The Legend of Zelda franchise, a cornerstone of gaming history, has seen a remarkable resurgence on the Nintendo Switch. Since its 1986 NES debut, the series, chronicling Princess Zelda and Link's battles against Ganon, has consistently captivated players. The Switch, however, has propelled Zelda to unprecedented heights, thanks to the phenomenal success of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
With the recent release of Echoes of Wisdom, now's the perfect time to revisit the Switch's impressive Zelda library. While future titles remain unannounced, the upcoming Switch 2 promises even more Hyrule adventures. Let's explore the eight Zelda games currently available on the Nintendo Switch:
Eight Zelda Titles on Nintendo Switch:
This list excludes games accessible via Nintendo Switch Online.
Chronological Release Order:
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
A groundbreaking open-world adventure, Breath of the Wild redefined Zelda gameplay. Link awakens after a century-long slumber to confront Calamity Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda. Its unparalleled freedom of exploration set a new standard.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
2. Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition (2018)
This action-packed hack-and-slash title, originally a Wii U release, features characters from across the Zelda universe. The Definitive Edition on Switch includes all content from the original, plus Breath of the Wild-inspired costumes.
Read our review of Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition.
3. Cadence of Hyrule (2019)
A unique collaboration, Cadence of Hyrule blends the rhythm-based gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the Zelda universe. Its captivating soundtrack and pixel art style make it a memorable experience.
Read our review of Cadence of Hyrule.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019)
A charming remake of the classic Game Boy title, Link's Awakening sends Link to Koholint Island to unravel the mystery of the Wind Fish. This remake offers a definitive experience of this unique Zelda adventure.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
5. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020)
A prequel to Breath of the Wild, Age of Calamity delves into the events 100 years prior. Play as your favorite Breath of the Wild characters in this expansive action game.
Read our review of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (2021)
This remastered version of the Wii classic features both motion controls and a traditional button-only control scheme. Explore the origins of the Master Sword in this early installment of the Zelda timeline.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)
A direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom expands the gameplay to include aerial and subterranean exploration. This massive adventure offers hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024)
The latest addition to the Switch lineup, Echoes of Wisdom, offers a unique take on the Zelda formula. This full-fledged adventure features Princess Zelda as the protagonist.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack:
The Expansion Pack offers access to a wider selection of classic Zelda titles.
Future of Zelda on Switch:
Echoes of Wisdom likely marks the final Zelda release before the Switch 2 launch. While backwards compatibility details are still emerging, players can anticipate continued Zelda adventures on the new console. A live-action Zelda film is also in the works.
