What Legend Of Zelda Games Are On 3DS? A Comprehensive Guide
The Nintendo 3DS, despite its successor’s immense popularity, remains a fantastic handheld console for Legend of Zelda fans. This guide provides a definitive list of what Legend of Zelda games are on 3DS, outlining each title available on the system and briefly discussing their unique features.
A Legacy of Adventure on a Portable Screen
The Nintendo 3DS library is surprisingly robust, containing not just original Zelda adventures crafted specifically for the system, but also remastered classics that benefit from the console’s 3D capabilities and dual-screen layout. This accessibility made it a phenomenal platform for experiencing some of the most beloved games in the franchise.
The Games Themselves: A Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive look at each Legend of Zelda game that can be played on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems:
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D: A stunning remake of the Nintendo 64 masterpiece. Improved graphics, smoother gameplay, and optional motion controls make this the definitive version for many.
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The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D: Another exceptional remake of an N64 classic. This version tackles the dark and time-looping narrative with improved visuals and a streamlined Bomber’s Notebook.
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds: An original 3DS title, serving as a spiritual successor to A Link to the Past. It introduces the wall-merging mechanic, adding a new dimension to exploration and puzzle-solving.
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The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes: A cooperative multiplayer adventure where three players team up to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. This entry emphasizes teamwork and communication.
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The Legend of Zelda: Originally released on the NES, this classic is available on the 3DS Virtual Console.
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The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX: Originally released on the Game Boy Color, this charming adventure is available on the 3DS Virtual Console.
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The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages: These interconnected Game Boy Color classics can be downloaded on the 3DS Virtual Console individually.
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Hyrule Warriors: Legends: A musou-style spin-off featuring characters and locations from across the Zelda universe. This game adds characters, stages, and story elements not found in the Wii U version.
Virtual Console: Expanding the Library
The Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console offers a convenient way to experience older titles from various platforms. Several Legend of Zelda games are available through this service, making them easily accessible on the go. These additions are key to answering what Legend of Zelda games are on 3DS.
Table: Legend of Zelda Games on 3DS
| Game Title | Platform of Origin | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D | Nintendo 64 | Physical & Digital | Remastered with improved graphics and controls. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D | Nintendo 64 | Physical & Digital | Remastered with improved graphics and streamlined gameplay. |
| The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds | Nintendo 3DS | Physical & Digital | Original 3DS title with innovative wall-merging mechanic. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes | Nintendo 3DS | Physical & Digital | Cooperative multiplayer adventure. |
| The Legend of Zelda | NES | Virtual Console (Digital Only) | Classic NES title. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX | Game Boy Color | Virtual Console (Digital Only) | Game Boy Color version, enhanced from the original Game Boy release. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons | Game Boy Color | Virtual Console (Digital Only) | One half of the interconnected Oracle games, focused on manipulating the seasons. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages | Game Boy Color | Virtual Console (Digital Only) | The other half of the interconnected Oracle games, focused on manipulating time. |
| Hyrule Warriors: Legends | Wii U | Physical & Digital | Musou-style spin-off with additional content. |
Optimizing Your 3DS Experience
Consider exploring the system’s settings to optimize your experience with these games. For example, the 3D effect can be adjusted or turned off if it strains your eyes. Experimenting with the various control schemes can also help you find what works best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breath of the Wild available on the 3DS?
No, Breath of the Wild is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch and Wii U. It was not released on the 3DS family of systems.
Can I play Hyrule Warriors: Legends on a regular Nintendo 3DS?
Yes, Hyrule Warriors: Legends can be played on a regular Nintendo 3DS. However, performance is significantly better on the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 2DS XL systems.
Are the Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages games connected?
Yes, the Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages games are designed to be played together. Completing one game will unlock a password or code that can be used in the other, leading to a true ending.
How does the 3D effect enhance the Ocarina of Time 3D and Majora’s Mask 3D remakes?
The 3D effect adds depth and immersion to the environments, making the world of Hyrule feel more alive. While optional, it offers a unique visual experience.
Are the Virtual Console Zelda games exactly the same as their original versions?
Mostly, yes. The Virtual Console versions are emulations of the original games. There may be minor differences in display or audio, but the core gameplay remains the same.
What is the difference between Hyrule Warriors: Legends and the original Hyrule Warriors on Wii U?
Hyrule Warriors: Legends includes additional characters, stages, and story elements not found in the original Wii U version. However, the Wii U version has better overall graphical fidelity.
Do I need a New Nintendo 3DS to play all the Zelda games on the system?
No, a New Nintendo 3DS is not required to play all the Zelda games on the system. However, Hyrule Warriors: Legends performs significantly better on the New Nintendo 3DS due to its increased processing power.
Are there any Legend of Zelda spin-off games besides Hyrule Warriors: Legends on 3DS?
While there aren’t any other traditional spin-offs, Tri Force Heroes is a unique multiplayer experience that deviates from the typical Zelda formula.
Where can I purchase digital Legend of Zelda games for the 3DS?
Digital Legend of Zelda games can be purchased from the Nintendo eShop on your 3DS system.
Are the physical versions of Ocarina of Time 3D, Majora’s Mask 3D, A Link Between Worlds, and Tri Force Heroes still readily available?
While availability can vary, physical copies of these games are generally available through online retailers and used game stores. New copies may be harder to find, but used copies are plentiful.
What is the best Legend of Zelda game on the 3DS?
This is subjective, but Ocarina of Time 3D and A Link Between Worlds are widely considered to be among the best. Majora’s Mask 3D is also a strong contender.
Is it worth buying a 3DS just to play these Zelda games?
If you are a big fan of The Legend of Zelda, and the games listed above are appealing to you, then buying a used 3DS system to play them could be a worthwhile investment, considering the substantial number of quality Zelda experiences available.