The Legend of Zelda series has cemented itself as one of the most iconic video game franchises since its inception on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986. The series follows the epic adventures of various incarnations of Princess Zelda and Link as they strive to save the kingdom of Hyrule from the malevolent Ganon. With the release of groundbreaking titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch, the series has seen a surge in popularity, becoming one of Nintendo's top-selling properties.
As we approach the end of the original Nintendo Switch's life cycle, the release of Echoes of Wisdom offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the remarkable Zelda titles available on the system. While no new Zelda games have been confirmed for development yet, the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 promises more thrilling adventures in Hyrule. Below, we detail every Legend of Zelda game released on the Nintendo Switch.
How Many Zelda Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?
In total, there are **eight Zelda games** that have been released specifically for the Nintendo Switch. These encompass both mainline entries and spinoff titles, spanning from 2017 to 2024. Below is a comprehensive list of all the Zelda games 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 was the inaugural Zelda title for the Nintendo Switch, launching alongside the console. This game revolutionized the Zelda series with its open-world gameplay, allowing players to explore anywhere visible in the game's expansive world. Link awakens after a 100-year slumber and is tasked by the spirit of Hyrule's former King to rescue Princess Zelda from the clutches of Calamity Ganon, a primal evil confined within Hyrule Castle.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition - 2018
Hyrule Warriors, an action-packed hack-and-slash game developed by Omega Force, originally debuted on the Wii U. Featuring a cast of characters from various Zelda titles, this game was later adapted for the Nintendo Switch as Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition in 2018. This version includes all characters, stages, and modes from the original, along with new costumes inspired by Breath of the Wild for Link and Zelda.
Read our review of Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition.
Cadence of Hyrule - 2019
Cadence of Hyrule represents a unique collaboration between Brace Yourself Games and Nintendo, blending the roguelike rhythm gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the beloved world and characters of The Legend of Zelda. This spinoff boasts an exceptional soundtrack and charming pixel art. Players join forces with Cadence to thwart the musical villain Octavo and save Hyrule.
Read our review of Cadence of Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening - 2019
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a remake of the 1993 Game Boy classic, developed by Grezzo. This charming platformer follows Link as he finds himself stranded on Koholint Island, tasked with unraveling the mystery of the Wind Fish. Unlike more recent Zelda titles, Link's Awakening features a variety of dungeons and areas where players collect the Instruments of the Sirens. For those who missed the original, this is the ultimate way to experience one of the series' most distinctive entries.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - 2020
The second entry in the Hyrule Warriors series on the Switch, Age of Calamity, is set 100 years before the events of Breath of the Wild. Players experience the battle against Calamity Ganon firsthand, with all the beloved characters from Breath of the Wild playable, including Link, Zelda, and the Champions. Omega Force crafted a rich and expansive game, complemented by two waves of DLC for extended play after the main story.
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 remastered version of the classic Wii game, set at the dawn of the Zelda timeline. Link embarks on a journey across the skies to rescue his childhood friend, Zelda, and uncovers the origins of the Master Sword. This remaster offers both the iconic motion controls via Joy-Con and a new button-only control scheme for players preferring a non-motion experience.
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 and inspired several special edition Switch consoles. Set a few years after Breath of the Wild, the game follows Link as he searches for Princess Zelda following Ganondorf's resurrection. The expansive world spans the skies and depths of Hyrule, offering one of the largest maps in gaming and countless hours of exploration. Many consider it the best Zelda game to date, setting a high bar for future entries.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - 2024
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, announced during June's Nintendo Direct, was released this week on the Switch. Unlike previous entries, Echoes of Wisdom places Princess Zelda at the forefront of the narrative and adopts a 2D art style reminiscent of Link's Awakening. Far from being a mere spinoff, this game offers a full-fledged Zelda experience, allowing players to harness creativity to save Link and restore peace to Hyrule in innovative ways.
Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
Available Zelda Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
For those keen on exploring the older Zelda titles, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service provides access to numerous classics from Nintendo's past consoles. Here is the complete list of Zelda games available on 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 before the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, with more details expected at a Nintendo Direct scheduled for early April. The new console is anticipated to be "mostly" backwards compatible, ensuring players can continue enjoying the fantastic Zelda titles from the previous generation.
Beyond gaming, Nintendo has announced plans for a live-action Legend of Zelda movie, directed by Wes Ball, known for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Ball aims to create a "grounded" adaptation reminiscent of live-action Miyazaki films, promising an exciting new dimension to the Zelda universe.
See the full list of upcoming Switch games for everything coming in 2025 as well as our predictions for the Switch 2 launch games.
