The Missing Links: Zelda Games Absent from the Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch has become a haven for Zelda fans, offering a diverse collection of adventures featuring Link, Zelda, and Hyrule. However, despite the impressive library available, several key Zelda titles remain conspicuously absent from the platform.
Directly answering the question, “What Zelda games are not available on Switch?” reveals a surprising number of omissions. As of today, the following mainline and significant spin-off Zelda games are not natively playable on the Nintendo Switch:
- The Legend of Zelda (NES): While available through Nintendo Switch Online, it’s an emulated version, not a dedicated Switch release.
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES): Same as above, available only through Nintendo Switch Online emulation.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES): Available only through Nintendo Switch Online emulation.
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Game Boy): The remake is available on the Switch. We are talking about the original Game Boy version.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64): Available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, but not as a standalone Switch release.
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Nintendo 64): Available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, but not as a standalone Switch release.
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Ages (Game Boy Color): These are unavailable in any form on the Switch.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube): The HD version is available on Wii U but not on the Switch.
- The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (GameCube): This multiplayer-focused title is completely absent from the Switch.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Game Boy Advance): Currently unavailable on the Switch.
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (GameCube/Wii): The HD version is available on Wii U but not on the Switch.
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Nintendo DS): This touch-based adventure remains unavailable on the Switch.
- The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo DS): Like Phantom Hourglass, this DS Zelda is also missing.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (Nintendo 3DS): A direct sequel to A Link to the Past, but not on Switch.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (Nintendo 3DS): This multiplayer-focused title is absent from the Switch.
While some of these games are available through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service (emulated versions), they are not available as standalone, potentially enhanced, Switch releases. The absence of others, particularly Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD, is a sore point for many Zelda fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Missing Zelda Games on Switch
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore the reasons and implications of these missing Zelda titles.
Why aren’t all Zelda games available on the Nintendo Switch?
Many factors contribute to this. Licensing issues, development costs for porting or remastering, and Nintendo’s strategic decisions about game release schedules all play a role. Some games might also require significant control scheme adjustments to work well on the Switch.
Will Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD ever come to the Switch?
This is the million-dollar question. While there’s no official confirmation, persistent rumors and strong fan demand make it a likely possibility. Nintendo is aware of the desire for these titles.
Is it possible to play these missing Zelda games on the Switch through other means?
Technically, yes, through emulation, but that requires circumventing Nintendo’s official channels and may involve legal and ethical concerns. We cannot endorse or support such methods.
Why is Nintendo holding back these games?
Nintendo might be strategically releasing these games to maintain interest in the Zelda franchise and to have key titles available for future console releases. They might also be working on more substantial remakes or remasters that take time to develop.
What’s the difference between a port, a remake, and a remaster?
A port is a direct transfer of a game to a new platform with minimal changes. A remaster updates the game’s graphics and audio, but the core gameplay remains the same. A remake is a complete rebuild of the game from the ground up, often with significant changes to gameplay and story.
Is Nintendo Switch Online a good substitute for having these games available individually?
Nintendo Switch Online offers access to a selection of classic Zelda titles, but it’s not a perfect substitute. The emulation quality can vary, and the games are only available as part of a subscription service.
Could control schemes be a factor in why some games aren’t on Switch?
Absolutely. Games like Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, which heavily rely on the Nintendo DS’s touch screen, would require significant control scheme revisions to work effectively on the Switch. This adds development complexity.
What about the Oracle games (Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages)?
The Oracle games are beloved Game Boy Color titles, and their absence is puzzling. Perhaps Nintendo is considering a remake or remaster, or they may be waiting for a suitable opportunity to release them on Nintendo Switch Online.
Are there any fan-made projects attempting to bring these games to the Switch?
While fan-made projects exist, they are often subject to legal challenges from Nintendo. Distributing copyrighted material without permission is illegal.
Does the Games Learning Society have any resources on Zelda games and education?
Yes! The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explores the educational potential of video games, including the Zelda series. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for articles, research, and discussions on how games like Zelda can foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
Are there any rumors of a new Zelda collection coming to the Switch?
Rumors frequently circulate regarding a potential Zelda collection similar to Super Mario 3D All-Stars. However, there’s been no official announcement from Nintendo. These rumors often involve Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD.
Why hasn’t Nintendo released a Virtual Console on the Switch?
The Nintendo Switch Online service effectively serves as a replacement for the Virtual Console, offering a curated selection of classic games through a subscription model.
Is there any hope for Four Swords Adventures to come to the Switch?
Four Swords Adventures presents a unique challenge due to its multiplayer focus requiring multiple Game Boy Advances connected to a GameCube. Replicating this experience on the Switch would require creative solutions, such as online multiplayer or local wireless play with multiple Switch consoles.
Could the success of Link’s Awakening remake influence Nintendo’s decision to remake other Zelda games?
Yes, the positive reception and sales of the Link’s Awakening remake likely encourage Nintendo to consider remaking other classic Zelda titles in a similar style. This could be a factor in why we haven’t seen some of these titles yet. They could be in development!
What’s the most requested missing Zelda game on the Switch?
Based on online discussions and polls, Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD consistently top the list of most requested missing Zelda games on the Nintendo Switch.
The absence of these Zelda games from the Nintendo Switch is a complex issue with no single explanation. While Nintendo Switch Online offers some relief, the demand for standalone releases and enhanced versions of these classic adventures remains strong. Only time will tell which of these missing links will eventually find their way to the Switch.