Link’s been slashing, exploring, and saving Hyrule for decades, and the Nintendo Switch—a hybrid beast of home and portable gaming—has become his ultimate playground. In a past dive into the Zelda timeline, we unpacked Hyrule’s sprawling history, but now it’s time to zoom in: which Legend of Zelda games can you play on Switch in 2025? From brand-new epics to pixel-perfect classics, this guide maps out every Zelda adventure available (or rumored) on the console. With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, promising backwards compatibility and whispers of new Zelda titles, the future’s looking golden for Hylian fans. Whether you’re a newbie or a Master Sword veteran, here’s your ticket to Hyrule, updated for 2025.
Nintendo Switch, with its dual capacity for home and portable gaming, offers an unprecedented opportunity to dive into older games from the Zelda universe.
Are All Zelda Games Available on Nintendo Switch?
Not quite. Breath of the Wild kicked off the Switch era with a bang in 2017, but it’s just the start. You’ve got its sky-soaring sequel, spin-offs like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, and a stash of classics via Nintendo Switch Online (NSO). Fast forward to 2024, and Echoes of Wisdom joined the lineup, proving Nintendo’s Zelda obsession isn’t slowing down. The Switch 2, unveiled January 16, 2025, adds fuel to the fire—backwards compatible with Switch games and teasing enhanced ports or even new Zelda adventures. Let’s dive into what’s playable now and what might be coming.
Nintendo Switch Exclusive Zelda Games
These are the heavy hitters—remastered gems and fresh quests built (or reborn) for the Switch.
1. Link’s Awakening (2019)
The 1993 Game Boy classic got a dreamy 2019 remake, exclusive to Switch. With toy-like visuals and Koholint Island’s quirky puzzles, it’s a nostalgic trip that hooks newbies too. Battle Nightmares, wake the Wind Fish—$60 on the eShop.
2. Breath of the Wild (2017)
The Switch’s launch legend redefined open-world gaming (sorry, Genshin Impact). Also on Wii U, it’s Link’s post-nap Hyrule sandbox—wild, free, and iconic. A must-play at $60, with rumors of a souped-up Switch 2 version buzzing since a 2023 Gamescom demo.
3. Skyward Sword HD (2021)
This 2011 Wii tale soared onto Switch in 2021 with HD polish and smoother controls (Joy-Con swings or buttons). Explore the Master Sword’s origins for $60—a lore lover’s dream.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)
Hyrule hit new heights in 2023 with this Switch-only sequel. Build crazy contraptions, conquer sky islands, and dig into a richer story—$70 well spent. Switch 2 whispers hint at a performance boost down the line.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024)
Dropped September 26, 2024, this gem puts Zelda in charge. Wielding a Tri Rod to summon “echoes” of enemies and objects, it’s a top-down twist with Link to the Past vibes. Save Hyrule for $60—perfectly timed before the Switch 2 shift.
Older Zelda Games on Switch
Nintendo Switch Online is your retro portal—$20/year for basics, $50/year for the Expansion Pack’s N64 and GBA haul.
The Legend of Zelda (NES)
Originally launched on the NES, this is where this universe all began. The quest for the Triforce resonates even today, and it’s available for fans and newcomers alike on the Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
2. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)
This sequel added depth, expanding the lore and gameplay mechanics. It’s available on both the 3DS eShop and the Nintendo Switch Online.
3. A Link to the Past (1991)
A fan-favorite that first graced the SNES, this title can now be relieved on the Nintendo Switch Online, offering a rich narrative that many argue remains unmatched.
4. Ocarina of Time (N64)
3D Zelda’s king. Time-travel and Epona via NSO Expansion Pack.
5. Majora’s Mask (N64) (2000)
The 3DS version is already loved by fans worldwide, but the Nintendo Switch version adds a fresh adventure for players who didn’t have the chance to play it on the 3DS.. This game is available on the Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
6. The Minish Cap (GBA)
Shrink into this GBA charmer—NSO Expansion Pack.
7. Oracle of Seasons & Oracle of Ages (GBA)
These 2001 twins hit NSO in 2023. Link them with passwords for action (Seasons) and puzzles (Ages).
Other Zelda Titles on Nintendo Switch
Spin-offs add some serious spice to the Switch’s Zelda buffet, serving up adventures that stray from the mainline path but still pack a Hylian punch. Apart from Link’s epic quests, these titles bring warriors, rhythm, and chaos to your console—perfect for fans craving variety in Hyrule’s vast universe. Here’s the rundown on these standout side dishes, each bringing its own flavor to the Legend of Zelda feast.
Cadence of Hyrule (2019)
Released in 2019, this indie mashup fuses Crypt of the NecroDancer’s beat-based brilliance with Zelda’s charm—and it’s a groove worth dancing to. Link and Zelda (plus a playable Cadence) hop across a randomized Hyrule, battling foes and solving puzzles to the rhythm of remixed Zelda classics. Every sword swing, dodge, and bomb toss syncs to the beat—miss it, and you’re toast. It’s got roguelike replayability, a funky overworld, and secrets like the Deku Sticks or Ocarina to uncover. For $25 on the eShop, it’s a quirky, bite-sized Zelda spin-off that’ll have you tapping your Joy-Cons to the tempo.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition (2018)
Originally a 2014 Wii U brawler, this gem got a full glow-up in 2018, landing on Switch as the ultimate hack-and-slash love letter to Zelda fans. Think Dynasty Warriors meets Hyrule: you’re smashing through hordes of Bokoblins, Moblins, and more with an all-star cast—Link, Zelda, Impa, Ganondorf, even quirky picks like Tingle. The Definitive Edition bundles every map, mission, and DLC from the original, plus extras like new costumes and a beefy story mode tying into Zelda lore. It’s chaotic fun—perfect for blowing off steam after a tough dungeon. Snag it for $60 on the eShop and unleash your inner warlord across Hyrule’s battlefields.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020)
Dropped in 2020 as a Switch exclusive, this prequel dives 100 years before Breath of the Wild to unpack the Great Calamity’s chaos. You’re not just swinging swords—you’re rewriting fate with the Champions (Urbosa’s lightning, Daruk’s boulders, Revali’s snark) and a time-traveling Guardian egg that’s too cute to hate. The combat’s fast and flashy, blending Zelda’s world with Koei Tecmo’s warrior flair—think combo chains, Sheikah Slate runes, and epic Divine Beast showdowns. The story’s a tearjerker too, filling gaps Breath of the Wild left wide open. For $60, it’s a must-play companion to the main saga, whether you’re dodging Guardians or saving Hyrule’s past.
The Nintendo Switch 2 and Zelda’s Future
The Switch 2, set for April 2025, is shaking things up. Revealed January 16, 2025, it’s backwards compatible—your Switch Zelda library carries over. A teaser showed a new Mario Kart, but Zelda fans are buzzing. Rumors from Newegg listings and insiders like Midori hint at two Zelda projects:
A remake of a classic—Wind Waker HD, Twilight Princess HD, or even Ocarina of Time are hot guesses.
A full-on new Zelda at launch feels unlikely (Echoes is barely six months old), but a 40th-anniversary surprise for 2026? Don’t rule it out. The Switch 2’s magnetic Joy-Cons and beefier specs could mean epic Hyrule adventures ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Twilight Princess on Switch?
As of February 2025, Twilight Princess hasn’t officially landed on the Nintendo Switch. The latest version is Twilight Princess HD on Wii U, still kicking on that console’s eShop for $50. Fans are crossing their fingers for a Switch port—rumors swirled in 2024 about a Switch 2 launch bundle with Wind Waker HD, but Nintendo’s keeping quiet. No confirmation yet, so for now, dust off that Wii U or pray for a surprise drop!
Where can I play Zelda: Ocarina of Time?
Good news! You can play Ocarina of Time on Switch right now through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack ($50/year)—it’s the N64 version, complete with young Link, Hyrule Field, and that iconic ocarina tune. If you’re after the enhanced visuals of Ocarina of Time 3D, that’s still on the Nintendo 3DS eShop for $20 (while it lasts). Switch players have it easiest, though—no need to hunt down old hardware when NSO’s got your back.
How to play Wind Waker on Switch?
No dice yet—The Wind Waker isn’t on Switch as of early 2025. Your best bet remains The Wind Waker HD on Wii U, available digitally for $50 via its eShop. The sea-faring classic’s got fans begging for a Switch port, and with Switch 2 rumors heating up (backwards compatibility confirmed!), a remastered bundle isn’t off the table. Stay tuned—Nintendo loves a good surprise.
Can you play old Zelda games on Switch?
Absolutely! The Switch is a retro Zelda treasure chest thanks to Nintendo Switch Online. For $20/year, you get NES classics like The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, plus the SNES gem A Link to the Past. Upgrade to the Expansion Pack ($50/year) for N64 hits (Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask), GBA goodies (The Minish Cap, Oracle of Seasons/Ages), and more. Pair that with remakes like Link’s Awakening ($60 standalone), and you’ve got a stack of old-school Hyrule to explore.
Is Breath of the Wild the only modern Zelda title on the Switch?
Not even close! Breath of the Wild (2017) might be the Switch’s flagship Zelda, but it’s got company. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom (2023), takes the open-world crown higher, while Echoes of Wisdom (2024) flips the script with Zelda as the star. Spin-offs like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020) and Skyward Sword HD (2021) round out the modern lineup. With the Switch 2 dropping April 2025 and whispers of remasters, Nintendo’s Zelda pipeline is pumping—expect more epicness soon.
