Why is Link Right-Handed in Breath of the Wild? The Mystery Unveiled

The question of Link’s handedness has been a surprisingly contentious one among fans of The Legend of Zelda series. While the iconic hero was traditionally depicted as left-handed, the transition to 3D gaming and motion controls led to a notable shift. So, why exactly is Link right-handed in Breath of the Wild (BotW)? The answer, according to series producer Eiji Aonuma, is rooted in player interaction with the Wii U GamePad. The primary reason boils down to the design of the controller itself: the button used to initiate attacks, like swinging a sword or using a held item, is located on the right side of the GamePad. Nintendo’s decision was aimed at creating a more intuitive and natural experience for players, with Link’s sword arm mirroring the player’s dominant hand. This alignment intended to make the combat feel more connected, as players would naturally swing their right hand to press the button, and that movement would directly translate to Link’s actions on screen. While this made sense for the Wii U and the controller layout, it left some players questioning why the tradition of a left-handed hero was set aside. Let’s delve deeper into the history of Link’s handedness and explore other related questions.

The Handedness History of Link

Left-Handed Legacy

For much of the Zelda series’ history, Link was consistently depicted as left-handed. This depiction dates back to the earliest 2D games and persisted through many of the 3D installments. It was something that fans grew to expect and associate with the character. This consistent left-handedness was a subtle, yet distinctive, trait that added to Link’s unique personality. But the series’ direction changed when motion controls came into the picture.

The Wii Era Shift

The transition to the Wii console, with its innovative motion controls, brought about a significant change. The Wii Remote, designed for right-handed use, became the primary means of interaction with the game. In Twilight Princess for the Wii, Nintendo made a pivotal decision to mirror the game world, resulting in a right-handed Link. This move was made to align Link’s sword swings with the player’s motion, creating a more immersive and intuitive experience. In Skyward Sword, they stuck with a right-handed Link for the same reason. This shift, although controversial, was driven by technological considerations and the desire for a more natural gameplay feel. It was ultimately to create a more seamless connection between player and character.

Breath of the Wild and Muscle Memory

With the arrival of Breath of the Wild on the Wii U and subsequently on the Nintendo Switch, Link continued to be portrayed as right-handed. While the initial shift was due to controller layouts, there’s now an in-universe explanation for it. The argument used is that even after losing his memories before the events of Breath of the Wild, muscle memory explains why Link continues to wield his weapons with his right hand. This attempts to justify the change by linking it to the actions of the game. This reason, while somewhat practical, does not completely appease those who long for the return of a left-handed Link.

The Modern Era and Link’s Ambidexterity

While the games often depict Link using his right hand more often, there are references to his being ambidextrous. Some fans point to A Link to the Past as evidence that Link has not always been consistently left-handed. This, coupled with the fact that Link handles a variety of weapons in both hands within Tears of the Kingdom, suggest he is capable of using both hands effectively. This also adds to his versatility.

FAQs: Expanding on Link’s Handedness and More

Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about Link, delving deeper into the handedness debate and exploring other interesting aspects of the hero’s character:

1. Was Link originally left-handed?

Yes, for the majority of The Legend of Zelda series, Link was consistently portrayed as left-handed. This remained true until the introduction of motion controls on the Nintendo Wii, which prompted a shift for player convenience.

2. Why did they switch Link to right-handed for some games?

The change to right-handedness was primarily driven by the desire to align Link’s movements with the player’s dominant hand. The Wii’s motion controls, and later the right-hand button prompts on controllers, made it more intuitive for players to control a right-handed Link.

3. Is Link ambidextrous?

There is evidence to suggest that Link is ambidextrous. While he is often depicted using his right hand, he has used weapons effectively with both hands, and some older games have hinted at his ambidextrous nature.

4. Why is Link still right-handed in Tears of the Kingdom?

The explanation provided is that muscle memory accounts for why Link continues to use his right hand, even after losing his memories prior to the events of Breath of the Wild.

5. Why did Nintendo make Link left-handed in the first place?

There’s no definitive explanation as to why Link was originally left-handed. It was simply how he was portrayed in the early games. It’s become part of his iconic character.

6. Does Link ever talk?

Although Link doesn’t have dialogue in the traditional sense, he is not a truly silent protagonist. He makes interjections and grunts, and the games show he’s capable of speech within the game’s universe.

7. Was Link ever intended to be a girl?

While Link is a male character, the producers wanted him to be gender-neutral in the early games. This explains his androgynous appearance in certain games, as they wanted players to decide on Link’s gender.

8. Is Link in a romantic relationship with Zelda?

There’s no canon-confirmed romantic relationship between Link and Zelda. However, they are portrayed to have a deep and caring relationship, with each always supporting the other.

9. Has Link ever cried in any Zelda games?

It has been stated that Link never cries, particularly in Skyward Sword. This aspect reinforces his stoic and heroic nature.

10. Why is Link sometimes depicted as effeminate?

The androgynous look of Link is intentional. He is a male character, but the designers wanted him to be more gender-neutral, allowing players to interpret his gender in their own way.

11. Why does Link wear blue in Breath of the Wild?

The blue tunic is a symbol of Link’s role as a Champion, a select group of powerful warriors representing various races in Hyrule.

12. Why didn’t Link have a fairy in Ocarina of Time?

Link did have a fairy, Navi, in Ocarina of Time. Before that, it was explained that he didn’t have a fairy because he wasn’t a Kokiri, and the fairies bonded with Kokiri children. Link was in fact a Hylian.

13. What is Link’s full name?

Link does not have a last name. Nintendo has jokingly said his full name could be Link Link, in reference to Mario and Luigi’s “surname”.

14. Has Link ever kissed Zelda?

In The Adventure of Link, Link gets a kiss from Zelda after waking her up, but it is implied that she has just woken up.

15. Why is he named Link?

The name Link was chosen because he connects people and things, and because he is meant to spread energy throughout the world.

Conclusion

The handedness of Link in The Legend of Zelda series has been a long-running debate. The switch from left-handed to right-handed, most notably in Breath of the Wild, was driven by technological constraints and the desire to create a more natural and immersive gaming experience. While this decision might have disappointed some fans, it’s now a persistent aspect of the modern era of Zelda games. Link’s story continues to evolve, and while his dominant hand may have changed, his heroic spirit and legacy remain unchanged.