The Legend of Zelda is such a storied franchise that it’s difficult to decide which game in the long-running series is actually best. I’m not going to debate that here, but I do know that some entries are certainly more deserving of a remake. With an Ocarina of Time remake allegedly releasing on Switch 2 later this year, it’s the perfect time to think about what comes next.

Despite Nintendo being fairly quiet during The Legend of Zelda‘s 40th Anniversary, the company has been great about giving us remakes or remasters between larger releases. Whether that’s through HD releases of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess on the Wii U or a completely redesigned Link’s Awakening remake on Switch, we haven’t exactly been starving for Zelda games. Still, you can never have too many, which is why I’m hoping to see some more remakes on Switch 2 soon.

10

The Wind Waker

More Than Just An HD Release

The Wind Waker HD on Wii U has been rumored to come to Switch, and then the Switch 2, basically since either console existed. So far, we haven’t gotten that. And despite the GameCube version coming to Nintendo Switch Online, fans are still hungry for more. Sure, realistically, Nintendo will probably drop the HD port on Switch 2 at some point, but a full remake could be even better.

The problem is that Wind Waker‘s style is so unique, a remake might mess with that aesthetic too much. Toon Link was controversial back in the day, but the character’s design has since become beloved. That being said, would I complain about a remake of Wind Waker? I absolutely would not.

9

Twilight Princess

The Game Needs A Switch 2 Release

Like Wind Waker, Twilight Princess saw an HD remaster on the Wii U that’s been rumored to come to Switch and Switch 2 since basically forever. I’d argue a full remake of Twilight Princess is slightly more warranted than Wind Waker, simply because its look isn’t quite as iconic. It’s a darker, more mature game overall, but its look doesn’t necessarily stand out much from the various other fantasy games of that era.

Even if we don’t get a redesigned Twilight Princess, which I’d admittedly be skeptical about, a remake with updated features, quality-of-life improvements, and bonus content would be ideal. We’re approaching the 20th anniversary of Twilight Princess, which would make 2026 the perfect time to give us a remake on Switch 2.

8

Tri-Force Heroes

A Zelda Game Stuck On 3DS

I already know what you’re thinking, but hear me out on this one. Currently, Tri-Force Heroes is only available if you own the cartridge or have it downloaded on your 3DS, so it’s not exactly easy to play anymore.

However, it’s a pretty fun multiplayer game that would do well on a console like the Switch 2. Not every Zelda release is going to be Tears of the Kingdom, and smaller games like this one can successfully hold us over between bigger launches. A Tri-Force Heroes remake with upgraded graphics and quality-of-life improvements could be an ideal spin-off on Switch 2.

7

Spirit Tracks

The DS Spin-Offs Need More Love

Similarly to Tri-Force Heroes, Spirit Tracks is stuck on an older system, making it very difficult for people to play now, especially if you missed out on getting the game when it first released. If we’re getting Wind Waker HD on Switch 2, which feels inevitable, then its sequels from the Nintendo DS need a new coat of paint too.

Both Spirit Tracks and Phantom Hourglass (see the next entry) would be great on a newer system. An all-in-one version that featured both games and Wind Waker would be the dream, but maybe that’s unrealistic. The ball is in your court, Nintendo.

6

Phantom Hourglass

Wind Waker Sequel Deserves A Remake

You can swap this one with Spirit Tracks if you want, but both games deserve remakes at this point. Phantom Hourglass was a great sequel to Wind Waker that often gets overlooked (presumably because it released on the DS instead of a home console), but it’s actually a ton of fun.

Both Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks need remakes — or at least remasters — to bring them to a new audience. As a handheld and home console hybrid, the Switch 2 would be the perfect platform on which to do that.

5

Zelda 2: The Adventure Of Link

An Underrated Entry That’d Benefit From A Remake

I’ll admit, The Adventure of Link has never been my favorite Zelda game, but it certainly has its moments. Love it or hate it, Zelda 2 deserves to be experienced by a new generation, and a remake would be the perfect way to do that. I’d put my money on Nintendo using the same art style as Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom, although a more classic pixelated look might work best for a side-scrolling romp.

The Adventure of Link might seem like an unlikely candidate for a remake on Switch 2, but consider how long it’s been since we’ve gotten an updated version. Besides, Link’s Awakening got a remake on Switch and that still feels like just some dream I had. A remake of Zelda 2 could really add more polish to it and get the game some more love.

4

Majora’s Mask

The Ideal Follow-Up To Ocarina Of Time Remake

Assuming we are getting an Ocarina of Time remake later this year, then the next logical release is one for Majora’s Mask. We saw it happen with the 3DS remakes, and there’s no reason history shouldn’t repeat itself on Switch 2. The darker follow-up to Ocarina of Time is still a bit divisive, even after all this time, but it’s one of the best Zelda entries ever.

A full remake with updated graphics, quality-of-life improvements, and new features on the Switch 2 would be amazing. Majora’s Mask may always live in Ocarina of Time‘s shadow, but it’d be the perfect remake to follow OoT.

3

A Link Between Worlds

Bring This Baby Off The 3DS Already

A Link Between Worlds remains one of my all-time favorite Zelda games. It perfectly blends the best parts of the classic games with the mechanics and gameplay features we love in the more modern entries. It’s also gorgeous and a ton of fun to play. Despite being such a critically-acclaimed game, A Link Between Worlds is stuck on the 3DS — and that really needs to change.

This direct sequel to A Link To The Past desperately needs a remake for Switch 2, both to make it more accessible and introduce this gem to a new generation of Zelda fans. Heck, I’d even take a simple port on NSO at this point.

2

Minish Cap

This GBA Favorite Could Use A Remake

Ah, Minish Cap, the often overlooked but wonderful Zelda entry from the Game Boy Advance. In 20+ years, I don’t often see anyone list this as their favorite Zelda game, but I adore it. And a remake on Switch 2 would be an ideal way to update the game for a modern audience.

Besides that, its GBA gameplay would translate fairly well to the Switch 2. Minish Cap still has some of the best boss fights in the series, and its soundtrack is excellent. Thankfully, you can experience the GBA version on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, but a true remake of Minish Cap still feels warranted.

1

A Link To The Past

A Classic That Needs A Remake More Than Ever

Many years ago, I reached Ganon in A Link To The Past on Super Nintendo and promptly had my butt handed to me. Finally taking him down, along with help from my brother, is still one of my most memorable gaming moments. To this day, A Link To The Past remains THE classic Zelda game. It’s iconic.

And for an entire generation of fans, A Link To The Past was what made you fall in love with Zelda to begin with. Whether Nintendo goes with Link’s Awakening art direction or gives us something more like Breath of the Wild‘s style, a remake of A Link To The Past desperately needs to happen. Of every The Legend of Zelda game out there, I’d argue this is one that needs a remake the most.

Movie(s)

The Legend of Zelda (Live-Action)

Created by

Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka

Upcoming Films

The Legend of Zelda (Live-Action)

First Episode Air Date

September 8, 1989

Cast

Jonathan Potts, Cyndy Preston