The Legend of Zelda News
November2016
News Composer Koji Kondo Talks Super Mario And Zelda In Freshly Translated 2001 Interview
"The jumping sound was even used on a TV quiz show"
Some of Nintendo's most iconic tunes were created by Koji Kondo, making the Japanese composer one of the most listened-to artists in the world - even if people don't necessarily know his name. A 2001 interview with Kondo - taken from Game Maestro Vol. 3 - has been freshly translated into English...
October2016
News Take A Look Inside Nintendo's Vintage Hardware Storage Room
Minty fresh
As part of Nintendo's celebration of the original release of The Legend of Zelda 30 years ago in 1986, the company is posting a series of features on its Japanese site, the latest of which gives a tantalising glimpse into one of the most interesting rooms in its Kyoto HQ. Packed with mint and boxed Famicom consoles,
September2016
Video This Studio Ghibli-Inspired Zelda Trailer Is Just Too Perfect
It's dangerous to dream alone
While every Zelda fan on the planet probably has different aspirations for a Zelda movie, it's fair to say that were Nintendo to make one it would generate an awful lot of interest - even more so if famed anime company Studio Ghibli was involved. Studio Ghibli is Japan's Disney, with a whopping eight of company's films...
News Warp in The Legend of Zelda Opens Up Ability to Beat the Game in Under 3 Minutes
Link's in a hurry
Speedrunning takes various forms, especially in the retro scene. Some seek to make 'pure' runs as quickly as possible, while others exploit loopholes in game code to find shortcuts and warps that drastically cut a run's time. A recent discovered for The Legend of Zelda on the Famicom Disk System is in the latter category, and in...
May2016
News The Legend of Zelda and Sonic the Hedgehog Are Inducted Into the World Video Game Hall of Fame
Pokémon Red & Green miss out this time
In 2015 Super Mario Bros. and Tetris were among the first games to be inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. A "committee of journalists, scholars and video game industry members" takes on the annual task of choosing games "recognized for their iconic status, longevity, geographical reach and...
April2016
News Nintendo Shuts Down Browser-Based '3D' Legend of Zelda Demo
"We're sad about that, but we get it"
Whenever a particularly neat Nintendo-based fan project arrives the dilemma is obvious - creators naturally want plenty of people to check them out, but attention increases the odds of a Nintendo takedown. Unfortunately that's happened to a rather clever voxel-based Legend of Zelda demo. Over at...
News A 24-karat gold-plated NES-playing system can be yours for $4,999
If you need something to play Wall Street Kid on
Watches. Roses. Silver medals. Things just rise to a new level of opulent superiority when they're plated in gold. And if you prefer your NES and Famicom games to be played among the top 1 percent of ways, there's a limited edition gold-plated system for you. Analogue, the company that previously...
News Here's A 3D Classics Version Of Zelda You Can Play In Your Web Browser
The stuff of legends
The Legend of Zelda turns 30 this year, and Nintendo has its own plans in place to celebrate this momentous milestone. However, some fans have the same idea, such as "Scott" and "Mike", the mysterious guys behind an amazing browser-based replication of the title that started it all on the Famicom / NES. Visiting...
February2016
News Merchoid Has The Perfect Clothing To Celebrate Zelda's 30th
For the Link (or Linkle) in your life
This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, and online retailer Merchoid has announced that it is offering some officially licensed hoodies that are fit for the Hero of Time. These hoodies are available for both men and women and are designed to replicate Link's outfit - they even feature a...
December2015
Video Check Out This Substantial Breakdown of The Legend of Zelda
Delving into the detail
Though we didn't have a full new Legend of Zelda adventure to enjoy this festive season - unless you just started Tri Force Heroes - such is the depth and history of the franchise that there are plenty of titles to take on when on holiday. It's one of Nintendo's most treasured IPs, and a definitive part of pop-culture around...
June2015
News The Nintendo World Championships Legend of Zelda Challenge Has Been Detailed
Thor Aackerlund and Jeff Hansen to be guests of honour
The Nintendo World Championships are now just two days away, and details around the live event continue to be revealed. The latest batch of information from Nintendo of America relates to one of the game events and some welcome special guests that will feature. First of all, details have been...
Pre-show broadcasts also promised
Following the past weekend's Nintendo World Championship's qualifiers, Nintendo of America has used its quirky Nintendo Direct Micro and subsequent details to flesh out the final event that's taking place in LA on 14th June. For starters, the big event will be at 3pm Pacific time on 14th June, which is 6pm Eastern...
May2015
Video Take A Look At The Evolution Of Fairies In The Legend Of Zelda Series
Fairy impressive
Since the original Legend of Zelda was released on the NES in 1986, fairies have been an integral part of the series. In each iteration, these fairies have always shared common traits; with the ability to rejuvenate, enhance and often provide vital words of wisdom to the hero, Link. YouTuber – MasterOfHyrule – has payed tribute...
March2015
Video This Recreation of The Legend of Zelda in Minecraft is Something to Behold
Legendary
The absence of Minecraft on Nintendo systems will likely be looked back upon as a major 'what-if' in years to come. It's arrived on practically every other gaming platform, and various other attempts at the genre have since been announced by Indie studios aiming to fill a gap. While you can keep major releases from Nintendo fans, you...
February2015
News More Zelda and Mario-styled Games Coming to Tabletops Near You
The Legend of Yahtzee
Classic games games with Nintendo skins are nothing new, even if we are still waiting for Wii Fit Twister. In the meantime, game company USAopoly is releasing two more themed titles to stack next to your Monopoly and chess sets. First off the line, according to pop culture site ICv2, is TacDex: Super Mario. This title is said...
January2015
Weirdness Legendary Composer Koji Kondo Drew Inspiration From '70s Rock Bands
Smoke on the water
It's always interesting to see the progression and evolution of music through history. Most genres start out small, but have far-reaching impact; with later entrants refining and perfecting the old sound until it is nearly flawless. As any musician could attest to, inspiration is a key factor to the formation of new music - it is...
News Second Week of Throwback Sale Goes Live on North American eShop
Six more classics to add to your collection
This week's big Wii retail game making its way to the Wii U eShop in North America is none other than Punch-Out!! Launching at 50% off the regular price, the revamped classic brings along with it the next wave of Throwback Sales across both NA eShops. These deals will be available until the next update on...
November2014
News Dark Link's Sword to Be Given Away During Desert Bus Marathon
An evil sword for a good cause
A little more than a year ago, we posted an eBay find of a well-designed Master Sword replica. Since that auction (which ended at $935, by the way), the creator has forged on with new blades and projects--one of which can be yours for a lucky donation. The
September2014
News September's Club Nintendo Reward Details Are Confirmed
Another eight games after your coins
It's that time again, as Club Nintendo in North America has updated its rewards for September; once again there are eight downloads that you can pick up with some hard earned coins. This batch follows the same trend as the August equivalent, with six Virtual Console games and two DSiWare titles; the eight...
Nintendo Download 4th September (Europe)
Cubemen, Xtreme Mega Man, Gargoyle's Quest II, Zelda discounts and more
It's Monday, which means it's Nintendo Download Update news for Europe. There are quite a few offerings on the way this week, with games on both Wii U and 3DS along with a rather good DSiWare app; in addition there are a host of Zelda-themed discounts, joined by some other price...
July2014
Nintendo Download 24th July (Europe)
A Sen'SeY, Master Reboot, Siesta Fiesta, Mega Man, discounts and more
It's Monday morning, which means it's time for the European Nintendo Download Update, and the latest line-up certainly starts off our week with a bang. There are three promising new titles on the Wii U eShop, an equally tempting and colourful release on the 3DS eShop, three Mega...
Poll Which Is The Best Legend Of Zelda Game?
Hookshot your vote in
The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises, and has arguably been responsible for some of the best video games ever created. Since the launch of the original game back in 1986, we've seen the series move from 2D to 3D with assured competence, and this year we'll see a crossover release — in the shape of...
News The Zeldathon Adventure Kicks Off This Week To Raise a Whole Lot of Rupees
Link to the Cash
While the majority of us play games simply for entertainment or perhaps because it's our biggest hobby, some groups use that passion to set world records, enter competitions or, in the case of Zeldathon, try and raise a lot of cash for charity. The Zeldathon Adventure kicks off on 10th July and will be the 12th fundraiser from the...
April2014
News This Legend of Zelda NES Demake Allows You to Experience Link's Most Basic Quest Yet
Save Hyrule block by block
The original Legend of Zelda may seem like a very simple game compared to today's super-duper HD titles, but it's surprisingly deep despite its 8-bit exterior. If you don't believe us, then you may want to check out a recent demake of the game which proves just how much simpler it can get. Created by developer Ben Purdy...
February2014
Weirdness You Can Now Play Zelda Really Badly on Twitch
Struggles to Link players together
In recent days you may have seen us directing your attention to TwitchPlaysPokémon and the mayhem it's caused, attracting tens of thousands of gamers at once. It may be a chaotic mess, in practice, but it's hit a nerve and, for those invested in the idea, become a highly enjoyable hobby. As it's the Flappy Bird...
Video The Legend of Zelda Brings the Epic in Oculus Rift
This whole 3D Zelda thing could really catch on...
Have you ever wanted to be Link? To really see through his eyes and experience his realities for an entire adventure: traversing, exploring, swordfighting, tights management? OK, maybe not the last one. Thanks to Oculus Rift, the concept of first-person Link is being realized; at least for the...
January2014
Weirdness Alex Kidd Infiltrates The Legend Of Zelda, With Disastrous Results
Crossover chaos
Before Sonic the Hedgehog sped onto the scene, Alex Kidd was Sega's undisputed mascot, appearing in a host of Master System adventures — as well as a single 16-bit outing — and attempting to challenge Nintendo's Mario in the sphere of platforming goodness. Since being ousted by the blue hedgehog, Alex Kidd has wandered in the...
December2013
News Nintendo Is The Company That Made Me Love Gaming, Says Zelda Williams
"I can’t imagine a gaming world without Nintendo"
Zelda Williams is a famous and very talented actress in her right, but seeing as this is a Nintendo site read by Nintendo fans, there's a good chance many of you know her best from the recent Zelda adverts she starred in with her dad, Robin Williams. (He's pretty famous too, so we hear.) Williams...
November2013
Weirdness Drink Your Troubles Away With This Nintendo Flask
Non alcoholic beverages are an option, of course
Retro gaming and whiskey, does it mix? One inventor on Kickstarter thought so. Matt Cornell describes himself as a passionate gamer and one who is lucky to have been raised alongside the video game industry as it has developed. Now he is repaying it with a throwback to the legends he was raised on...
Nintendo Download 14th November (North America)
Mario & Sonic, cheaper Zelda, busty brawling and much more
The Nintendo Download news has come in later than usual today, and no wonder. It's another lengthy list to get through this week, with some major retail releases joining a host of download-only options. With further preamble, let's get to it. Wii U Virtual Console: Uncharted Waters: New...
News Nintendo of America Launches Weekly eShop Price Promotions
This week is all about the Zelda franchise
While many announcements in today's regional Nintendo Direct broadcasts were largely similar in both North America and Europe, one promotion confirmed by Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime may make some European gamers jealous. It's been confirmed that there'll be weekly eShop promotions covering the...
October2013
News Overlay Gives an Old NES Controller Some New Zelda Sleekness
Wii U isn't the only one who looks good in black and gold
Have you been hearing this strange, quiet sighing noise ever since you got your limited edition Zelda Wii U bundle? It's probably coming from your old NES controller, wistfully eyeing that totally dope, gold-emblazoned GamePad and wishing it could have been as radically awesome in its day...
News Club Nintendo Rewards are Updated for October
Karting! Zelda! Other Things!
Sometimes Club Nintendo sure takes its sweet time, waiting a whole day after the expiry of the last month's game rewards before dishing out a new set. The lovely people behind good old CN in North America may be cheeky scamps, but they have now updated the offerings over which you can mull. This time around we have two...
August2013
Nintendo Download 29th August (North America)
Pokémon get rumbling, Rayman and Zelda get legendary, Wario and more
It's that time again, North America, as more downloadable goodies arrive on the Wii U and 3DS eShop platforms. There's a new Nintendo-published Wii U eShop title, a return to legendary beginnings and an all new legend with Rayman, while Wario and a discount grace the 3DS. Check...
Nintendo Download 29th August (Europe)
Legendary Zelda and Rayman tales are told, Ninja-tough NES action and more
Another Monday is brightened up by the Nintendo Download Update that brings a mix of Wii U and 3DS titles, while a DSiWare release also sneaks in. It's a true mix of the old and new once again, so let's get to the details. Wii U Virtual Console: The Legend of Zelda...
April2013
News New Zelda Documentary Seeks To Explain The Cultural Significance Of The Series
$50,000 of Kickstarter funding required
Film-maker Joe Granato has taken to Kickstarter to fund a documentary which aims to explain the "ubiquity and cultural influence of the Legend of Zelda game franchise". It's Dangerous To Go Alone...The Movie will "examine the pervasive fascination for 8-bit gaming beyond nostalgia," according to Granato. "It...
March2013
News Legend Of Zelda Hacked To Make Zelda The Hero
Well her name is in the title, after all
Recently, we saw Pauline switch roles with one-time romantic attachment Mario, and now it's the turn of Hyrule's most celebrated couple to change places. Animator Kenna W. decided to mod The Legend of Zelda to realise one of her childhood dreams — to get to play as the titular princess: For me, I played...
November2012
News The Legend of Zelda's Link Was Inspired By Walt Disney's Peter Pan
From one green hero to another
Clad in green garments, sporting a pointy hat and defined by elf-like ears, you'd think we were talking about Hyrule's hero - Link. Wrong. We have Peter Pan in mind, the protagonist from one of Walt Disney's most famous animated productions, who became an inspiration for the The Legend of Zelda's main character. In an...
October2012
News This Custom Zelda Shield Is Possibly The Best Use of Lego Yet
Block buster
When we were kids, we tried to create all manner of things out of Lego, most of which turned out to be disappointingly dissimilar from the intended design. That's clearly not something that Reddit user remig ever has to worry about - as this amazing Hylian Shield attests. Constructed from Lego parts costing around $1500, this amazing...
September2012
News New Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Tour Dates Are Music to Our Ears
Fresh North American dates confirmed
Nintendo has confirmed more North American dates for its successful The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Tour. To mark the occasion, the Nintendo World store in New York is hosting a series of special events on Friday 14th September, including the chance to pose with Zelda cosplayer Li "PikminLink"...
August2012
News The Wild West Meets Zelda In A Fist Full of Rupees
Amazing Hyrule and Spaghetti Western Mash-Up Hits YouTube
There was a time when YouTube was the sole preserve of low-grade amateur videos and footage of amusing pets performing inane stunts, but with millions of dollars being pumped into original programming on the service, we're starting to see the kind of content which rivals what we're viewing on...
News The Legend of Zelda Prototype Cart Sells For $55,000
One third of the Triforce price
Earlier this week we told you about a The Legend of Zelda prototype cart for sale on eBay, with the seller establishing a target price of $150,000. A sale has now been made for a handsome sum, but it's ultimately just over a third of that target price. According to examiner.com, $55,000 is a record total for a...
July2012
News Legend of Zelda Prototype Cartridge Posted on eBay
Yours for just $150,000
When it comes to online purchases, you're unlikely to find any other website with quite the same variety as eBay. You can quite easily buy some custom made birthday cards for a few dollars, or a rare prototype The Legend of Zelda cartridge for just $150,000, which is the price of a small house or expensive sports car. The...
Nintendo Download 5th July 2012 (North America)
8-bit summer starts
Nintendo of America kicks off its 8-bit Summer campaign this week with new 3DS Virtual Console games, plus there's a new Wii Virtual Console game and some eShop games too. 3DS Virtual Console: The Legend of Zelda (NES, Nintendo, $4.99, 49 blocks) — This game surely needs no introduction. See where it all started for Link and...
April2012
Nintendo Download 12th April 2012 (Europe)
Zelda and Super Street Fighter II
Two venerable classics come to Nintendo's various Virtual Consoles this week, but both bear a few interesting tweaks. Here's what Europe can download later on in the week. 3DS Virtual Console: The Legend of Zelda (NES, Nintendo, £4.50/€5, 54 blocks) — The original title comes to non-Ambassadors, complete with...
December2011
News First NES Game Hits 3DS Virtual Console in Japan Today
It's Zelda
Japanese 3DS owners can now download The Legend of Zelda for Virtual Console for 500 Yen. It's the first of the 3DS Ambassador games to be sold on the service, and goes for around £4/€6.40. The game now comes with a digital manual and a new VC menu that offers improved save and suspend features. We'll update you when we know more about...
Feature Memorable Zelda Moments
The wonderful world of Hyrule, and beyond
The Legend of Zelda is one of the best loved Nintendo franchises, over 25 years old and still finding new ways to thrill gamers. The significant number of Zelda releases means it boasts an incredible history and reputation, with each new entry’s adventure contributing its part to the lore of the series...
September2011
News You're Not Alone in Finding the First Zelda So Hard
So does Eiji Aonuma
The re-release of Legend of Zelda as part of the 3DS Ambassador program has reminded gamers just how hard Link's first outing is. If you haven't finished it yet, don't give yourself a hard time about it: neither has series producer Eiji Aonuma. In a recent interview with Game Informer, Aonuma revealed to this day he has never...
August2011
News Zelda Anniversary Site Launches, Has Awesome Wallpaper
Pick your favourite
The Zelda 25th anniversary celebrations are in full swing now, what with the Zelda symphony London tickets on sale now, and Nintendo has just launched an official website for the shindig too. There's a graphical depiction of how Link's design has changed over the years, along with links to all his main-series appearances to date:...
June2011
News There Will Be No Zelda 25th Anniversary Collection
Good news, bad news?
Nintendo is celebrating 25 years since the very first Legend of Zelda, but whereas last year the company celebrated Mario's quarter-century with the much-maligned Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary Edition, the Hero of Time will receive no such compendium. According to the latest Japanese Iwata Asks article (via Nintendo...
