Ranking Every Legend of Zelda Game Available on Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo’s iconic series, The Legend of Zelda, is a central feature of Nintendo Switch Online, showcasing a diverse collection of classic titles. Currently, players can explore eight distinct Zelda games from four different gaming consoles, harking back to the original NES. While this selection is not exhaustive, it offers an excellent opportunity for both newcomers and longtime fans to appreciate the franchise’s earlier installments. Notably, games like Link’s Awakening allow for intriguing comparisons with their modern remakes.

Ranking the Zelda titles can be quite challenging due to the series’ exceptional quality. Unlike many other franchises, even the less popular Zelda games offer unique and enjoyable experiences. Player preferences are often influenced by nostalgia, gameplay elements, and individual styles, making it a highly subjective ranking. While some games may find themselves at the lower end of the list, it’s important to appreciate that they still offer valuable gaming experiences, reflecting the series’ overall excellence.

8 Zelda II: The Black Sheep of the Series

Zelda II: A Different Experience, But Worth Playing

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link attempts to build upon the success of its predecessor by introducing RPG elements. This innovative approach led to the inclusion of memorable NPCs and the important Triforce of Courage. However, not all changes were well-received, leading to mixed reactions from fans.

A unique aspect of Zelda II is its overworld design, reminiscent of classic RPGs like the early Final Fantasy games. Each encounter with a foe or dungeon transition transforms the gameplay into a side-scrolling format akin to Metroid titles. While this mechanic featured in later games like Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom, the initial top-down exploration essence was retained in more recent entries.

Although Zelda II might divert from the core Zelda essence, it offers an alternative experience that could have drastically altered the series’ trajectory had more games followed its lead. For players seeking the quintessential Zelda experience, Zelda II may not be as rewarding as other titles.

7 The Legend of Zelda: The Original

Essential Yet Dated: The Original Adventure

The Legend of Zelda marked the inception of the beloved franchise, introducing key gameplay mechanics such as unique dungeons with distinct items and significant boss battles. Central tools like boomerangs, bows, and bombs made their debut, establishing bases for future installments. Nevertheless, players may find the nearly 40-year-old original game feeling somewhat antiquated today, with a less developed narrative compared to contemporary titles.

While its mechanics may appear rudimentary compared to newer releases, the sheer fun of exploration and discovery remains intact. As such, it’s highly recommended for fans of the series to experience the journey that sparked such a monumental legacy.

6 Link’s Awakening: A Unique Adventure

Link’s Awakening: Quirkiness At Its Finest

One of the most unconventional entries in the franchise, Link’s Awakening diverges from the typical Zelda formula. Drawing inspiration from shows like Twin Peaks, it offers players a whimsical narrative peppered with strange characters and surreal encounters, alongside guest appearances from other Nintendo icons like Kirby and Yoshi.

While the Nintendo Switch Online version features the enhanced color palette from Link’s Awakening DX, some gamers may prefer the original’s aesthetic, questioning whether this contemporary iteration captures the authentic essence of the beloved classic.

5 Oracle of Ages and Seasons: The Dynamic Duo

A Linked Narrative Experience

The combined experience of The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons forms a cohesive storytelling adventure. The challenge and enjoyment increase significantly when played in tandem; completing one game opens pathways to the next, offering unique alterations to the narrative flow. While both games can be enjoyed independently, the suggested play order is to start with Oracle of Ages, followed by Oracle of Seasons for the optimal challenge and experience.

Oracle of Ages emphasizes puzzle-solving and narrative depth.
Oracle of Seasons shifts the focus to action and combat.

Both installments leverage the classic 2D Zelda gameplay style familiar from the earlier entries in the series and carry forward the series’ engaging characteristics, creating an experience that feels authentic and interconnected within the series’ larger lore.

4 The Minish Cap: A Tiny Marvel

Small in Size, Big in Fun

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap showcases the franchise’s ability to creatively utilize game mechanics. By allowing Link to change size, players get to explore a world that transforms based on their scale. This innovative gameplay element leads to dynamic interactions with the environment, making exploration a delightful experience.

Moreover, the climactic multi-stage battle against the iconic Vaati delivers not just a challenging but satisfying conclusion to Link’s adventure. Despite its shorter length than other games in the series, The Minish Cap provides easily digestible fun, especially on Nintendo Switch Online, where players can dive in without additional financial commitment.

3 Majora’s Mask: A Distinctive Journey

Innovative Mechanics Coupled with Eerie Atmosphere

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask stands as one of the series’ most impressive creations, crafted in under two years with borrowed assets from Ocarina of Time. The finalized product, however, is a rich tapestry of atmospheric depth, intricate storytelling, and the captivating time management mechanic—a testament to the creativity and resilience of its developers.

Despite its brilliance, returning to the original version after playing the 3DS remake can prove challenging, as quality-of-life improvements significantly enhance the gameplay. Yet, Majora’s Mask on the Switch remains a mesmerizing experience, even if players may miss some of the conveniences introduced in later versions.

2 A Link to the Past: The Definitive Title

Foundation of Future Adventures

For Switch users, particularly in handheld mode, A Link to the Past emerges as a premier choice. This title introduced numerous classic elements that have become synonymous with the franchise, providing a captivating blend of intricate puzzles and exhilarating combat, along with an engaging length that suits both long sessions and short playtimes.

Available in both its original SNES format and enhanced Game Boy Advance version.
Players may favor the GBA version for its enhancements that ease gameplay challenges.

This availability allows gamers to experience the adventure in their preferred format, cementing A Link to the Past’s place as a landmark in the series.

1 Ocarina of Time: A Timeless Classic

The Game That Redefined 3D Gaming

As the first 3D title in the franchise, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time consistently ranks among the series’ finest. Unlike its counterpart, Majora’s Mask, Ocarina of Time transitions smoothly to the Switch without feeling out of place, thanks in part to some similar mechanics introduced in its later remake.

Marked by its rich storytelling, unforgettable dungeons, and an absence of real-time pressure—unlike the countdown elements found in other titles—Ocarina of Time remains accessible and enjoyable for new players exploring the origins of 3D Zelda. Its innovative mechanics and memorable encounters significantly influenced not just the franchise but the gaming industry as a whole.

For those interested in exploring the series’ roots or simply diving back into a beloved classic, Ocarina of Time remains a must-play title on Nintendo Switch.

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