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The Legend of Zelda series has made numerousCameos in Nintendo Media. Elements and characters from the series have appeared in a number ofNintendo games and other licensed, related media. This listing does not include appearances in third-party video games. Please visitCameos ofThe Legend of Zelda in Third-Party Media for examples of these. For unlicensed parodies and homages in other media, seeThe Legend of Zelda in popular culture.

Nintendo Series

Animal Crossing Series

In theAnimal Crossing series, a number of objects and characters fromThe Legend of Zelda series make cameos in the form of furniture, clothing and accessories. Some of these pieces of furniture and accessories have made return appearances in subsequentAnimal Crossing games. They include:

• TheMaster Sword appears as a piece of furniture in the originalAnimal Crossing,Wild World,City Folk, andNew Leaf. It is part of the "Nintendo Set" of furniture. Interacting with it plays the "get item" jingle. It is set in thePedestal of Time, with itsTwilight Princess design inCity Folk and itsSkyward Sword design inNew Leaf.
• TheTriforce appears as a piece of furniture inWild World,City Folk andNew Leaf. It is part of the "Nintendo Set" of furniture. Interacting with the Triforce separates its pieces as they twirl before reforming, mimicking the animation and sound effect ofA Link to the Past's title screen.
• Kafei's andAnju's outfits appear as clothes in the originalAnimal Crossing only.Anju's outfit is worn byAziz, whileKaffe's outfit is worn byBoris andBecky.
• Link's hat and clothes appear inCity Folk andNew Leaf. Link's pants and boots also appear inNew Leaf.
• TheMajora's Mask appears as a mask accessory inCity Folk andNew Leaf.
• Midna'sFused Shadow appears as a hat inCity Folk andNew Leaf.
• Tingle's hood appears as a hat inNew Leaf.
• Makar's mask appears inNew Leaf.
• A mask resemblingFi's face appears inNew Leaf.

• 

  Majora's Mask

• 

  Master Sword

• 

  The Fi mask

Animal Crossing

• Scanning certain e-Reader cards addsZelda-based pattern designs that can be used as wallpaper, clothing, etc.^[1]
• If the player catches aLoach, his or her character will say "You don't suppose it'sHylian, do you?"
• Gulliver and Kapp'n make references toHyrule, such as a Hyrulean prison.^[2]
• Gulliver claims that he fought thesea snakes atPinnacle Rock.^[3]
• In some villagers' houses, if the player looks inside their cabinets or wardrobes, they may get the message "You found 10Rupees! Talk about lucky! Too bad you can't use them in this town...".
• On the back wall of Katrina's tent, there is a picture of the Triforce.
• ANintendo Entertainment System console withThe Legend of Zelda was set to appear as an item, but was made unobtainable. It can still be played by hacking into the game.

Animal Crossing: Wild World

• Villagers occasionally talk about aboy in green who shot things out of the air with aSlingshot.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

• When eating a Fortune Cookie, the paper inside reads a fortune relevant to the item obtained from it. TheZelda-related fortunes read:
  • Hero's Clothes: "The land is in great peril, and soon you will be the Hero of (town name)."
  • Hero's Pants: "Sometimes treasure is not hidden. It is only invisible."
  • Hero's Cap: "A green hat may be just the thing to inspire you toward adventure."
  • Majora's Mask: "If you leave my mask out there, something terrible will happen!"
  • Midna's Mask: "Look to the sky when the sun sets. All will be revealed in this twilight."
  • Master Sword: "It's dangerous to go alone. Take this."
  • Triforce: "He who believes he has a pure heart is probably just a beast in denial."
  • Hero's Boots: "A door that does not open is not closed to you; it only needs a key."
  • Fi Mask: "Sometimes a sword is just a sword. And sometimes it's a pretty girl."
• Through theWelcome amiibo update, it is possible to scan aZelda characteramiibo to bring aZelda-themed RV to the town's campground. TheZelda-themed RVs each contain an animal villager based on aZelda character. They are:
  • Acranky pig villager based onGanon. (Obtained from Ganondorf, Classic Link, Guardian, and Bokoblin)
  • Apeppy horse villager based onEpona. (Obtained from Sheik,Ocarina of Time Link, Rider Link, andMajora's Mask Link)
  • Anormal bird villager based onMedli. (Obtained from both versions of Toon Link,The Wind Waker Zelda,Breath of the Wild Zelda, and Zelda and Loftwing)
  • Asmug wolf villager based onWolf Link, known as W. Link in-game. (Obtained fromSmash Link,Smash Zelda,Smash Young Link, Wolf Link, Archer Link,Twilight Princess Link,Skyward Sword Link, andLink's Awakening Link)
  • In addition, the birthdays of these four characters are the Japanese release dates of their debut games.
• Each character's RV features exclusiveZelda-themed decor that can be purchased with MEOW Coupons. These include:
  • A shirt based on what the character that was summoned.
  • Link's hat and shirt fromThe Legend of Zelda. (All Characters)
  • Link's wig and shirt fromBreath of the Wild. (All Characters)
  • An 8-bit Hyrule carpet and wallpaper fromThe Legend of Zelda. (all characters)
  • ABomb fromOcarina of Time. (Ganon)
  • Ganondorf's wig, shirt, and pants fromTwilight Princess. (Ganon)
  • A greenRupee. (Ganon and Medli)
  • ATreasure Chest fromOcarina of Time. (Ganon and Wolf Link)
  • AGossip Stone. (Epona)
  • A bottle ofLon Lon Milk. (Epona)
  • TheMoon fromMajora's Mask. (Epona)
  • Sheik's mask, shirt, and pants. (Epona)
  • APiece of Heart. (Epona, Medli, and Wolf Link)
  • ACucco fromOcarina of Time. (Medli)
  • AFairy in aBottle. (Medli)
  • A mural based on the opening fromThe Wind Waker. (Medli)
  • AHylian Shield. (Wolf Link)
  • AHeart. (Wolf Link)
  • Zelda's wig and dress fromTwilight Princess. (Wolf Link)

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

• When talking about island evals with Isabelle, she quotes a comment from a villager about the current state of the island. One of these quotes contains the iconic phrase fromThe Legend of Zelda, "It's a secret to everybody."^[4]
• Version 3.0 ofNew Horizons adds numerous furniture items with the majority themed afterTears of the Kingdom.Mineru andTulin were added as villagers.

Daigasso! Band Brothers Series

A number ofZelda theme songs can be played in theDaigasso! Band Brothers games, some of which must first be downloaded.

• The originalDaigasso! Band Brothers includes a medley ofZelda songs.
• Jam with the Band, known in Japan asDaigasso! Band Brothers DX, includes someZelda songs.
• Daigasso! Band Brothers P includesTri Force Heroes' theme,Tri Force Heroes'Woodlands theme,A Link Between Worlds'Lorule theme, theBallad of the Goddess, andTwilight Princess's orchestrated theme.^[5]

Donkey Kong Series

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

• If the game is beaten with 18 Video Game Hero Coins (in the form of DK Coins) or less, third place in Cranky's Video Game Heroes will be held by Link, behindYoshi andMario. Link's appearance is based on the design used for official art inA Link to the Past andLink's Awakening, albeit with darker hair, possibly due to palette limitations. He appears unequipped, and looks around the room before crossing his arms. In theGame Boy Advance remake, Link takes second place instead of Yoshi. As the game uses pre-rendered sprites, this marks the first time Link had been rendered in three dimensions for a game.

Donkey Kong Land 2

• This game also includes the same Video Game Heroes lineup as the SNES equivalent.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble

• If the main characters ask about the castle in Bazaar's Shop (available after buying the shell), and refuse to pay for the story, Bazaar will recount how a boy also asked about the castle and had paid 500 Rupees for it. This reference was removed in the Game Boy Advance remake.

Donkey Konga Series

• In theDonkey Konga series of games,The Legend of Zelda theme is featured in a number of games, including the original,Hit Song Parade, andDonkey Konga 3.
• In the originalDonkey Konga, the player can buy aThe Legend of Zelda-themed bongo sound set.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

• Funky Kong referencesThe Legend of Zelda series' infamous "It's dangerous to go alone" phrase when selling Crash Guards in Funky's Fly'n'Buy.^[6]

Kirby Series

• In several games, starting withKirby Super Star, Kirby'sSword ability is a reference to Link, most notably as the hat Kirby wears is based on Link's cap. The Sword Kirby uses also resembles the Master Sword. In some games, the ability grants Kirby with sword techniques based on those of Link's, such as theSword Beam,Spin Attack,Down Thrust, and theSkyward Strike (called "Sky Energy Strike" inKirby: Triple Deluxe).

Kirby Super Star

• InThe Great Cave Offensive, one of the treasures to collect is the Triforce. According to Nintendo, the reason for this and the references to other Nintendo games are because the developers wanted to repay the favor of havingKirby appear inLink's Awakening.^[7]

Kirby: Triple Deluxe

• A "Master Sword"Keychain can be collected. It is based on theMaster Copy Ability fromKirby & The Amazing Mirror and is likely aThe Legend of Zelda reference in name only.

Kirby: Canvas Curse

• On Level 3 of the Paint Roller's mini-game, Kirby may sometimes have to draw a Triforce shape.

Mario Series

Super Mario Bros. 2

• The sound effect ofBirdo spitting an egg is taken from the sound effect that plays when firing a magic projectile with theMagical Rod (and whenWizzrobes fire their projectiles) inThe Legend of Zelda.

Super Mario Bros. 3

• TheMagic Whistle plays the same tune as theRecorder inThe Legend of Zelda. It also summons a cyclone in the same way.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

• If Mario sleeps at the inn at Rose Town, Link will be sleeping in the bed next to him. If Mario attempts to talk to him, the classicZelda discovery jingle will play.
  • Link's cameo reappears in the 2023Nintendo Switch remake,Super Mario RPG.

• 

  Link in Rose Town's inn fromSuper Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

• 

  Link in Rose Town's inn fromSuper Mario RPG (2023)

Yoshi's Story

• The word "Zelda" can be read on the newspaper background in Stages 2-3 and 2-4.

Mario Golf

• Random names of characters from otherNintendo games are put on the scoreboards inMario Golf for the Game Boy Color. In the Links Club, several characters fromOcarina of Time may also appear, includingDarunia,Deku Scrub,Goron Kid,Impa, Link,Malon,Nabooru,Navi,Saria,Sheik,Talon, andZelda. These names may also appear on the scorecards of other courses as well. The Links Club, while a reference to the golfing term, may also be a pun on Link fromThe Legend of Zelda as well.

Mario Artist: Paint Studio

• The "Character Stamps" mode includes the official artwork of many characters fromOcarina of Time that can be placed in the painting.^[8] The "Game Illustration" mode features seven full-screen art pieces fromOcarina of Time that can be used as backgrounds.^[9]

Super Mario Sunshine

• Under his mask, the characterIl Piantissimo has a face resembling theRunning Man fromOcarina of Time and thePostman fromMajora's Mask.^[10]

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

• One of the items obtained from the Starbeans Café is theGreat Force, a yellow triangle resembling a piece of theTriforce. Originally, various Nintendo characters were intended to appear at the Café to present the Mario Bros. with related items, before being replaced by Professor E. Gadd and the items slightly renamed and redesigned. Link was originally supposed to appear and give the Triforce to the brothers.^[11]

• In the Winkle Colosseum, the Mario Bros. participate in a mini-game where they must deflect rocks at enemies known asChuckoroks, whose name is derived fromOctoroks. These enemies also have a similar appearance, as they shoot rocks from their snouts.

• In theBarrel mini-game, an 8-bit skeleton resembling aStalfos fromThe Legend of Zelda will appear briefly from behind the crates on the bottom-right corner of the screen whenever Mario and Luigi clear four rows of barrels at the same time. The Stalfos appears to have its limbs reduced in length and its head increased in size to match the proportions of the skeleton characters in the game.

• In theNintendo 3DS remake,Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, the Great Force is redesigned, now bearing a closer resemblance to the Triforce. The jingle that plays when Mario and Luigi obtains it is the same one that plays when Link obtains an item from a bigTreasure Chest in theThe Legend of Zelda series.

• 

  The 8-bit Stalfos during the Barrel mini-game in the bottom-right corner fromMario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

• 

  The Stalfos fromMario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

• 

  A Stalfos fromThe Legend of Zelda

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

• The names of variousZelda characters can appear on the leaderboards during tournaments, includingAryll,Zunari,Salvatore,Koume,Tott,Mako, andZuko. The name "Senzar" can also appear, which is likely a misspelling ofSenza.

Mario Party 7

• Every time a Cruise Secret is purchased, the text box says, "Shhh... It's a secret to everybody!"

Super Paper Mario

• Throughout the game Mario is guided by a hint-giving Pixl named Tippi. Her fairy-like appearance and role is likely a reference to Navi.
• When Mimi insists that Mario pays for a vase he broke, she will not accept coins, as she prefers to use octagonal gems called "Rubees", a reference to Rupees. TheFlipside Token also strongly resembles a Rupee.
• A Pixl named Fleep can be found inside a bathroom on the moon, who requests a piece of paper. Mario must then buy a map, which is then used as toilet paper by Fleep. This is similar to how??? also requests paper.
• When the first bossFracktail malfunctions, it will begin to say several computer computer-inspired phrases, one of which is "I AMERROR."

Super Mario Galaxy

• In the third mission of theGood Egg Galaxy, Mario fights giant creatures that resembleDeku Scrubs firing cannonballs at him.
• In theRolling Gizmo Galaxy,Star Bits can be seen formed in the shape of a Rupee.
• Game director Yoshiaki Koizumi said in an interview with Nintendo Power (issue #225) that the battle strategy against the bossMegaleg was inspired by what was originally going to be used for the final battle againstGanon inOcarina of Time, which was scrapped due to difficulty on camera control.

Super Mario Galaxy 2

• In one of the galaxies, a Gearmo will ask Mario for a Goomba. After the plumber gives him the Goomba, he will hold it up in the air exactly like Link does when he gets an item.

Super Mario 3D Land

• World 5-2 is heavily based onThe Legend of Zelda series and was created to honor the game's 25th anniversary. The course is played predominantly from a top-down perspective and involves Mario moving from room to room in a similar manner to a traditionalZelda dungeon. A puzzle to obtain a Star Coin involves lighting torches using Fire Mario, which causes theZelda "puzzle solved" jingle to play. The course also includes traps that mimic those that appear inZelda dungeons, such asGuruguru Bars andRolling Spike Traps.

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

• In Mission C-3: Roundhouse Brawl in the Old Clockworks, the Ancient Poltergeist (Elder Boffin in the PAL release) is briefly seen arranging six bricks into the shape of the Triforce. As he does this, the background music briefly plays the "item found" jingle from theZelda games.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

• One of the Luiginoid moves is calledHookshot, which is a reference to theitem of the same name. This Luiginoid move works in a similar manner to the aforementioned item, causing multiple Luigis to stretch out in a chain to latch onto targets and pull Mario and the remaining Luiginoids to it.

Super Mario 3D World

• A secret area inRainbow Run takes Mario to an area composed of black blocks that form an 8-bit Link sprite fromThe Legend of Zelda. Lighting them all up to reveal the sprite causes the "item found" refrain fromOcarina of Time to play, and a Green Star to appear. After this, the music will change to a remix of part of the main theme of theZelda series until Mario leaves.

Mario Kart 8

• AZelda-themed DLC package forMario Kart 8 was released on November 13, 2014.The Legend of Zelda ×Mario Kart 8 package contains three new playable characters, including the incarnation of Link fromSkyward Sword. The DLC pack also contains aZelda-themed vehicle with matching parts: theMaster Cycle, which features aHylian Shield at each side, and the Triforce Tires and Hylian Kite. The Triforce Cup, also included in the DLC, features theHyrule Circuit, which is located in Hyrule Field and inside Hyrule Castle.^[12] The circuit features Rupees instead of Coins,Deku Babas instead ofPiranha Plants, andKeese instead ofSwoops. Once inside the Hyrule Castle section,switches can be activated to summon the Master Sword. Also, Link will sometimes hold the Triforce in his hands while performing atrick.

• Using either the Link or Toon Linkamiibo unlocks the Link Racing Suit usable by the Mii character.

• 

  Hyrule Circuit fromMario Kart 8

• 

  Deku Baba

• 

  Keese

• 

  Rupee

Yoshi's Woolly World

• Using any non-generic amiibo unlocks a pattern for Yoshi based on that character. These include fourZelda-related patterns. In the Nintendo 3DS port,Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World, a pattern for Wolf Link was added.

• 

  Link / Toon Link pattern

• 

  Zelda pattern

• 

  Sheik pattern

• 

  Ganondorf pattern

• 

  Wolf Link pattern

Super Mario Maker

• 8-bit versions of Link, Toon Link, Zelda, Sheik, Ganondorf, and Tingle appear asCostumes for Mario, usable by grabbing a Mystery Mushroom. They are unlocked by either playing through the 100-Mario Challenge, or scanning their respective amiibo (except Tingle, who does not have an amiibo).Zelda-centric jingles play when Mario is transformed into these characters and when the D-pad is pressed up. Costumes based on "Totem Link" (based on the threeLinks fromTri Force Heroes) andTetra also appear and can be unlocked through Event Courses and updates, respectively.

• The sprite used for theSea Urchin enemies was reused inSuper Mario Maker when placing aSuper Mario World-style spike object in an underwater setting.

• 

  A Sea Urchin inLink's Awakening

• 

  A Sea Urchin inSuper Mario Maker

Super Mario Maker 2

Added as part of the Ver. 2.0.0 update, promoted asA Legendary Update,^[13] Link was added as a playable character through the use of the Master Sword power-up. He has the ability to jump,Down Thrust,Dash Attack, lay downBombs, use aShield, and shootArrows in multiple directions from a Bow.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

The fourth chapter in the game has Mario sailing across an ocean calledThe Great Sea on a boat with similar mechanics to theKing of Red Lions fromThe Wind Waker. In order to unlock a dungeon called the Sea Tower, which looks similar to theTower of the Gods from the outside, Mario must travel to Diamond Island and complete the Trials of Power, Courage and Wisdom to collect the three sacred orbs, which is a reference to theGolden Goddesses and theGoddess Pearls. When arriving on Diamond Island,Captain T. Ode remarks on the scenery by saying "It seems so familiar. I would swear I've heard a legend about this place. I won't try to force a name upon it."

A reference toBreath of the Wild can be found earlier in the game, where a Toad in Autumn Mountain complains he doesn't have enough stamina to climb a wall, before commenting that at least it isn't raining.

In the Japanese version, the Whispering Woods area is known asデクの山Deku no yama (Deku Mountain). One of its inhabitants, an elderly tree stump namedOl' Grandsappy, is calledデクじいDeku jī (Grandfather Deku). His face has similarities to theGreat Deku Tree fromOcarina of Time.

Metroid Series

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

• The game's concept of light/dark duality, as well as the collection of Temple Keys, is comparable to the gameplay mechanic fromA Link to the Past. In fact, the developer of the game,Retro Studios, was assisted by one of the creators of the SNESZelda game to properly incorporate the aforementioned concept into the new game.^[14]

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

• Players can unlock a special feature known as Bumper Stickers, which decoratesSamus'sGunship with stickers based on certain Nintendo games that have data stored in the players'Wii consoles. One of the stickers is theWing Crest fromTwilight Princess.

Picross Series

Picross NP

• Volume 5 and 8 of theNintendo Power Picross series had its "Character" section based onOcarina of Time. In the latter game, these puzzles are available in the "Character Extra" section, which is unlocked after completing all 96 of the original puzzles. The images used are of Navi, theFairy Ocarina, theKeaton Mask, theFairy Slingshot,Kaepora Gaebora, Link,Princess Ruto,Epona, Darunia, Deku Scrub andGanondorf.

Picross DS

• Level 11 of Normal Mode, unlocked after completing the 10 other levels, is based on different Nintendo characters. Puzzle 11-L is based on the original Link sprite.
• Volume 5 ofPicross NP was also made available as a "My Picross" download in the game. Pack 7, released in August 27, 2008 only for the North American version contains theOcarina of Time puzzles, with them being puzzles 7B-7H.

Club Nintendo Picross

• Two puzzles in "Easy Picross" and fifteen puzzles in "Normal Picross" are based onZelda characters and items. A larger, multi-part "Micross" puzzle shows artwork of Link fromSkyward Sword, and when completed, plays the music heard when Link obtains theGoddess Sword. Unlike in earlierPicross titles, the images do not become animated when puzzles are completed.

Club Nintendo Picross Plus

• This update/sequel features six newZelda puzzles and a new "Micross" puzzle showing Link fromA Link Between Worlds, which plays the "Get Item" fanfare when completed. NineZelda puzzles from the originalClub Nintendo Picross are reused as "Mega Picross" puzzles, which contain hint numbers spanning over two rows.

Picross 3D: Round 2

• One of the nine puzzles that can be unlocked with amiibo features Link, in hisOcarina of Time 3D appearance, riding Epona.

Pikmin Series

Hey! Pikmin

• In Area E of Sector 2, known as "The Keeper of the Lake", a blueOcarina nearly identical in design to theOcarina of Time appears as a treasure called the Unexamined Nest. It is the reward for defeating the boss of Sector 2, the Long Water Dumple. It is worth 1000 Sparklium.

Unexamined Nest I recovered this from inside the giant water creature. It's...a nest of some kind? I'm too nervous to see what lives in it. I...I don't need to analyze all of these things! It's not my job!

• In Area A of Sector 3, known as the "Crystal Tunnels", one of the treasures that can obtained is aLink's Awakening DX cartridge called the Attention-Getting Logo. It is worth 200 Sparklium.

Attention-Getting Logo I can't read the writing, but the shape and color of the letters are very striking. The sword and shield behind the large, jagged glyph project an air of strength and confidence. A business or product could do very well with this type of logo. Maybe I should bring it back with me and show it to the company president to give him some ideas.

Pikmin 4

• ATreasure known as theMechanical Harp (Windmills) can be found in theHero's Hideaway. It is aMusic box that plays the "Song of Storms" when it is being carried by Pikmin or when it is performing its action in theTreasure Catalog. When viewed in the Treasure Catalog,Schnauz will state how its song resembles "heroic tales and captured princesses."^[15]
• TheAmbiguous Hostel is a Treasure that can be found in theSerene Shores. It is a mahogany Ocarina bearing the engraving, "Tlozoot", a reference toOcarina of Time.
• TheHearty Container, a Treasure found in thePlunder Palace, is a reference toHeart Containers. Though it is actually one of the cookies fromYoshi's Cookie,Olimar, in his notes, associates it with having extra health.^[16]
• TheCourage Emblem,Power Emblem, andWisdom Emblem are three Treasures that collectively reference the three aspects of theTriforce. They are actually playing cards of the hearts, diamonds, and clubs suits, respectively, whose face values provide the code to unlocking the safe inHero's Hideaway, and are thus randomized each time the game is played.

• 

  A Mechanical Harp

• 

  The Ambiguous Hostel

• 

  The Hearty Container

• 

  A possible Courage Emblem

• 

  A possible Power Emblem

• 

  A possible Wisdom Emblem

Splatoon Series

Splatoon

• An 8-bit Octorok fromThe Legend of Zelda can be found on one of the walls in the Urchin Underpass map.^[17] Octorok sprites fromThe Legend of Zelda andThe Adventure of Link can also be found throughout theOcto Valley.^[18]

Splatoon 2

• Similar toSplatoon, Octorok sprites fromThe Adventure of Link can be found in theOcto Canyon.
• In theOcto Expansion DLC, many Nintendo consoles and game cartridges can be seen as floating background elements. One of theNintendo 64 cartridges greatly resemblesOcarina of Time.^[19]

Splatoon 3

• ASplatfest event was announced to promote the release ofTears of the Kingdom. Players were prompted to make a choice between Power, Wisdom, or Courage, represented by silhouettes ofGanondorf,Zelda, andLink respectively, as well as the symbols of corresponding to their respective pieces of theTriforce. The event was announced on April 14, 2023, and it ran between May 5 to May 7.
  • TheTricolor Turf Warstage wasScorch Gorge, which resembles the Gerudo Highlands. The stage had a custom layout unique to this specific Splatfest, being the first to utilize a three-point symmetrical layout. The layout of the stage layout resembled theTriforce, with markings of it seen at the center of the stage.
  • T-shirts were also announced to be releasing in celebration of the Splatfest, bearing the designs of the main Splatfest poster.

Tetris Series

Tetris (NES)

• After winning a B-type game at or above Level 9 with a height of at least 1, Link appears playing a flute.
• Upon beating Level 9, a secret ending with various Nintendo characters, including Link, is unlocked.

Tetris DS

• This version features Link prominently and includes a number ofZelda-themed puzzles.

Tetris 99

• There are two unlockable themes based onThe Legend of Zelda;The Legend of Zelda, purchased with tickets, andSkyward Sword HD, obtainable through participating in the 23rdMaximus Cup.^[20]

Wario Series

Wario Land II

• A few Nintendo references appear in the form of some Treasures Wario can obtain in each level. A boot with wings, resembling thePegasus Boots, appears in the "Return the Hen to Her Nest" level, while a blueOcarina much like theFlute fromA Link to the Past appears in "Stop that Train!" of the "In Town" chapter.

WarioWare Series

• Several of9-Volt's,18-Volt's and5-Volt's microgames are based on games ofThe Legend of Zelda series.

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!

• One of 9-Volt's microgames is based onThe Legend of Zelda. In it, the player has to move Link into the cave entrance within the time limit while avoiding enemies. This microgame reappears inWarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!
• During the credits, if the player pushes down on the control pad, the stars turn to Triforces.

WarioWare: Twisted!

• One of 9-Volt's microgames is based onThe Legend of Zelda. Using the game's tilt motion controls, the Game Boy Advance must be turned to change the direction of Link's Shield, in order to deflect the rocks from a group of Octoroks.

WarioWare: Touched!

• One of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames is based onThe Legend of Zelda, and alternately,The Adventure of Link in the microgame's level 1. The object is to tap all the onscreenFairies to restore Link's health. If successful, Link will reveal himself and hold up aNintendo DS. InThe Adventure of Link setting, Link will simply walk past.

WarioWare: Smooth Moves

• One of theposes available during the intermission screen is called the Triforce.
• Two of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames are based on games fromThe Legend of Zelda series. One is based onThe Wind Waker, where the player must tilt the Wii Remote to fly Link with theDeku Leaf onto the wooden platform to reach theForbidden Woods. On successive difficulty levels, the platform is farther away. The other microgame is based onOcarina of Time, where the player must thrust the Wii Remote upward repeatedly to make Link pull out the Master Sword from thePedestal of Time, transforming him into an adult. On level 2, Link transforms into an elderly man, and on level 3, he transforms into aCucco.
• Another one of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames, called Opening Night, requires the player to conduct an orchestra played by Mario, Luigi and Link. One of the possible music tracks on level 3 includesThe Legend of Zelda overworld theme.

WarioWare: D.I.Y.

• One of 9-Volt's microgames is based onPhantom Hourglass. In it, the player must tap theChuChus surrounding Link to defeat them all before they can reach him.

WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase

• One of 18-Volt's microgames is based onThe Adventure of Link. In it, Link must raise his Shield to protect himself from the Boomerangs thrown by theGoriya.
• The Japanese release has a microgame based onFreshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland, in which the player must tap on anEyelid Pig rapidly to helpTingle defeat it. In the international releases, it was replaced by aKid Icarus microgame.

WarioWare Gold

• Several microgames are reused from earlierWarioWare titles:
  • Two of 5-Volt's microgames areThe Legend of Zelda (fromWarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!) andOcarina of Time (fromWarioWare: Smooth Moves). The latter microgame is changed from motion controls to repeatedly tapping the A button, and no longer shows Link's transformations upon completion, instead panning the camera upward.
  • One of 18-Volt's microgames isThe Wind Waker (fromWarioWare: Smooth Moves). The landing platform now becomes smaller on successive difficulty levels, rather than farther away.
  • TheOcarina of Time microgame can also be played from the Toy Room's "Misc." menu by selecting theNew Nintendo 3DS XL, then tapping the Power button on the system model that appears.
• 9-Volt has a new microgame based onPhantom Hourglass. In it, the player must trace a path for Link's Boomerang to hit one or moreShock Switches inside theTemple of Fire.
• InWario's amiibo Sketch, scanning anamiibo figure will make Wario paint a crude sketch of that character. The painting's composition, background and colors are randomized and will be different each time. Thirteen figures from theZelda series can be painted.

• 

  Link sketch

• 

  Toon Link sketch

• 

  Midna & Wolf Link sketch

• 

  Sheik sketch

• 

  Ganondorf sketch

• 

  Link (Champion) sketch

• 

  Zelda (Champion) sketch

• 

  Guardian sketch

• 

  Bokoblin sketch

• 

  Mipha sketch

• 

  Revali sketch

• 

  Daruk sketch

• 

  Urbosa sketch

WarioWare: Get It Together!

• There is aBreath of the Wild microgame where the playable character must strike threeObjects under the influence ofStasis, and send them as far as possible.^[21]

WarioWare: Move It!

• One of 9-Volt's microgames is based onOcarina of Time 3D. The player controls aCucco and must outrunLink, who is chasing it through a section ofKakariko Village with added obstacles.^[22]

Other Nintendo Games

1080° Avalanche

The initials used for the game's default high scores make reference to various Nintendo franchises. The top three high scores for Revolution Cliff track's Gate challenge are "POW", "CUR", and "WIS", referencing the three pieces of theTriforce.

Amiibo Tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits

Demo versions ofThe Legend of Zelda,The Adventure of Link, andA Link to the Past are unlockable by scanningThe Legend of Zelda amiibo.

AR Games

The built-inNintendo 3DS app allows players to takeaugmented reality photos with various Nintendo characters using AR Cards bundled with the console. One of the AR Cards features Link in hisSpirit Tracks appearance. When altering Link's pose, he will either make a shout or, when he holds up aRed Rupee, the "Get Item" fanfare will be heard.

• 

  Link's AR Card

• 

  Link appearing withKirby in augmented reality

Art Style: PiCTOBiTS

• Two of the stages are based onThe Legend of Zelda, utilizing sprites of Link, Zelda and Ganon. Each stage is accompanied by a remixed theme in a chiptune style; one based on the main theme,^[23] and the second being a rock-themed remix of theDeath Mountain music.^[24]

Big Brain Academy

• One of the puzzles in the "Get in Shape" mode is based on the Triforce.

F1 Race

• In the Game Boy version, Link roots for the player at the start of Course 5.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Characters pump their fists when cooking, like Link inBreath of the Wild.

Game & Watch Gallery 4

• Game & WatchZelda is available as an unlockable bonus game.^[25]

Kid Icarus: Uprising

• The Idol description for theFairy Orbitars references Navi in the first sentence:

  Tired of pixies asking you to listen? Try these spritely orbitars on for size!

Miitomo

• Several apparel items as well as room decor based onThe Legend of Zelda have been made available for the application. Many of these items are available only as redeemable rewards inMy Nintendo. Apparel items include Link's Wig (based onTwilight Princess's Link), Link's New Hair Wig (based onBreath of the Wild's Link), 8-Bit Link Tee, and the Bow & Arrows (based onBreath of the Wild'sChampion's Tunic). Decor items include matching wallpaper and flooring based onBreath of the Wild.

• 

  Link's New Hair Wig

• 

  Bow & Arrows

Miitopia

• In both theNintendo 3DS andNintendo Switch versions of the game, scanning any Link, Zelda, Sheik, or Ganondorf amiibo will reward the player with a matching Mii costume based on that character.

• 

  Link costume

• 

  Zelda costume

• 

  Sheik costume

• 

  Ganondorf costume

Nintendo Badge Arcade

• Numerous badges based on sprites and artwork fromThe Legend of Zelda series can be collected in thisFree-to-play application by playing a selection ofClaw crane games. These can be used to decorate the HOME Menu of the Nintendo 3DS.^[26] More badges were occasionally released through weekly updates, until new badge additions were discontinued on May 26th, 2017 in Japan,^[27] on June 22nd, 2017 in North America,^[28] and on June 23rd, 2017 in Europe.^[29] Corresponding to the closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops on March 27th, 2023, the selection of badge catchers no longer rotates daily, and the ability to purchase plays was deactivated. Free plays can still be won through the daily practice catcher, and all previously-collected badges can still be accessed.

• The following games have had sets of badges available to collect:
  • The Legend of Zelda
  • The Adventure of Link (As part of theNES Remix set)
  • A Link to the Past
  • The Wind Waker HD
  • A Link Between Worlds
  • Majora's Mask 3D (Some characters' artwork is fromMajora's Mask)
  • Tri Force Heroes
  • Twilight Princess HD (Some characters' and items' artwork is fromTwilight Princess)
  • Breath of the Wild
• The now-permanent selection of badge catchers includes three catchers from theMajora's Mask 3D set and two from theA Link Between Worlds set.
• Several other sets containedZelda-related badges. A set titled "The Legend of Zelda - 30th Anniversary" contained artwork of Link from nearly every game in the series, while badges with pixelated sprites of variousZelda characters were available in theSuper Mario Maker set.^[30][31] Several badges ofZelda game cartridges could be found in the "Pixel Collection" set, and several badges from the "amiibo" set featuredZelda characters. Five badges from theThe Legend of Zelda set and two badges ofFDS Disk Cards from the "Pixel Collection" set were unavailable outside of Japan.

• Some "collaboration" badges were also available, featuring characters fromAnimal Crossing,Swapdoodle, theWarioWare series, andNintendo Badge Arcade itself dressed as characters fromThe Legend of Zelda.^[32] Link also appeared riding theMaster Cycle in theMario Kart 8 set, as a puppet in theCat Mario set,^[33] and as badges within badges in theNintendo Badge Arcade set. Several sets ofZelda game badges also included "launcher" badges, which resemble the icons of various built-in Nintendo 3DS apps, remade in the style of those games.

• Link also appears on the application's title screen in hisThe Wind Waker HD appearance as part of the Badge Arcade's marquee, and on the loading screen in hisThe Legend of Zelda appearance. Once loaded, the application is hosted by an anthropomorphic pink rabbit named Arcade Bunny, who would often make spoken references toThe Legend of Zelda when introducing new sets of badges or showcasing the customized HOME Menus that users had shared onMiiverse. Arcade Bunny has made use of quotes such as"I am Error" in his greeting monologues,^[34] and would frequently comment on his favorite characters and other aspects of the series.

• Several of the badge catchers included gimmicks which recreate or allude to gameplay elements from the original games. For instance, in a catcher set inside aDungeon fromThe Legend of Zelda, the badge ofAquamentus could only be collected by knocking the badge of Link'sSword Beam into it from the opposite side of the screen. A few otherThe Legend of Zelda catchers mimicked the layout of theShops found inside caves. Another catcher based onMajora's Mask 3D features severalMask badges along the floor and a badge of theMoon suspended higher up; moving the claw too far will cause the Moon badge to fall onto the Masks, making them more difficult to collect.

• An exclusiveA Link Between Worlds HOME Menu Theme, featuring a brick wall suitable forPainting-style badges, could only be purchased through the application.^[35]

• 

  Badge catcher featuringA Link Between Worlds character and Triforce badges

• 

  Badge catcher featuringA Link Between Worlds Sage badges

• 

  Badge catcher featuringMajora's Mask 3D Link badges

• 

  Badge catcher featuringMajora's Mask 3D launcher badges

• 

  Badge catcher featuringMajora's Mask 3D Mask and Moon badges

• 

  Arcade Bunny statue featuring badges of Princess Zelda, the Moon, and three Links

Nintendo Land

• One of the mini-games is calledThe Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest, and is a direct homage to the series. The player takes on the role of Link and fights many monsters from the series in familiar landscapes.
• The Triforce makes an appearance inYoshi's Fruit Cart in Gate 30, where the player must make the shape of the relic using the stylus to complete the stage.
• The Triforce also appears as a possible shape in the Pachinko game found in the main Plaza.

nintendogs + cats

• In the Augmented Reality Camera mode, using the LinkAR Card bundled with the Nintendo 3DS will dress the player's pet in Link's cap, complete with blond hair.

Pokémon Stadium 2

• In My Room mode, the player's character can decorate their room with consoles. On theNES, it is possible to seeThe Legend of Zelda; on theSNES,A Link to the Past can be seen; and on theNintendo 64,Ocarina of Time can be seen.

Pokémon X and Y

• After being defeated by the player, Preschooler Mia on Route 4 says "Hey! Hey! Listen!", referencing Navi.

Ring Fit Adventure

• TheSongBreath of the Wild Medley was added in the Version 1.2.0 update on March 26, 2020. It is an arrangement of the Songs "Guardian Battle", "Molduga Battle", "Battle with Calamity Ganon (Second Form)", and "Dark Beast Ganon Battle" fromBreath of the Wild. It is playable only in the game's Rhythm Mode.

StreetPass Mii Plaza

• The application utilizes and exchanges Miis throughStreetPass to play an assortment of mini-games. Miis can be dressed up in accessories which can be received in mini-games or through events. Some of the possible accessories include the Link Costume, which dresses the Mii in Link's tunic and cap; the Princess Zelda Wig, which features jewelry and pointed ears; and the Sheik Mask. Other hats are available featuring the Triforce, a green Rupee, a treasure chest, and busts of Epona and Tingle.

• 

  Link Costume

• 

  Princess Zelda Wig

• 

  Sheik Mask

• 

  Rupee Hat

• 

  Epona Hat

• 

  Tingle Hat

• StreetPass Mii Plaza also features a mini-game called Puzzle Swap, which features several animated panels based on various Nintendo games and characters. There are several panels explicitly based onThe Legend of Zelda series.

• • The panel entitled "The Legend of Zelda" features a right-handed Link in hisTwilight Princess appearance, wielding theOrdon Sword and theHylian Shield. He periodically slashes his sword. Link is standing in a dark, empty plane, which has black squares rising and rotating, and a drifting cloud cover that lets a little, yellow light through.

• • The panel entitled "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D" features an adult Link in hisOcarina of Time 3D appearance riding Epona throughHyrule Field, with Navi flying alongside them.Hyrule Castle Town and Death Mountain are visible in the background, but do not move any further away as Epona gallops (to maintain the loop). The time cycles through day and night.

• • The panel entitled "Nintendo Starlets" in North America, and "Heroines" in PAL regions, features Zelda in herSkyward Sword appearance (with her lyre) and Zelda's spirit fromSpirit Tracks, as well asPeach,Rosalina, andPauline from theSuper Mario series. Each of the characters appear above a color-matched flower, with all of them rotating in a carousel fashion and performing a specific animation when facing the camera.

• • The panel entitled "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" features Link in hisSkyward Sword appearance riding theCrimson Loftwing throughThe Sky. Rotating the camera,Skyloft can be seen on the left and Zelda in herSkyward Sword appearance riding aLoftwing can be seen on the right.

• • The panel entitled "ULTIMATE NES REMIX" features an 8x5 grid of tiles from various NES games featured in the gameUltimate NES Remix. This grid features Link, aHeart Container and an Octorok in theirThe Legend of Zelda appearances; as well as Link, aBot and anOld Woman in theirThe Adventure of Link appearances. In the animation, Link in hisThe Legend of Zelda appearance obtains aTriforce Shard, which then transitions to a spritesheet. The spritesheet at the end of the animation depicts theOld Man from theGreat Palace, aSmall Key, and a redDaira in addition to Link holding up the Triforce. Using the Circle Pad to shift the camera at various points in the animation also revealsGanon,Aquamentus, aMoblin and aBomb in theirThe Legend of Zelda appearances, and a lady fromThe Adventure of Link carrying aDr. Mario pill.

• • The panel entitled "Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U" features all 35 starter characters fromSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. Link,Toon Link, Zelda, andSheik appear in theirSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U appearances. The animation depicts colored silhouettes of each of the character shooting into the camera, then puts all the silhouettes into a display before revealing the proper artwork.

Style Savvy: Fashion Forward

• By scanningThe Legend of Zelda seriesPrincess Zeldaamiibo, players can obtain the Princess Tiara, which resembles Princess Zelda's tiara fromTwilight Princess.

• 

  A promotion for the Princess Tiara

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

• The Calico Trophy inSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS makes a reference to theGerudo while mentioning the fact that only one percent of calico cats are male.^[36]

Swapdoodle

• In the Lesson Store, four Lesson packs exclusively featuring games fromThe Legend of Zelda series can be purchased. Two featureOcarina of Time and two featureThe Wind Waker.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time contains 2 pieces of stationery, one with adult Link and the other with adult Princess Zelda, and 11 Lessons: Adult Link,Epona, adult Princess Zelda, theHylian Shield,Sheik, theHookshot,Darunia,Ganondorf, adultPrincess Ruto, theWingcrest andImpa.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time #2 contains 2 pieces of stationery, a green one with child Link and a pink one with child Princess Zelda, and 12 Lessons: Child Link,Saria, child Princess Zelda, Navi, childMalon,Nabooru, child Princess Ruto,Kaepora Gaebora,King Zora, aGoron, theKokiri Sword and theOcarina of Time.
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker contains 2 pieces of stationery, a green one with Link and a pink one with Princess Zelda, and 10 Lessons: Link, theWind Waker, Princess Zelda, theHero's Shield, theKing of Red Lions, theMaster Sword, aFairy, theBait Bag, Link conducting with the Wind Waker and Ganondorf.
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker #2 contains 2 pieces of stationery, one featuring theGreat Sea andTetra and the other featuringOutset Island andAryll, and 10 Lessons: Tetra, Aryll,Gonzo,Sue-Belle,Niko,Link's Grandma,Beedle,Orca, aFishman andTingle.
• Two other Lesson packs also feature characters, items and symbols fromThe Legend of Zelda series alongside other Nintendo series. TheBronze Glitter & Stationary Set contains stationery, one with the Hylian Shield and one with the Wingcrest (referred to as the Hylian Crest), and theNintendo Premium Pack contains a green stationery with Link fromThe Wind Waker and a Lesson to draw the head of Link fromThe Wind Waker.

Tomodachi Life

• One of the possible things a Mii can say in their sleep is, "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this!".
• One of the possible games being heard while aWii U is being played by a Mii isBattle Quest.
• One of the possible names for a picture can be is, "The Legend of October".

Trace Memory

• In the North American version, the bookshelf in the Silver Bird Room contains a book called "The Legend of Zelda Chronology".

Wii Music

• One of the playable songs is the title theme ofThe Legend of Zelda.

Wii Sports Resort

• One of the stamps that can be obtained in the archery mini-game is called "A Secret to Everybody". Its description reads: "There is a secret target in every stage of every difficulty level. Hit all the secret targets in every level to get this stamp."

Wii Party

• The description for the "Flashlight Frights" mini-game starts with "It's dangerous to go alone."

Television and Movies

The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!

• InStars in Their Eyes, Mario rescues some aliens known as Quirks from Moon Man Koopa. Near the end of the episode, the Quirks hum a song to stop Koopa, which is the intro to the theme ofThe Legend of Zelda TV series.

Captain N: The Game Master

• Link and Princess Zelda make guest appearances throughout the second season of the television series.

• 

  Zelda with her Bow inCaptain N: The Game Master

• 

  Zelda and Link inCaptain N: The Game Master

• 

  Link holding his Sword inCaptain N: The Game Master

• 

  Zelda kissing Link inCaptain N: The Game Master

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

• A road in the Queen's map in the Super Mario Bros. Plumbing's commercial is named after Link.
• Mario and Luigi's father's hairstyle resemblesTalon's, in reference to the character being designed to be similar to the plumber. It was however stated this hairstyle is a re-worked version of the original concept-art forPapa Mario.^{[citation needed]}

Books and Comics

Super Mario-kun

In chapter 4 of volume 4 of the long-running manga,Mario andYoshi find themselves inHyrule. Mario is armed with a Mushroom Sword (which later is powered-up into the Master Mushroom Sword), while Yoshi becomes his shield. They encounter aSpear Soldier,Rupees,Octoroks,Zoras, anArmos, and finallyAgahnim, as well as aFairy and theCursed Fairy with the same face asBowser's.

In chapter 7, still of volume 4, while approaching Bowser's Castle, Mario pulls out thePegasus Boots that he stole from his adventure in Hyrule and uses them to reach quickly the castle. Meanwhile, behind the page,Link is looking desperately for them.

The Master Mushroom Sword later reappears in chapter 3 of volume 13.

• 

  Mario attacked by a Spear Throwing Soldier

• 

  Mario battling Agahnim

Unused and Unreleased Cameos

Golden Sun: The Lost Age

• Hidden within the game's source code isan unused NPC sprite that greatly resembles Link.^[37]

Super Mario Odyssey

• Prior to the version 1.2.0 update, there existed data and descriptions referencing a Link costume for Mario to wear.^[38] It was never included in the final game.

Super NES Burn-In Test Cartridge

• The cartridge used by Nintendo service centers to diagnose problems withSuper NES hardware featured a 16-bit rendition of "Title Theme" from the Japanese version ofThe Adventure of Link.^[39]

Uniracers

• During development, the various tours were named after Nintendo franchises. The first tour was called "Zelda" and was represented by an original sprite of Link. These were removed from the final release but can be seen during a trailer on aNintendo Power Previews tape.^[40]

See Also

• amiibo
• Cameos ofThe Legend of Zelda in Third-Party Media
• Cameos inThe Legend of Zelda
• The Legend of Zelda in Popular Culture

References

The Legend of Zelda Series

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