I remember reading somewhere that the VC version had some type of glitch. The said gamer stated that he was unable to store anymore items in his inventory, and it was somehow related to the shovel. Which made it impossible for him to progress any further in the game. Has anyone else come across this glitch while playing the VC version, or can someone at least confirm or disprove this glitch? I plan to download this game very soon, and I'd appreciate any troubleshooting info.

Here's a YouTube video which will explain in more detail. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_05-bV53oU

**Somewhat of a Spoiler Alert:** You use the shovel to get the flute and it will replace the shovel in your inventory.

Ok, so there's no further use for the shovel after discovering the flute? Also, are there any other uses for the shovel before discovering the flute?

Nothing necessary. You can use it to find Rupee's though, I think. There is a shovel mini-game where they give you the shovel to use also.

Yes in the SNES version of ALttP you lose the shovel after you get the flute. The only reason you would want the shovel is as Ryno said to dig up rupees and hearts. In the GBA version of ALttP you keep the shovel after you get the flute but again the only real use for it is to dig up rupees and hearts.

There are other ways to collect rupees and hearts without the shovel, right?

Yeah just kill bad guys or cut down bushes or smash pots etc.

Was getting the flute optional? It's been awhile since I've played ALttP, but I could have sworn I kept shovel to the end, and that one of its many uses was to dig up one of the Pieces of Heart.

The only piece of heart that you dig up is in the digging game where they give you a shovel to use to play the game. I believe you need the flute to reach one of the palace entrances but than again I can be wrong its been awhile since I played that game.

Tasuki is correct. The flute is necessary for reaching one of the dungeons while the shovel is not (except to get the flute). This isn't a glitch it's just the way the game works, your answer is actually in the youtube comments already.