Every Legend of Zelda Game on Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda franchise has solidified its place as a flagship series on the Nintendo Switch, spanning multiple genres and release years. Since the system's launch in 2017, the platform has hosted a diverse library including mainline adventures, remasters, and tactical spinoffs. All titles released for the original console remain playable on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Key releases include the open-world landmark Breath of the Wild, the direct sequel Tears of the Kingdom, and the unique Echoes of Wisdom which places Princess Zelda in the lead role. The collection also features tactical action games in the Hyrule Warriors series and the rhythm-based Cadence of Hyrule. In total, the Switch library contains five mainline entries and three Hyrule Warriors games released from 2017 to 2025.

The Legend of Zelda series began on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, following Princess Zelda and Link as they fight to save Hyrule from Ganon. On the Nintendo Switch, the series reached new heights with landmark open-world titles.

Breath of the Wild launched alongside the Switch in 2017, marking a turning point for the franchise. In this title, Link awakes after a 100-year slumber to save Princess Zelda from Calamity Ganon, who is trapped inside Hyrule Castle. The game introduced a vast open world where players can traverse anywhere they can see.

Released in 2023, Tears of the Kingdom serves as a direct sequel set a few years after Breath of the Wild. The story begins with Ganondorf's resurrection, tasking Link once again with finding Princess Zelda. This entry expands the map significantly, taking players to the skies of Hyrule and the depths below the land. It sold over 10 million copies in just three days.

In 2024, Echoes of Wisdom was announced during a June Nintendo Direct and released in the fall. This game shifts the narrative focus to Princess Zelda as the protagonist. It features a 2D art style similar to the Link's Awakening remake and is considered a full-blown magical Zelda game rather than a side project.

Beyond the mainline open-world entries, the Switch library includes significant remasters and unique spinoff titles that diversify the gameplay experience.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening released in 2019 as a remake of the 1993 Game Boy title. Developed by Grezzo, this charming platformer sees Link stranded on Koholint Island, where he must solve the mystery of the Wind Fish. Unlike modern open-world entries, it focuses on dungeon exploration and collecting the Instruments of the Sirens.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD arrived in 2021 as a remaster of the classic Wii game. Set at the beginning of the Zelda timeline, the game follows Link as he traverses the skies to save his childhood friend Zelda. The remaster includes iconic motion controls via Joy-Con and a new button-only control scheme.

The spinoff Cadence of Hyrule released in 2019, representing a collaboration between Brace Yourself Games and Nintendo. It combines the roguelike rhythm gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the Zelda world. Players control Zelda and Link alongside Cadence to defeat the musical villain Octavo.

The Hyrule Warriors series offers action hack-and-slash gameplay distinct from traditional Zelda adventures. These games feature characters from across the franchise's history.

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition arrived in 2018. Originally developed by Omega Force for the Wii U, this version includes all characters, stages, and modes from the original release. It also adds Breath of the Wild-inspired costumes for Link and Zelda.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity released in 2020, serving as a prequel to Breath of the Wild. The story is set 100 years before the events of that game, allowing players to experience the fight against Calamity Ganon firsthand. It features playable characters including Link, Zelda, and the Champions. The game received two waves of DLC following the main story.

The Nintendo Switch 2 ensures the longevity of the Zelda library. All five mainline Zelda games and the three Hyrule Warriors titles released from 2017 to 2025 are confirmed to be playable on the next-generation hardware.

Nintendo has already revealed details about the next generation of adventures in Hyrule. While specific titles for the Switch 2 were not detailed in the source, the backward compatibility ensures that the entire existing collection remains accessible. The series continues to be one of Nintendo's best-selling properties, driven by the success of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.