The Legend of Zelda franchise stands as one of the most iconic and beloved video game series in history. Originating on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, it chronicles the adventures of Princess Zelda and Link as they battle to protect Hyrule from the malevolent Ganon. The series has seen a surge in popularity with the advent of the Nintendo Switch, particularly with blockbuster titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, making Zelda one of Nintendo's top-selling properties.
As we near the end of the original Nintendo Switch's lifecycle, the release of Echoes of Wisdom marks a fitting moment to reflect on the series' journey on this platform. While no new Zelda games are currently confirmed for development, the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 promises more thrilling adventures in Hyrule. Let's explore every Legend of Zelda game available on the Nintendo Switch.
How Many Zelda Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?
There are a total of **eight Zelda games** specifically released for the Nintendo Switch, spanning from 2017 to 2024. These include both mainline entries and spinoffs. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all the new Zelda titles you can enjoy on the Switch, excluding those accessible through a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
All Zelda Switch Games in Order of Release Date
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - 2017
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched alongside the Nintendo Switch, revolutionizing the series with its open-world gameplay. Link awakens from a 100-year slumber to save Princess Zelda from Calamity Ganon, trapped within Hyrule Castle. The game's expansive world allows players to explore any visible location, marking a significant evolution in the Zelda series.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition - 2018
Hyrule Warriors, developed by Omega Force, is an action-packed hack-and-slash game originally released for the Wii U. The Nintendo Switch version, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, includes all characters, stages, and modes from the original, along with Breath of the Wild-inspired costumes for Link and Zelda.
Read our review of Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition.
Cadence of Hyrule - 2019
Cadence of Hyrule, a unique collaboration between Brace Yourself Games and Nintendo, blends the roguelike rhythm gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the Zelda universe. Players navigate through beautifully pixelated environments and an enchanting soundtrack to thwart the musical villain Octavo and save Hyrule alongside Zelda, Link, and Cadence.
Read our review of Cadence of Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening - 2019
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a charming remake of the 1993 Game Boy classic. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of the Wind Fish. This platformer invites players to explore diverse dungeons and areas to collect the Instruments of the Sirens, offering a unique experience within the Zelda series.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - 2020
Set 100 years before the events of Breath of the Wild, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity lets players experience the battle against Calamity Ganon firsthand. This expansive title from Omega Force features playable characters from Breath of the Wild, including Link, Zelda, and the Champions, with additional content available through two waves of DLC.
Read our review of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD - 2021
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a remaster of the classic Wii game, set at the dawn of the Zelda timeline. Link's journey to save his childhood friend Zelda takes him across the skies, uncovering the origins of the Master Sword. The remaster offers both iconic motion controls and a new button-only gameplay option.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, released in 2023, sold over 10 million copies in just three days, alongside special edition Switch consoles. Set years after Breath of the Wild, Link's mission to find Princess Zelda unfolds across Hyrule's skies and depths, creating one of the largest maps in gaming history and offering endless exploration opportunities.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - 2024
Echoes of Wisdom, announced during June's Nintendo Direct and released this week, features Princess Zelda taking the lead. With a 2D art style reminiscent of Link's Awakening, this game is far from a mere spinoff. It introduces innovative gameplay mechanics, allowing players to unlock their creativity to save Link and Hyrule in new and exciting ways.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
Available Zelda Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
For those interested in exploring older Zelda titles, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service offers a range of classics from Nintendo's previous consoles. Here's the complete list of Zelda games available through the service:
- The Legend of Zelda
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - Four Swords
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
Upcoming Zelda Games on Nintendo Switch
Echoes of Wisdom is likely the final Zelda title for the original Nintendo Switch before the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, set to be revealed in an early April Nintendo Direct. The new console is expected to be "mostly" backwards compatible, ensuring fans can continue to enjoy the current generation of Zelda games.
Furthermore, Nintendo is expanding the Zelda universe beyond gaming with a live-action Legend of Zelda movie. Directed by Wes Ball, known for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the film aims to deliver a "grounded" adaptation reminiscent of a live-action Miyazaki film.
