It is because of this that we’re in search of the ever-encouraging knowledge of you beautiful lot. Under, we have now gathered each official Zelda console design throughout Nintendo’s historical past and long-established a ballot on the backside so that you can resolve which is greatest trying.
It is harmful to vote alone, check out these…
Each Zelda-themed Nintendo console
Earlier than we dive into the Particular Editions, it is value flagging that not all of those variants had been available, with some being a lot rarer than others. Which means that whereas there are some releases that seemingly each one among us both owned or performed on at a mate’s home (hello GBA SP!), there are different fashions which, fairly frankly, took us unexpectedly with their legitimacy.
We have additionally eradicated bundles that do not embrace bespoke console designs (sorry, Swedish Ocarina followers and Platinum GameCube Wind Waker lovers) and have restricted the choices all the way down to consoles solely — see the bonus part on the backside for a few honourable, peripheral mentions.
And so, let’s dive off this Skyloft-like introduction and into the glowing mild of the Hylian exclusives beneath…
Sport & Watch
Sport & Watch: The Legend of Zelda (1989)
The penultimate addition to the unique Sport & Watch vary, the Zelda version shouldn’t be a lot a themed design as it’s a wholly totally different console, however we could not skip it. These little portables had been all about offering easy gaming on the go and the Zelda mannequin did simply that with its Journey of Hyperlink-like (sorta) side-scrolling journey.
When it comes to appears to be like, we have now to confess that this basic continues to be turning heads. Its white and inexperienced cowl and inside are easy, sure, however the little motifs dotted across the console maintain it fascinating. Critically, if we noticed a Change mannequin with that basic cowl picture of Hyperlink and the Goblins on the again and with the sword/dragon motifs on the Pleasure-Cons, we would be shopping for within the blink of an eye fixed.
Sport & Watch: The Legend of Zelda (2021)
A major mark of Zelda’s thirty fifth anniversary, this revamped Sport & Watch console packed in three separate video games and a color display. Know-how today!
The look itself is definitely quite simple. The gold and inexperienced undoubtedly suggests a sure Zelda flare however there’s nothing else to actually touch upon right here. It lacks the ooo shiny attraction of a few of the later gold editions (of which there are so much), however it’s a good spin on the standard Mario-centric purple mannequin all the identical.
Gameboy Advance SP
The Legend of Zelda Gameboy Advance SP
Okay, having skipped the N64 and GameCube Ocarina and Wind Waker editions that simply threw a normal console in a bundle field, now we’re speaking. This mannequin of the Gameboy Advance SP may not have the spicy backlight of the AGS-101 items, however let’s simply take a second to have a look at that factor.
That is the primary instance of a Nintendo epiphany whereby the studio can slap a gold casing and Triforce on any previous console and we’re all assured to gobble it up. However come on, are you able to blame us? The gold casing is oh so shiny and that Triforce decal screams out ‘sure, I’ve performed The Minish Cap, let me let you know about it‘. It is a magnificence.
Nintendo DS Lite
Nintendo DS Lite The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Particular Version
If you consider the Phantom Hourglass DS Lite, you may immediately leap to the extra famend gold version, however let’s not overlook the unique silver mannequin.
This design is the rarer of the 2 (with solely round 1,000 being made accessible), and it subs out the standard Triforce motif for slightly Toon Hyperlink operating alongside along with his little toon map. If solely the design had left it there and had not slapped an enormous nice recreation title on the opposite facet (subtlety is vital, folks!) however it is a good design nonetheless and a surefire reminder that the Triforce would not must be the one signifier of a Zelda recreation.
Nintendo DS Lite The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Gold
See what we imply about Nintendo whacking out a gold casing and Triforce image? This lacks the shiny attraction of the GBA SP, it is true, however the tried and examined method for learn how to reel us Zelda followers in by no means fails.
At this level, we’re fairly certain that the corporate might launch a gold version of something and we’d all flock so as to add it to our bursting Zelda collections. Is that this the design with the least effort utilized to it? In all probability — that Triforce is teeny tiny in any case — but it surely’s an unique all the identical.
Nintendo 3DS
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS Bundle
In contrast to the franchise’s thirty fifth anniversary, Zelda’s twenty fifth birthday not less than had one thing going for it. The 3DS and its XL counterparts actually knocked it out of the park with its Zelda editions and this OG mannequin is not any exception.
The glossy black casing and gold element is an try and steal the gentleman’s selection. If George Clooney had been to play a 3DS, it will be this one. It is a elegant design that carries one thing inherently Zelda regardless of not being brandished with a picture of neither Hyperlink nor a large Triforce — what an idea!
Those that personal this console have a three-piece go well with for each event and drink black espresso straight from their Nespresso Pods. Oooh, the dignity!
Nintendo 3DS XL / New 3DS XL
The Legend of Zelda: A Hyperlink Between Worlds Particular Version
All members of the Nintendo Life staff ooh-ed and ahh-ed at a number of of the Zelda console designs, however none acquired fairly as optimistic a reception as this dangerous boy.
Launched alongside A Hyperlink Between Worlds, the primary 3DS XL is simply attractive. It has the gold casing and Triforce image (see? Like mosquitoes to an electrical zapper) however there’s a lot extra hidden between the floor. To be a fly on the wall when one intelligent designer advised taking the basic gold idea and opening up the console to disclose a black mirror picture beneath. “Take 5 everybody, we have to give this man an enormous pay rise.”
It is an all-time nice and many people maintain it up as one of many ‘greatest DS designs evs’ (besides not phrased precisely like we’re a cool child in an early-2000s film).
Hyrule Version
This New 3DS XL may simply be the head of the make it gold and stick some Zelda image on it method. The shine has by no means been shinier and the central motif has by no means had the possibility to be fairly as detailed.
There may be an argument to be made that every one of this further element does nothing however distract from the simplicity of the Triforce design, however as a pleasant nod again to the OG GBA SP solely on a a lot larger canvas, we expect it is fairly neat.
Majora’s Masks Version
There are some on the market preferring Majora’s Masks to Ocarina of Time (an enormous battle and we salute you for flying your flag so defiantly), so it is sensible that Nintendo would profit from this debate and likewise launch a Majora version of the earlier Hyrule design.
The detailing works much better right here, to our eyes not less than, actually making that signature spooky masks pop. In fact, the gold casing is as soon as once more at work to actually underline the ‘it is a Zelda version, see???‘, however we prefer it all the identical.
Nintendo 2DS
Hyperlink Version
It is a disgrace that after so many sure-fire bangers, Nintendo needed to lastly slip up. The boxy design of the basic 2DS was fairly contentions proper from the beginning, however releasing a inexperienced/brown color approach is extra paying homage to one thing you’d discover on the backside of the meals bin than one thing to show you are a top-notch Zelda fan.
Do not even get us began on the yellow buttons. With so many attractive designs on the market, this exceedingly plain instance is a uncommon miss.
New Nintendo 2DS XL
Hylian Defend Version
You’d be forgiven for assuming that after the 2DS’ stomach-churning Zelda version, Nintendo would by no means be capable of bounce again to its former design greatness. You’d, nonetheless, be mistaken.
This bundle with A Hyperlink Between Worlds is likely one of the sexiest editions on the market. No extra centered on pure gold and Triforce, this took a swing for one more iconic piece of Zelda iconography — the Hylian Defend — and struck, properly, gold.
This 2DS XL design may simply be one of the vital out-there fashions going, however nothing screams Zelda fairly prefer it. The blue inside continues the defend theme onto the console’s inside so that you might be reminded of simply how large of a fan you actually are while taking part in.
Wii U
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Restricted Version GamePad
As soon as Clooney will get drained along with his 3DS playtime and desires to improve to one thing all-round chunkier (although no much less elegant, after all), the place would he flip? We reckon it will be to the Wii U’s Wind Waker HD GamePad.
Very similar to the aforementioned 3DS mannequin, this design combines the glossy black casing of the Wii U with some delicate gold detailing for yet one more dignified improve. Upon getting completed sipping in your Nespresso, you may translate the Hylian textual content across the fringe of the GamePad to discover a Wind Waker prelude story – that is positively bursting with suaveness!
Nintendo Change?
Rumours
With Breath of the Wild as a Change launch title, it is sensible that Nintendo wouldn’t make a particular version console design that early on within the life cycle. However with an excellent few Zelda titles beneath its belt within the ensuing years (remasters although they might be), we’re absolutely due a Hylian-themed Change about now, proper?
There are rumblings that Tears of the Kingdom may carry an unique OLED mannequin our approach (above), although these are however rumours in the interim. It appears to be like subdued sufficient to be legit to us, however we’ll need to await official affirmation…
Bonus!
We could not end with out mentioning the Skyward Sword gold Wii controller and the HD Remaster’s blue Pleasure-Cons right here.
The explanation for these exclusions is sort of easy: it is consoles solely, mate. As for why the Wind Waker HD’s Wii U GamePad is in right here, it is as a result of it got here with the console itself and could not be bought individually.
There you’ve got the entire main Zelda-themed designs on Nintendo consoles, however which is your favorite? Fill out the next ballot after which take to the feedback to defend your strong gold opinion — and tell us if we missed one thing!
