How to play classic Zelda games on Nintendo Switch

Joseph Pascoulis
zelda in the legend of zelda

The Legend of Zelda franchise features some of the most popular and iconic titles in video game history, but can you play them on the Nintendo Switch? Here’s how to play the original Legend of Zelda games on your Switch.

The Legend of Zelda is one of the gaming industry’s classic franchises, and Nintendo continues to push the boundaries and create memorable titles to this day. As a result, both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom won over fans across the globe.

Whether you’re new to the franchise or a veteran fan, you may want to go back and play some of the Zelda classics such as the original 1986 The Legend of Zelda and The Adventures of Link (1988). Well, luckily this can be done on a Nintendo Switch.

So, for those interested, here’s our guide on how to play classic Zelda games on the Nintendo Switch.

How to play classic Zelda games on Switch

You can play classic The Legend of Zelda games on your Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, as this gives you access to the NES, Super NES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Advance game catalogs.

You can sign up for the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service by following these steps:

  1. Launch the “Nintendo eShop” on the home screen of the Switch.
  2. Choose the account you want to use.
  3. Select the “Nintendo Switch Online” tab on the left side of the screen.
  4. Press the “View/Change Membership” button on the banner at the top of the screen.
  5. Choose the membership you would like and select a payment method when prompted.
  6. Start your membership.
Link riding a dragon in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda franchise is host to some of the most immersive gaming titles.

You will also get a free 7-day trial for signing up for the first time, but you will be charged automatically after the trial ends. If you cancel before your free trial ends, you will not be charged.

Nintendo Switch Online membership plans are priced as follows:

  • 1 Month – $3.99 / £3.49
  • 3 Months – $7.99 / £6.99
  • 12 Months – $19.99 / £17.99

After becoming a member, simply head to the Nintendo Switch Online app from the HOME screen and you will find a huge selection of NES, Super NES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Advance games. This includes all of the classic Zelda games you desire.

For more on Zelda, check out some of our useful guides for Tears of the Kingdom below:

All food recipes in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | How to make money fast in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | How to get the Master Sword in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Best weapons in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | How to get Epona in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | When is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom set? | Is weapon durability in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom? | Can you play as Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom? | Is there DLC for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?

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About The Author

Joseph is a Senior Writer at CharlieIntel, specializing in shooters such as Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Overwatch. He also enjoys Souls-likes, the Resident Evil franchise, and Tekken. After writing for KeenGamer, he joined CharlieIntel in 2021. If Joseph isn't writing about games, he's most likely playing them. You can contact him at [email protected].