To date, there are fourteen Legend of Zelda titles (including the Hyrule Warrior spin-offs) available on the Switch in one way, shape, or form. With recurring rumors of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Wind Waker as the next possible Zelda port, we inch closer to a complete series on one console. However, the DS games, especially The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, tend to be the neglected cousins of the franchise.
Here’s a refresher on what is currently on the Nintendo Switch (in no particular order):
- The Legend of Zelda (via Nintendo Switch Online/NSO)
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (via NSO)
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (via NSO)
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening; DX (via NSO) and the 2019 remake
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (via NSO)
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (via NSO)
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons /Oracle of Ages (via NSO)
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (via NSO)
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (as HD remake)
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Hyrule Warriors
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
For better or for worse, these are the Zelda games released in the US, excluding the HD ports of the N64 titles, that released on the Nintendo DS/3DS:
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
- The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
- The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes
Aside from A Link Between Worlds, I would say the DS games were less popular and not enjoyed as much as other Zelda titles. Regardless of popularity, I believe Nintendo has an outstanding opportunity here. Not only would it be good marketing to show good faith on working toward “all your Zelda games are on one console”, but it is also a step toward game preservation.
Understandably, DS games can pose a challenge if the stylus was part of the gameplay. In an ideal world, yes, Nintendo should try and port them all over if possible. If not, perhaps touch screen can be an option in the next console to allow porting. I also think A Link Between Worlds would be an easy and amazing choice.
Do you think Nintendo should port the DS Zelda games to the Nintendo Switch (if possible)? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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Phantom Hourglass was my first handheld Zelda game back in the day, and Spirit Tracks remains one of my most beloved DS titles. It is so joyful and unique within the Zelda series, I find it such a shame that it is left behind on the DS!
Hopefully Nintendo will deem it worthwhile to make these titles available on modern consoles, along with others from the DS and 3DS. The fact that Ghost Trick, for example, recently saw a remaster shows that it is possible and that there is a demand!!