As one of Nintendo’s flagship series, it’s not surprising that Nintendo Switch Online includes multiple installments of The Legend of Zelda. There are eight different Zelda games across four different consoles available on Nintendo Switch Online, going all the way back to the original NES. Though not comprehensive, this is a good sampling of early Zelda games for players to check out if they are only familiar with newer games. Older games like Link’s Awakening are also fun to compare side-by-side with their contemporary remakes.
Ranking Zelda games can be a little difficult for a few reasons. Unlike some game series, even the lower-tier Zelda games are stellar, so it isn’t as easy to pick a winner. Which game players like most will likely come down to some combination of which ones they played first, what elements of the series they like best, and their personal stylistic preferences. Though some games have to be put near the bottom here, it’s best to remember that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth playing. This is a very close race.
8 Zelda 2 Is The Black Sheep Of The Series
Zelda 2 Doesn’t Feel Like Zelda, But It’s Still Worth Playing
It’s pretty common for early games in a new series to not fully understand what made the first one so appealing. After the success of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link tried to expand on the first game by adding more RPG elements. Some of these elements were huge improvements to the series, like the addition of fleshed-out NPCs and important staples of the series like the Triforce of Courage. Other new elements weren’t as well-liked.
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Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Platform(s) Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, 3DS, Wii, Nintendo Wii UReleased December 1, 1988Developer(s) Nintendo R&D4One strange element of Zelda II is that the overworld functions more like one from a traditional RPG like the older Final Fantasy games. When Link encounters a monster or enters a dungeon, the game switches to side-scrolling Metroidvania-esque gameplay. The idea of shifting from top-down to side-scrolling did return to Zelda in games like Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom, but newer games knew to retain the classic Zelda style of exploration established in the first game.
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Though Zelda II isn’t necessarily a bad game, it’s sort of like looking into an alternate dimension where Zelda became more of a traditional JRPG. Had the series continued to move in that direction, many of the most beloved Zelda games probably wouldn’t have existed. That makes Zelda II feel sort of like a misstep before the series corrected course with A Link to the Past. Players looking for a classic Zelda experience therefore won’t get as much out of Zelda II as other games.
7 The Legend of Zelda Started It All
The First Game In The Series Is Fun But Dated
The Legend of Zelda for the NES kicked off the Zelda series and introduced a lot of key elements that would define it. Different dungeons, each with a unique item, and a boss battle at the end. This game also introduced some of Link’s mainstay items like his boomerang, bow, and bombs. Without the success of this game, players wouldn’t have any others to compare it against, and it deserves a lot of credit for starting one of gaming’s most successful franchises. This game also plays more like what players would expect from Zelda than Zelda II.
The original Legend of Zelda does feel somewhat antiquated now that it is nearly 40 years old.
With that being said, the original Legend of Zelda does feel somewhat antiquated now that it is nearly 40 years old. There isn’t as much of a story as players would expect from newer Zelda games, and dying in the overworld can be frustrating since it sends players back to where the game began. It feels closer to an arcade game than the nearly full-fledged role-playing games that the latest entries in the series have become. However, the game is still a lot of fun and any fan of the series should at least try where it started.
6 Link’s Awakening Is Quirky And Fun
Link’s Awakening Has One Of The Strangest Tones For A Zelda Game
Link’s Awakening is one of the stranger entries in the Zelda series. Similar to Majora’s Mask, it is one of the few installments to be set somewhere besides Hyrule, and it doesn’t include too many classic elements of the series, like Zelda or Ganon. However, unlike Zelda II, being different is a huge part of the appeal of Link’s Awakening.
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The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
Platform(s) Game Boy ColorReleased December 1, 1998Developer(s) Nintendo EAD See AlsoThe Adventure of Link – ZeldapendiumZelda II: The Adventure of LinkZelda II: The Adventure of LinkZelda II: The Adventure of Link – Ein schwarzes Schaf feiert seinen 35. GeburtstagThe tone of the game was inspired by Twin Peaks, which can be seen in the game’s surreal elements and off-beat NPCs. The game also includes some cameos by other Nintendo characters like Kirby and Yoshi, and some fourth wall breaks. These elements make Link’s Awakening an incredibly unique experience. One potential downside is that the version on Nintendo Switch Online is the recolored Link’s Awakening DX. While some players prefer this version because it is easier to distinguish objects from one another, the old-school colors look a little funky on the Switch.
5 Oracle of Ages And Seasons Are A Unique Duo Of Games
The Two Games Work Together As One
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons are essentially two halves of one large Zelda game. That isn’t to say they aren’t enjoyable on their own, but that the experience is enhanced if players play both. Finishing one game gives players a password to enter and begin a Linked playthrough in the other. Doing so adds some story changes to the second game played, making it essentially a sequel to the first and concluding both games’ narratives. Though these games can be played in either order, players recommend playing Ages first because Seasons can be harder.
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The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
Platform(s) Game Boy Color, 3DSReleased May 14, 2001Developer(s) Capcom, Nintendo -
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See AlsoZelda II: The Adventure of Link 
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The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
Platform(s) Game Boy ColorReleased May 14, 2001Developer(s) Capcom, Nintendo
The two games focus on two different quests in Hyrule’s sister countries, Ages takes place in Labrynna and Seasons in Holodrum. Ages focuses a bit more on puzzles and the story whereas Seasons has a heavier focus on action. This is why some players prefer to play Ages first, so they have an extra heart and weapon going into Seasons. Ages also only asks players to jump between two time periods, whereas Seasons requires switching between four seasons.
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Both games feature classic 2D Zelda gameplay, similar to A Link to the Past and the original Legend of Zelda. They benefit from being newer games in the series, which means they have more of Zelda’s signature personality and series staples like the friendly Zora or the Goron. They get a slight bump over Link’s Awakening since the stories of these games actually happened, and weren’t just a dream.
4 The Minish Cap Is Small But Impressive
The Minish Cap Is A Shorter Experience But No Less Fun
The Legend of Zelda games are great at taking game elements that might feel like a gimmick and using them so creatively and holistically that they create a wonderfully inventive gameplay experience. The Minish Cap is a great example of this. The game gives Link the ability to shift his size, which allows him to navigate around certain obstacles. However, when small, the entire world changes to accommodate Link’s new size. This makes every area essentially two different maps, and experiencing them from both vantage points never gets old.
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The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Platform(s) Game Boy AdvanceReleased January 10, 2005Developer(s) CapcomSee at Amazon
The Minish Cap also features a memorable multi-stage final boss fight against Vaati which serves as an epic capstone to the events of the game. If there is one downside to The Minish Cap, it’s the game’s length. It feels very short compared to other Zelda games, which can be disappointing given how fun it is. That said, it’s shorter length does make it an easy game to playthrough, and since players using Nintendo Switch Online aren’t paying for the game, it’s not as disappointing as it may have been originally.
3 Majora’s Mask Is One Of Zelda’s Most Memorable Outings
Majora’s Mask Has A Unique Tone And Mechanics
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask has no right to be as good as it is. The game was made in less than two years and reused a lot of assets from Ocarina of Time. However, the game does not feel like a rush job. In fact, its eerie atmosphere, intricate questlines, and time mechanics stand out as some of the series’ best work. This game doesn’t just rank among the best Zelda games on Nintendo Switch Online but is one of the best of the entire series.
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The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Platform(s) Nintendo 64, GameCubeReleased October 26, 2000Developer(s) Nintendo EADIf there’s one thing keeping The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask from the top spot, it’s the game’s 3DS remake. Frankly, it’s a little hard going back to the original after playing through the game with some major quality-of-life improvements and beautiful new graphics. If players want to experience the game on a larger screen and in its original form, it still plays great on the Switch, but they’ll still sorely miss the updating saving mechanics and Song of Double Time from the remake.
2 A Link To The Past Defined The Series
A Link To The Past Introduced Many Classic Zelda Elements
Because the Switch has two modes, docked and handheld, it only makes sense that there should be a top choice for each style of play. When choosing a Legend of Zelda game to play on the Switch in handheld form, A Link to the Past is probably the best option. A Link to the Past introduced many classic Zelda elements and provides a good mixture of fun and challenging gameplay. It’s also pretty long, making it a great choice to play on a long trip or in installments on a commute.
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Platform(s) SNES, Game Boy Advance, 3DSReleased April 13, 1992Developer(s) Nintendo EAD -
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords
Platform(s) Game Boy AdvanceReleased December 2, 2002Developer(s) Nintendo R&D2, Capcom
There are two ways to play A Link to the Past on Nintendo Switch Online, either the original SNES version or the Game Boy Advance version. Though they are largely similar, the GBA version can be a bit nicer to play since it made the infamous Ice Palace more manageable and allows players to begin the game in the exact place they saved it. That said, it’s nice that NSO offers both options, letting players experience the game in whichever way they prefer.
1 Ocarina of Time Is One Of The Best In The Series
The First 3D Zelda Game Remains One Of The Best
Like Majora’s Mask, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the series’ highlights. Unlike Majora’s Mask, playing OoT on the Switch doesn’t feel like as much of a drawback. While there was also an Ocarina of Time remake, the differences aren’t as noticeable (except for the Water Temple). Ocarina of Time is also more forgiving than Majora’s Mask since there isn’t a ticking-clock mechanic. This means fewer chances for frustration when the N64 controls don’t translate perfectly to the Switch because tasks aren’t all being timed.
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Platform(s) Nintendo 64, GameCubeReleased November 21, 1998Developer(s) NintendoOcarina of Time also has the distinction of being the first 3D Zelda game. Players who are new to the series would likely find it interesting to look at how this branch of the series started and see the influences Ocarina of Time still has on The Legend of Zelda series. The game also has some of the series’ most memorable dungeons, something newer Zelda games are seriously lacking.
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The Legend of Zelda
Movie(s) The Legend of Zelda (Live-Action)Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi TezukaUpcoming Films The Legend of Zelda (Live-Action)First TV Show The Legend of ZeldaFirst Episode Air Date September 8, 1989Cast Jonathan Potts, Cyndy PrestonCharacter(s) Link, Princess Zelda, GanonVideo Game(s) The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap , The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess , The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Hyrule Warriors, Hyrule Warriors Legends (3DS), Cadence of Hyrule, Hyrule Warriors: Age of CalamitySummary
The Legend of Zelda franchise follows the adventures of Link, an elf-like Hylian, and Princess Zelda as they protect the land of Hyrule from the evil warlord-turned-demon king Ganon. The series is known for its mix of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements, often revolving around the collection of the Triforce, a powerful relic left by the goddesses who created Hyrule. Each game features different incarnations of Link and Zelda, maintaining core elements while introducing new characters and settings.