The Best Legend Of Zelda Games To Play On Nintendo Switch 2

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Summary

  • Zelda games on Switch 2 have improved graphics and gameplay, making it the definitive way to experience these classics.
  • Echoes of Wisdom and Link’s Awakening run smoother on Switch 2 with better performance and visuals.
  • Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2 offer upgraded visuals, smoother frame rates, and enhanced gameplay.

Even though some well-known Nintendo series are gradually transitioning to their latest platform, the Legend of Zelda series boasts a wealth of engaging titles that are already accessible on the Switch 2 for enthusiasts to explore. Due to its enhanced hardware, numerous Zelda games designed for the initial Switch now perform and appear superior on this new console hybrid, making it an ideal choice for those seeking optimal performance from these top-notch games.

Besides the existing choices, Nintendo Switch Online expansion has enabled Nintendo to present an impressive lineup of “The Legend of Zelda” games for both novice and veteran enthusiasts. At the moment, these are the top Zelda games you should consider playing on your Switch, arranged based on their performance on the platform and overall quality.

Not only do you have plenty of options, but with Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo offers a wide variety of “The Legend of Zelda” games for both beginners and veterans. Here are the best Zelda games to play on your Switch at the moment, ranked based on how well they run on the system and their overall quality.

8. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

An Epic Adventure Featuring Great Dungeons And A Refined Control Scheme

Initially released in 2011, the game The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword showed a lot of promise, yet its motion controls, which some found cumbersome, detracted from the gaming experience enjoyed by many. Fortunately, Nintendo recognized this issue and made improvements to the control system for the Switch version. Now, players can opt for motion-controlled sword swings, but the movements feel much smoother due to the responsive Joycons, particularly those designed for the upcoming Switch 2 model.

Regarding its content, “Skyward Sword” offers an engaging narrative, charming characters, and some of the finest dungeons across the series, striking a balance between being challenging yet never irritating. While it might seem somewhat linear compared to modern games, and certain environments may become repetitive towards the end, these are minor issues in the grand scheme of an otherwise excellent game that’s now playable on the Switch 2.

7. The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Experience One Of The Classics On Brand-New Hardware

Despite sharing many similarities with its precursor, Majora’s Mask, it adopts a more somber and grave visual style to distinguish itself. With the moon hurtling towards the planet, players are challenged to obtain masks, accumulate resources, and aid NPCs in an attempt to prevent the world from destruction. This results in a gripping and tense gameplay dynamic where Link is constantly engaged in various tasks.

You can play the original version of “Majora’s Mask” on Nintendo Switch Online. Although it retains the black borders around the screen, the game performs smoothly. This method is quite economical compared to other options. However, it’s unfortunate that players cannot directly purchase and own this classic game. Instead, it’s accessible only through a subscription service.

6. The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Switch 2 Online Owners Can Play The Vibrant GameCube Version Of This Iconic Entry

It appeared almost inevitable to followers of Zelda that The Wind Waker would eventually appear on Switch, but it didn’t turn out to be the case, at least not until the release of the Switch 2. When presenting the new GameCube library of games for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, the very first game unveiled was none other than The Wind Waker. It would have been delightful if this had been the HD version with all its quality-of-life upgrades, particularly the Swift Sail, but it seems probable that Nintendo is saving this for a future re-release.

Rather than being a new version, this is a direct port of the GameCube game that remains faithful to the original, which is praiseworthy given its classic status. Navigating vast oceans, stopping at islands, and delving into dungeons creates an irresistible gameplay cycle as players are always moving, uncovering new aspects of the world. Add to this the game’s imaginative visual style, a compelling narrative, and improved combat, and it’s no surprise that The Wind Waker enjoys such high regard within the Zelda community.

5. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

Nintendo Switch Online Subscribers Can Jump Back Into Link’s Most Well-Known Adventure While On The Go

In much the same vein as Majora’s Mask, you can now play The Ocarina of Time conveniently through the Nintendo Switch Online service. This offers a fantastic opportunity to experience this timeless masterpiece in today’s world. The game is filled with captivating elements, such as its enchanting soundtrack, extensive cast of characters, and immersive combat system. However, what truly sets it apart is how it seamlessly weaves together to create an epic sense of adventure that feels unparalleled.

Exploring every nook and cranny of Hyrule Field in Ocarina of Time gives the game a thrilling sense of anticipation for the open-world Zelda games that would emerge later. Often, it’s hailed as one of the early pioneers of 3D adventure gaming, though some elements may seem somewhat outdated. Nevertheless, playing this innovative title is a delight, as it played a significant role in catapulting Zelda into mainstream popularity.

4. The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

An Endlessly Charming Remake That Runs Much Smoother On Modern Hardware

For quite some time, it had been hard for fans of Zelda to enjoy the initial game that started the franchise because of its age and lack of accessibility. It was no surprise then, when they were ecstatic upon hearing that a complete remake of Link’s Awakening was coming to the Switch. With its adorable updated graphics and significantly enhanced gameplay mechanics, Link’s Awakening is a brief yet delightful journey and an absolute joy to experience.

The game progresses smoothly due to minimal unnecessary content, making each object and location significant to the plot, ensuring no time is wasted. Initially, the game was appreciated on the initial Switch, but it encountered some technical issues, like occasional frame rate fluctuations that affected immersion. However, in the remake, it runs consistently at 60 frames per second across all platforms, particularly shining on Nintendo’s latest system. With a larger screen for handheld mode, playing The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening on this platform offers an optimal experience.

3. The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom

Zelda’s Standalone Adventure Is A Modernized Homage To The Classics

It seems evident that in crafting the game “Echoes of Wisdom”, Nintendo drew inspiration to create a title that embodied the essence and charm of its predecessors while simultaneously offering something fresh and distinct for players to savor. Consequently, the game sports the same charming chibi art style and lively ambiance as the remake of “Link’s Awakening”. However, it also boasts intriguing gameplay elements, notably the Echo system, that are an absolute joy to experiment with.

As a gamer, I find that Zelda isn’t your typical fighter; instead, she has the unique ability to summon Echoes – versatile items that can be utilized in countless ways. For instance, if my health gets low, I can conjure up a bed for a quick rest, but when facing off against enemies, summoning a Bombfish or even another creature to do the fighting for me could be more beneficial. With over 120 Echoes available, there’s plenty of room for creative play, and while the original game on Switch struggled with maintaining a stable frame rate, the new Switch 2’s enhanced hardware resolves those issues completely, allowing players to experience the game as intended.

2. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Upgraded Visuals, 3D Sound, And Smoother Frame Rate On Switch 2

It seemed like the Zelda series was becoming a bit repetitive, but then came Breath of the Wild, shaking things up entirely. Instead of sticking with the traditional linear structure that many fans had grown accustomed to, this game delves wholeheartedly into the open-world genre. Once players emerge from the cave where Link begins his journey in the game, they are given free rein to explore Hyrule whenever they please. This freedom allows them to weave their own narrative while still following the main and sub-plots of the storyline.

On the original Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was already an impressive technical feat, but with the upgrade pack, it shines even brighter on Switch 2. In docked mode, it runs at a pristine 1440p resolution and a smooth 60 frames per second. Nintendo also added some minor enhancements to make the gameplay experience even smoother, such as quicker loading times. These improvements ensure players can dive into the action instantly without any interruptions.

1. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

The Ambitious Sequel Is One Of The Best Games Available For The Switch 2

In the original “Breath of the Wild,” Nintendo set a high bar, and they’ve aimed to surpass it with the sequel titled “Tears of the Kingdom.” Upon first look, Hyrule’s map might seem similar, but the inclusion of Sky Islands and the Depths hidden beneath the surface introduces numerous fresh territories to discover. This way, even longtime fans of “BotW” won’t find the game repetitive. The primary allure that attracted countless players is the array of new abilities Link can utilize in his journey, adding an exciting layer to his adventure.

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the captivating world of Hyrule, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible advancements made in “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” on the Switch 2. In the original “Breath of the Wild,” Link had these amazing abilities like Ultra Hand and Fuse that let him construct all sorts of structures, vehicles, and platforms using wild items, or enhance his weapons and shields to combat tough enemies. Back then, the game’s complexity sometimes caused it to stutter when initially released.

However, on the Switch 2, “Tears of the Kingdom” runs flawlessly, maintaining a smooth 60 frames per second even during intense moments when players are merging multiple items to craft an entirely new car or flying machine. The improvements made to this already exceptional game have solidified its status as the best “Legend of Zelda” experience on the Switch 2 so far.

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2025-07-04 11:54