Zelda’s Forgotten Gem: Could Link’s Crossbow Training Return for Switch 2?

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The Legend of Zelda series stands out among others for its rich and varied gameplay, consistently adapting and transforming with each new console generation. For example, while games like Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask on the N64 were quite similar, the subsequent GameCube release, The Wind Waker, represented a radical departure from the series’ traditional format.

Delving merely into the surface of the rich diversity found within the “Legend of Zelda” series reveals a treasure trove of handheld games and spin-offs. Many of these deviations steer the franchise in unique directions, and the Wii’s “Link’s Crossbow Training” is a prime example. This game presents an entirely different gaming experience compared to any previous “Zelda” title, making it a strong contender for an exceptional launch title on the potential Nintendo Switch 2.

A Link’s Crossbow Training Sequel Could Be a Great Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Title

Link’s Crossbow Training Showed The Potential of the Wii Zapper

Launched in North America in November 2007, “Link’s Crossbow Training” came as a bundled game for the Wii Zapper accessory, which served as an upgrade from Nintendo’s original NES Zapper light gun controller. Although the Wii Zapper was not necessarily a crucial additional item due to being just a plastic casing for the Wii Remote and Nunchuck, “Link’s Crossbow Training” made a strong effort to demonstrate that investing in the Wii Zapper was worthwhile.

In the same artistic style and featuring similar enemy designs as well as recurring locations from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Zelda’s Crossbow Training offered a collection of shooting gallery-style challenges. These challenges tasked players with aiming and firing at various targets, ranging from straightforward target practice stages to Defender levels where they had to defend against enemy waves while remaining stationary, and Ranger levels that allowed them to move Link around freely within an environment.

Link’s Crossbow Training was a brief game, requiring only an hour to finish and four hours to fully complete, with its gameplay being relatively simple. However, despite the simplicity, it was an enjoyable experience, and owning a Wii Zapper became more justifiable for early adopters due to this title.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Might Benefit From a Pack-In Game Like Link’s Crossbow Training

Instead of coming with a free game like the Wii and Wii U (Premium Edition) before it, the original Nintendo Switch didn’t include a pack-in game at its release. At that time, the former President of Nintendo of America, Reggie Fils-Aime, stated that this decision was made to keep the price of the Switch lower and to provide consumers with the freedom to choose their preferred launch day game.

However, due to a relatively limited selection of games at its launch (with exceptions like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and a few others), some early Nintendo Switch users found themselves purchasing 1-2 Switch on the first day. For these fans, it essentially became the default included game due to its focus on demonstrating the unique capabilities of the Joy-Con in a party game setting.

As I pen this down, the launch lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2 is still under wraps. However, it’s exciting to imagine the possibility of a comeback for the classic pack-in title, perhaps even a sequel to the beloved “Link’s Crossbow Training.” Such a game could provide an ideal setting to demonstrate the new capabilities of the console and its updated Joy-Cons.

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2025-01-18 20:05