When it comes to the line of handheldLegend Of Zeldagames, there’s no shortage of great options for you to choose from. Some of the best adventures are original handheld adventures, and some of the greatest games from the series were even given a fresh coat of paint on the3DS.
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You may be able to take a huge selection of Zelda games on the go these days thanks to the Switch, but for a while, all you had was your trustyDS, and later, your 3DS. Luckily, both systems were a triumph for the Zelda series as a whole.
10Spirit Tracks
If you love a good train ride, you might want to try the DS’s Spirit Tracks.This unique handheld Zelda adventurewill provide plenty of exploration reminiscent of The Wind Waker, but a huge ocean has been swapped out for a world filled with train tracks.
The train sections are the most memorable parts of this game to some, but it does include plenty of great challenges for you to overcome. The threat of Malladus may not hold a candle to Ganondorf’s wrath, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a baddie worth stopping.
9Freshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland
You may not have ever wanted a game centered around a character like Tingle, but you got it anyway. Freshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland is a bizarre game, but one that the most devoted Zelda fans will have to give a try at some point.
The whole driving force of this game is to get your hands on those sweet, sweet rupees. You’ll be able to do that in a number of different ways, but there are some classic nods to the core series through gameplay.
It’s an oddball DS game, but one that you might love.
8Ripened Tingles Balloon Trip Of Love
This DS game is not nearly as accessible as some of the others on this list because it was only officially released in Japan. The game is actually a strange little adventure game centering around a man who becomes Tingle and the new friends he makes.
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You have to utilize all the mechanics that the different characters you control have to make it through various puzzles all while trying to help Tingle find love. This game doesn’t have any resemblance to classic Zelda games, but it does seem like a ton of fun for fans of point-and-click style games.
7Tri Force Heroes
Zelda games that you may play with your friends don’t come around all that often. When there is some kind of multiplayer, it’s usually relegated to a simple side mode, but this game isintended to be played with a couple of friends.
In Tri Force Heroes, you and some friends will have to work together to solve puzzles in order to get through the various levels. You don’t have to play the game with others thanks to the Doppel mechanic, but it’s never hard to find a few people who love to play Zelda games.
6Tingle’s Balloon Fight DS
This is yet another DS Zelda game that was only released in Japan, and once again, it features everyone’s favorite fairy-lover, Tingle. Rather than something unique, this game is more or less a remake ofthe classic Balloon Fight NES game.
If you’re a fan of classic games like that, finding a way to play Tingle’s Balloon Fight DS might be worth it for you. If you’re more into complex modern games, this strange side-entry into the Zelda series might not be the right fit for you.
5A Link Between Worlds
This fun direct sequel to A Link To The Past on the 3DS was the surprise hit no one knew they needed until they had it. With a few simple changes to the classic game and a great new mechanic for puzzles, exploring a familiar Hyrule is a fun time for anyone.
Some consider the game to be on the easier side, which is a good or bad thing depending on your personal preference. One thing that should be said is that you are given all the tools you need from the start, it’s up to you to learn how to use them.
4Hyrule Warriors Legends
If you played the original Hyrule Warriors then you know exactly what you’re getting from the 3DS’s Hyrule Warriors Legends. The game is an enhanced port to the 3DS but it added tons of new elements to the game and a whole host of new characters.
One of the most exciting characters for some was Linkle, a gender-swapped version of Link. If you’re looking for a solid hack-and-slash gamefeaturing your favorite Zelda characters, and a surprisingly fun story, you shouldn’t miss out on Hyrule Warriors Legends.
3Majora’s Mask 3D
While the Ocarina Of Time remake on the 3DS was almost universally loved, the remake of Majora’s Mask was a lot more divisive. Some things that were viewed as quality-of-life changes made mechanics a bit unfamiliar and the overhaul in graphics made the darker game a bit too bright for some.
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Once you get past those minor gripes, the game really is a version of Majora’s Mask that you’re able to carry with you anywhere you go. It could even be said that the simple changes that made things a bit simpler are better for a younger audience who’d like to experience the game.
2Phantom Hourglass
If you’re looking for a handheld Zelda game with a lot of heart and some excellently thought-out puzzles, you’ll love the DS’s Phantom Hourglass. This fun little adventure is a sequel to The Wind Waker, meaning you can continue adventuring around with Toon Link and his pirate gang.
It should be said that Link finds himself separated from his friends quite quickly in this adventure, but he does get plenty of sailing time thanks to the fan-favorite Linebeck. This is one Zelda game Wind Waker fans won’t want to miss out on.
1Ocarina Of Time 3D
This remakeof the Nintendo 64 classicis an absolute joy to have on the go. While there were some basic mechanical changes that mostly improve the quality of life, the real draw to the game was the graphical overhaul.
If you loved Ocarina Of Time, you’ll love this beautiful remake. It does feel different to play, but the difference isn’t something that you won’t get used to by the time you’re finished with the first dungeon.
It’s no surprise that some people consider this to be the best 3DS game you can find.
