I’ve been going back and forth on whether I want to get a Nintendo Switch 2, but as aLegend of Zeldafan there is one very compelling argument for getting the system. Similar to how the original Switch launched with its own version of the Wii U’sThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the Switch 2 is getting its own versions of theZeldatitles from the Switch. However, the Switch 2 takes things even further with its ability to runZeldatitles, which makes the console even more appealing to me.
This isn’t the Switch 2’s only selling point by any means.Mario Kart WorldandDonkey Kong Bananzalook like exciting new titles, and I’m interested to see how many games can use the new Game Share feature to play with friends. While apotential price hike due to tariffshas killed some of my enthusiasm, and the initial price tag was already higher than I’d have liked, I am still strongly considering the Switch 2. This is due in part tohow easy the console makes it to playThe Legend ofZeldagames.
The Switch 2 Will Be Able To Run Almost Every Zelda Game
Nintendo Switch Online And Backwards Compatibility Cover A Lot Of Games
The Switch 2 will be getting its own versions of Switch’s two mainZeldagames:Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom.Both theLink’s Awakeningremake andEchoes of Wisdomwill also be available through backwards compatibility, andNintendohas promised free updates to improve their playability. The Switch 2 will also be adding GameCube games to its Nintendo Switch Online catalog, whichincludesThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Add in theZeldagames already available on NSO’s other consoles, and you have almost every game in the series.You can see the full list below:
Now there are some notable exceptions here, most of which were originally handheld releases, likeThe Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, andSpirit Tracks.The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between WorldsandTriforce Heroesfrom the 3DS are also missing, as are the HD remakes from the 3DS, though the originals of those games are available.The Legend of Zelda:Twilight Princessis a major omission, but the Switch 2 still boasts quite a large roster ofZeldagames. As a big fan of the series, this is a huge appeal of the system for me.
Having (Nearly) Every Zelda On One Console Makes The Series Much Easier To Play
The Switch 2 Allows You To Play Most Zelda Games Without Swapping Between Consoles
As one of Nintendo’s longest-running series,The Legend of Zeldagames are naturally spread out across the company’s many consoles. Prior to things like the Virtual Console on the Wii U and now Nintendo Switch Online, playing olderZeldagames could be a major hassle. Consoles older than the Wii U can’t hook up to most modern TVs without a special adapter, and old handheld systems require either batteries or unique charging cables which may have been lost over the years. Having most of these games now in one place is a huge convenience for a fan of the whole series.
Getting a Switch 2 would allow me to play basically anyZeldagame I wanted without having to swap out consoles, or go digging around for old game cartridges. With recent news that physical games are slowly decaying, having digital versions of a game likeThe Wind Wakeris also a huge plus, since my disc will one day stop working. This is also very convenient for younger players who might not have hoarded physical copies of oldZeldagames like me, and don’t want to have to track down working versions of old consoles to play them.
The Switch 2’s New NSO Console Could Expand The Zelda Collection
The NSO GameCube Could Add A Few More Zelda Games
While there are still a few exclusions from the Switch 2’sZeldalineup, some of the more notable exceptions could still be added.The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Maskwasn’t initially available on Nintendo Switch Online’s N64, but was added later on.I’m sure we could see something similar happen with missingZeldagames on the GameCube, likeTwilight PrincessandFour Swords Adventure. I would love to see something likeOcarina of Time Master Quest get added too, since it was originally a pre-order bonus forWind Waker, and discs are hard to find.
I’m still holding out hope that, at some point, the Switch 2 will add Nintendo Switch Online consoles for the DS and 3DS, and complete theLegend of Zeldacollection entirely. I would love a chance to play theremake ofMajora’s Maskon the big screen, plus I misplaced my 3DS charger a while ago. Even without it, the Switch 2 has an impressive number of games from the series, making it a seriously tempting reason to pick up the console.
