It’s still very surprising that Nintendo hasn’t published one of its biggest IPs onto mobile platforms yet. Mobile gaming has become an increasingly popular activity in the last couple of years. Back in 2017, Nintendo trademarked a Legend of Zelda game for the mobile device but nothing has came from it since.
Recently Nintendo announced last year the discontinuation of Nintendo 3DS models. The Switch has nice portability but sometimes you might crave your favourite franchise to play on a smaller device instead.
Check out this list below to see which Legend of Zelda games and concepts could make great Mobile gaming titles.
5. Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
On board the biggest train voyage yet, join Conductor Link and Princess Zelda to save the Kingdom by rebuilding the Spirit Tracks. As you explore Hyrule by train, you’ll encounter familiar foes, solve new puzzles and venture into new territory.
Speculation that the Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks could have been ported over to mobile as a technical test. The game was originally released back in 2009 on the Nintendo DS and rereleased on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2016.
Nintendo might wish to expand on this original title with a sequel. What’s a better starting point than using the first game as a technical sample and re-drumming hype for a developed sequel.
Honorable mention: Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Phantom Hourglass can be considered the sister game to Spirit Tracks separated by a 100-year time gap between the two. Both games can be considered reskins to each other on themes, and puzzle formulas.
4. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Using time as your ultimate weapon, stop Ganondorf’s conniving plot to curse all of Hyrule. Let the Ocarina guide your journey, all while meeting new allies, encountering unique cultures and civilizations, and collecting the tools you need to save the land!
Originally came out in 1998 on Nintendo 64, ported onto the Gamecube in a limited-edition collector’s game pack, available on the Wii Virtual Console (2007) and the Wii U Virtual Console (2015). An enhanced version of the game was released in 2011 on the Nintendo 3DS. The latest version would be a great starting point with touchscreen controls.
One of the most iconic entries in the Legend of Zelda series. Only reason that it is lower on this list is that this would be an ambitious project to develop on the mobile platforms. A graphics overhaul or a stylization change might be needed in order to make the game more accessible on the platform – which could be a controversial change to the fans.
3. Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Combine together with three different Links to help lift the curse off of the King’s daughter. Together with two other players, use the unique skill sets of each Link to create/manage strategies and solve puzzles.
Released in 2015 on the Nintendo 3DS. The game focuses on action-adventure/puzzle solving cooperation multiplayer gameplay.
Previously received mixed reviews for the online functionality and matchmaking capabilities. Mobile gaming would only enhance the multiplayer experience making it accessible anywhere using a WiFi/mobile data connection.
2. Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
With the Kingdom of Hyrule once again threatened by evil, together with the microscopic Picori people, Link will need to don the Minish Cap. Explore the land like you’ve never seen before, while searching for the pieces of the legendary Picori Blade, the only weapon strong enough to stop the evil sorcerer Vaarti.
One of the early games in the timeline that helps set the history of other games: released in 2005 on the Game Boy Advance.
Many have commented how short the game can be to complete. This would be an excellent game to remaster and put in additional replayability for extra content/more difficult post game dungeons.
1. Legend of Zelda
Ganon, the original evil, plunged the small kingdom of Hyrule into darkness. Link becomes the destined hero that Impa desperately searches for to save the princess and her kingdom from Ganon’s demise.
This game has made many appears on multiple platforms already: Famicom (1986), NES (1987), Game Boy Advance (2004), Wii Virtual Console (2006), 3DS Virtual Console (2011), Wii U Virtual Console (2013), Nintendo Switch Online (2018).
Nothing beats the original for nostalgia and showing newcomers where the franchise has made its start. It’s been rereleased on many platforms already so why not keep that trend going to a platform that is expected to grow even more so. There wouldn’t be any risks involved to bringing over this port so it is a win-win for Nintendo and fans alike.