, and a well-rounded combination of new and old gameplay mechanics for Zelda players to enjoy. It’s an excellent game for new and old Zelda fans to return to, and the Switch’s handheld capabilities could be the perfect place to recreate the experience.

About The Author

Jason Mecchi
(96 Articles Published)

Jason Mecchi is a list writer at Screen Rant. His passions in writing are film and popular culture. He has also written for Midstory. He loves animals, watching movies, reading, and playing video games.

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