Zelda Video Games

The Legend of Zelda has been one of Nintendo’s flagship series since it first launched in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Since then, the franchise has expanded into a full universe of mainline titles, remakes, spin-offs, and collections, spanning multiple consoles and generations of players. With its iconic characters, rich world-building, and puzzle-driven gameplay, The Legend of Zelda continues to be one of the most beloved names in gaming.

What are The Legend of Zelda games about?

At the heart of every Zelda game is the story of Link, a courageous hero, and Princess Zelda, the mortal reincarnation of the goddess Hylia. Across different timelines and settings, Link is consistently called upon to protect the kingdom of Hyrule from threats—most often from Ganon, a powerful adversary seeking to conquer the land and claim the Triforce, a sacred relic capable of granting any wish.

While each game introduces different characters, regions, and timelines, the core themes—bravery, wisdom, and power—remain constant. Players can expect a blend of exploration, dungeon crawling, combat, puzzle-solving, and character-driven storytelling.

Are all The Legend of Zelda games connected?

Yes—all Zelda games are connected in a larger universe, but they do not follow a single, linear storyline. The franchise's timeline is officially split into three branching paths, which diverge after a pivotal event in the story’s early history. These timelines explore different outcomes depending on the success or failure of the hero’s quest.

However, the games were not released in chronological order, which can be confusing for newcomers. Fortunately, each title is largely self-contained, meaning players can jump into nearly any Zelda game without needing to play the others first.

Do you need to play Zelda games in order?

No. You don’t need to play Zelda games in any specific order to enjoy or understand them. While there is lore connecting the titles, each game introduces its own version of Link and Zelda, along with a fresh story arc and new setting. Many players start with the most recent title or whichever game is available on their preferred console, including the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2.

If you're interested in timeline details or lore progression, there are official resources available, but it’s entirely optional. Gameplay and story arcs are designed to stand on their own.

What is considered the best Zelda game?

The answer depends on who you ask. The Legend of Zelda franchise has produced several titles that consistently appear on lists of the greatest video games of all time. While opinions vary, fans and critics often highlight entries that introduced groundbreaking mechanics, expansive open worlds, or emotional storytelling.

Each era of Zelda has its standout favourite, and the “best” Zelda game often comes down to personal preference—some value the classic dungeon-based formats, while others prefer the newer open-world approach introduced in recent titles.

Find all The Legend of Zelda games for hours of adventure on Nintendo Switch

Whether you're exploring dungeons, solving puzzles, battling monsters, or uncovering ancient secrets, there's a Zelda game for every kind of player. You can find many titles from the series available for the Nintendo Switch, and select entries will also be playable on the Nintendo Switch 2, offering new ways to experience one of gaming’s most legendary franchises.