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Since the first appearance of Link and Princess Zelda in 1986, the series has won the hearts of gamers around the world. Fantastic universes of great beauty, colorful iconic characters, addictive gameplay that is constantly renewed... The appearance of the Nintendo Switch console and its extraordinary abilities pushes the boundaries of the saga, allowing for even more epic adventures. You want to get started, but you do not know which opus to choose? Here is a selection of the best Zelda games on Nintendo Switch to choose from in 2023.

The selection of the 6 best Zelda games on Nintendo Switch to choose in 2023:

  • The Legends Of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: the long-awaited new opus
  • The Legends Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: probably the best of the saga
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: a remake of the Game Boy game that feels good
  • Cadence of Hyrule: a rhythmic mix between Zelda and Crypt of the Necrodancer
  • Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition: a fighting game spin-off of Breath of the Wild
  • The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD: a remake to know the origins of Hyrule

The Legends Of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: the long-awaited new opus

Despite its wide popularity, no Zelda opus had been so expected by fans. With the great success of Breath of the Wild, its sequel was obviously in everyone's heads. Here, all the basics have been taken over: an open world, a universe as beautiful as it is deep, an epic soundtrack among the best video games... Obviously, what has been the essence of Link's adventures for more than 30 years has been preserved. Indeed, you will continue to explore the kingdom of Hyrule, fight monsters, complete side quests or solve challenging puzzles in very large dungeons. All with innovative gameplay and new powers for the young hero, which serve an ultra neat narrative that will delight fans and novices alike. In short, this game has a great chance of becoming an unforgettable masterpiece.

The most:

  • A perfect balance between conservation of the bases and innovations;
  • Exciting new powers for Link;
  • A very successful narrative;
  • The sequel to the best game of the saga on Nintendo Switch;
  • The immersive soundtrack is still exceptional.

Cons:

  • A grip that can be difficult for beginners;
  • Some quests deserve to be deepened.

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The Legends Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: probably the best of the saga

If the new opus has been so hoped, it is mainly because it is the direct sequel to the most successful game of the saga on Nintendo Switch. According to reviews, it is even considered one of the best games of all time. Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, revolutionized the Zelda universe. What fan of the saga had never dreamed of controlling Link in a completely open world? After a sleep of 100 years, the hero wakes up in a post-apocalyptic Hyrule kingdom, threatened by Ganon, the great evil lord. Here, it was the art direction and gameplay that appealed to players the most. From the soundtrack to the graphics that make you enjoy sumptuous landscapes, the game is almost perfect in its design. As always, classic game mechanics mingle with what's always relevant. A game to admire as much as to play, and for many hours (at least 200 hours).

The most:

  • A true open world, a first for the saga;
  • A gigantic universe with magnificent panoramas;
  • The hero grows in power as the game progresses;
  • Some of the best music in video game history;
  • An impressive lifespan (+ 200 hours).

Cons:

  • Sometimes a little more difficult to play in TV mode;
  • Beginners may find the gameplay a bit complex.

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The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: a remake of the Game Boy game that feels good

New player or nostalgic for Link's adventures on Game Boy, this remake on Nintendo Switch will certainly please you. Thanks to a brilliant overhaul that doesn't just update the graphics, you'll be able to enjoy an epic plot, in a rather relaxing atmosphere. Long considered one of the best episodes of the series, this return feels good. We actually have a perfect example of what makes Zelda identity, with dungeon explorations from above, battles against epic monsters, incremental equipment upgrades... In this opus, you will even have the opportunity to design your own dungeons thanks to stones collected as you go. Even though it's a remake, the impressive art direction makes for a beautiful and captivating gaming experience.

The most:

  • The impeccable artistic direction;
  • The music was re-orchestrated for the occasion;
  • The atmosphere of the first Zelda game on handheld;
  • Quality puzzles, perfect atmosphere and possibility to create dungeons;
  • Accessible to all, novices and regulars.

Cons:

  • A fairly short lifespan;
  • The game is a bit too easy;
  • The Hero difficulty mode is, on the other hand, really too difficult.

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Cadence of Hyrule: a rhythmic mix between Zelda and Crypt of the Necrodancer

Without being a real episode of the Zelda saga, Cadence of Hyrule is still worth seeing, being, in addition, a real tribute to it. Here, you will embark on a musical adventure of great originality, which merges the Zelda universes with that of Crypt of the Necrodancer. The game offers a pixel art world where you will have to face various monsters as well as other enemies. So far, nothing out of the ordinary. Except that the principle is to follow the rhythm of the music played in order to defeat the creatures. Alone in collaboration, you can play up to 3 characters, including Princess Zelda or Link. In terms of design, art direction and realization, we find all the principles of classic games in the kingdom of Hyrule. A word to sum it all up? Irreproachable.

The most:

  • An original mix of two universes;
  • The structure is classic of a Zelda game, but with a different principle;
  • An exceptional soundtrack (fully integrated into the game);
  • An exciting rhythm game;
  • The really nice co-op mode.

Cons:

  • A game that ends very quickly;
  • The level is a little too simplified.

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Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition: a fighting game spin-off of Breath of the Wild

Inspired by Dynasty Warriors, this version set in the Zelda universe, and more particularly the best game of the Breath of the Wild saga, offers an original concept. Here, it is a 3D fighting game that you can play, mixing many characters and monsters from the kingdom of Hyrule. Using swords, bows or magic, you will be an integral part of the plot by helping Link fight the Scourge. The storyline is captivating, the gameplay dynamic, and the content very rich in this Definitive Edition. Obviously, co-op play is in order.

The most:

  • The entire Zelda universe in a 3D fighting game;
  • The scenario is really interesting;
  • An edition with very rich content;
  • Possibility to play cooperatively;
  • The really nice co-op mode.

Cons:

  • The concept makes the game a bit redundant;
  • Some slowness in the cooperative game.

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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD: a remake to know the origins of Hyrule

A remake of the 2011 Wii version, this game has never been a huge success. It is nevertheless very pleasant to play, to enjoy the landscapes, the artistic direction still and always almost perfect or rather classic game mechanics. The real interest of the game is surely that it brings answers to the story of Zelda, Hyrule or Link, which no game had really answered. Nice to play, but especially interesting for the curious.

The most:

  • A very enjoyable enchanting adventure;
  • Many of the defects of the original version have been erased;
  • Art direction and soundtrack once again grandiose ;
  • Ideal to finally know the history of Hyrule.

Cons:

  • The first part of the game is a bit boring;
  • Lacks a bit of ergonomics.

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What is the history of Zelda?

The story of the Zelda series revolves around the adventures of Link, a young hero tasked with saving Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule from evil forces. The narrative varies from game to game, but it is usually based on the battle between good and evil and more recently, the quest for the Triforce, a legendary artifact representing the balance of power of courage, wisdom and strength. Zelda games are known for their blend of exploration, puzzle solving and action, giving players an immersive and captivating experience in a fantasy universe rich in legends. A reference in the world of video games.

With this selection of the best Zelda games on Nintendo Switch to choose from, you're ready for the most epic adventures in the kingdom of Hyrule.

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