The Legend of Zelda: A Nostalgic Journey on Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Zelda series has established its place as one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time. Since its debut on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, this beloved series has captivated gamers with its timeless stories of Princess Zelda and the hero Link, embarking on epic quests to save the land of Hyrule from the clutches of the villainous Ganon. While the series has always had a dedicated fanbase, it has reached new heights of popularity on the Nintendo Switch, with groundbreaking titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
A Look Back at Zelda Games on the Nintendo Switch
As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its life cycle, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the Zelda games that have graced the system. From 2017 to 2024, a total of seven Zelda titles were released on the Switch, including both mainline entries and spinoff games. Below, we have compiled a list of each Zelda game available on the Switch, along with any upcoming releases for the series.
The Complete Collection: All Zelda Games on Nintendo Switch
Here is a chronological order of all the Zelda games released on the Nintendo Switch:
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Breath of the Wild made its debut alongside the Nintendo Switch and revolutionized the Zelda series with its open-world gameplay. Players were free to explore the vast and stunning landscape of Hyrule, facing off against the ancient evil known as Calamity Ganon. This critically acclaimed title captured the hearts of players worldwide, making it a must-play for any Switch owner.
2. Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition (2018)
Originally released on the Wii U, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition brought its exhilarating hack-and-slash action to the Nintendo Switch. Featuring characters from various Zelda games, players could battle through countless hordes of enemies and experience the thrill of being a legendary hero.
3. Cadence of Hyrule (2019)
A unique collaboration between Brace Yourself Games and Nintendo, Cadence of Hyrule combined the rhythm-based gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the beloved world of The Legend of Zelda. Players could groove to the beat while taking on enemies and solving puzzles in this innovative spinoff.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019)
A delightful remake of the classic Game Boy title, Link’s Awakening took players on a charming adventure as Link found himself stranded on Koholint Island. This whimsical platformer offered a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and an entirely new adventure for newcomers to the series.
5. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020)
Set 100 years before the events of Breath of the Wild, Age of Calamity allowed players to witness the epic battle against Calamity Ganon. With a diverse roster of playable characters and intense battles, this action-packed title provided a deeper dive into the lore of the Zelda universe.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (2021)
Fans of the Wii classic were delighted by the remastered version of Skyward Sword. This epic tale took players on a journey through the clouds as Link fought to rescue his childhood friend Zelda. With updated graphics and control options, this HD version offered a fresh experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)
The most recent addition to the series, Tears of the Kingdom, has taken the gaming world by storm. Selling over 10 million copies in just three days, this highly anticipated title continues Link’s quest to save Princess Zelda from the resurrected Ganondorf. With an expansive and immersive world to explore, Tears of the Kingdom has solidified its place as the pinnacle of the Zelda series.
What’s Next for Zelda on Nintendo Switch?
As of now, there are no confirmed Zelda titles set to release on the Nintendo Switch in the near future. With the release of Tears of the Kingdom in 2023, it is likely that fans will have to wait for the next generation of Nintendo consoles, such as the rumored Nintendo Switch 2, to embark on a new Zelda adventure. Until then, players can enjoy the existing catalog of Zelda games on the Switch, as well as access a selection of older Zelda titles through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its life cycle, there are no confirmed Zelda titles set to release in the near future. Fans may have to wait for the next generation of Nintendo consoles to embark on a new Zelda adventure. In the meantime, players can enjoy the existing catalog of Zelda games on the Switch.