Legend of Zelda News

A Tale of Two Screens: Zelda on DS and 3DS

Determining the best Zelda DS game is an easier feat than it may seem. The Nintendo DS and 3DS gave Zelda fans a surprising range of adventures—six official titles spanning ports, remakes, sequels, and one brand-new timeline entry. Across these two systems, the lineup included:

• Phantom Hourglass (2007) – DS exclusive
• Spirit Tracks (2009) – DS exclusive
• Ocarina of Time 3D (2011) – 3DS remake
• A Link Between Worlds (2013) – 3DS exclusive sequel to A Link to the Past
• Majora’s Mask 3D (2015) – 3DS remake
• Tri Force Heroes (2015) – 3DS multiplayer-focused spin-off

Among these six games, only two were built entirely from the ground up for the Nintendo DS: Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. While the 3DS offered refinements of N64-era masterpieces and a few bold new experiments, the DS was where Nintendo truly leaned into hardware-specific innovation. These two titles weren’t just entries in the Zelda timeline—they were testbeds for stylus-based controls, microphone puzzles, and new ways to experience Hyrule on a portable screen.

And though the 3DS titles often steal the spotlight in retrospective rankings—thanks to the legacy of Ocarina or the inventive brilliance of A Link Between Worlds—it’s Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks that embody the spirit of experimentation that defined Zelda’s DS era.

This article doesn’t aim to pit all six handheld Zelda games against one another. Instead, we’re zooming in on the platform-exclusive DS entries in making the determination of the best Zelda DS release, the only ones that can truly be considered native to the dual-screen system. The question is simple: Between Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, which is the best DS Zelda?

Let’s set sail—and maybe lay some tracks—on the road to that answer.

Best Zelda DS Contender #1: Phantom Hourglass – A Nautical Adventure

Right out of the gate, Phantom Hourglass did what few Zelda games had dared—it asked you to forget buttons. Movement, swordplay, map annotations, and item usage were all handled via the stylus. The gamble paid off.

It was a direct continuation of The Wind Waker, giving us more Tetra, more Toon Link, and more seafaring exploration—albeit scaled down for handheld play. It wasn’t just nostalgia bait, either: the Ocean King’s Temple introduced a pseudo-roguelike progression system long before the genre surged in popularity. The Phantom guards were menacing, the time mechanic added pressure, and the sense of returning stronger with new tools nailed that core Zelda loop.

Fans praised its clever dungeon design, satisfying puzzles, and the way it turned the DS hardware into a game mechanic. Scribbling notes on maps felt essential, not gimmicky. And how could we forget the treasure maps, salvage crane mini-games, and customizable ship parts?

Commercially, Phantom Hourglass was a success, selling approximately 4.76 million copies worldwide. Its critical acclaim and strong sales underscore its impact on the Zelda franchise and handheld gaming. Could this title be the best Zelda DS game?

Hardcore takeaway: Phantom Hourglass succeeded because it respected the puzzle-first philosophy of classic Zelda while rethinking how to interact with the world.

Quick Links: Buy it on Amazon. View it on Nintendo’s Official Web SIte.

Best Zelda DS Contender #2: Spirit Tracks – On the Rails

Two years later, Spirit Tracks barreled onto the scene—literally. Ditching open seas for a train on fixed rails, this game introduced Hyrule’s first major transportation grid. It expanded on its predecessor in several ways: the dungeons were meatier, Zelda herself was finally a true companion, and controlling Phantoms in tandem with Link opened the door for some of the series’ most interesting dual-character puzzles.

But here’s where it divides the fanbase:

The overworld was no longer open—it was a railroad, both literally and figuratively. Exploration was reduced to station-hopping. Need to backtrack? You’re doing it in real time at 20 mph. Some players felt the Spirit Flute’s reliance on microphone input took novelty too far—great when it worked, annoying when it didn’t.

Still, Spirit Tracks dared to push the Zelda formula. It just asked you to accept a few clunky concessions along the way.

In terms of sales, Spirit Tracks sold approximately 2.96 million copies worldwide. While respectable, it fell short of its predecessor’s commercial performance. Could the best Zelda DS title have such low sales volume?

Hardcore takeaway: It was bold, but it occasionally let its big ideas get in the way of fluid gameplay.

Quick Links: Buy it Amazon. View it on Nintendo’s Official Web Site.

Community and Critical Reception

The gaming community has often debated the merits of these two titles. In various forums and discussions, players have highlighted Phantom Hourglass for its better pacing, more engaging exploration, and superior use of the DS’s features. Conversely, while Spirit Tracks was acknowledged for its improved dungeon design, the overall consensus leaned towards Phantom Hourglass as the more enjoyable experience.

Honorable Mention: Four Swords Adventures (DSiWare version)

While not a traditional DS game, we’d be remiss not to shout out Four Swords Anniversary Edition (available briefly via DSiWare). If you managed to grab it before it vanished, you know how much chaotic fun local co-op Zelda can be.

Conclusion

Both Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks brought fresh ideas to the Zelda series on the DS, each with its own strengths and innovations. However, considering the intuitive controls, engaging exploration, and overall reception, Phantom Hourglass stands out as the best Zelda game on the Nintendo DS. Its successful integration of the DS’s unique features and its continuation of the beloved Wind Waker storyline make it a must-play for fans of the series.

In the vast realm of video game protagonists, physical stature often correlates with perceived strength and heroism. Towering figures like Kratos and Master Chief dominate their narratives not just through their actions but also through their imposing presence. However, Link’s height in The Legend of Zelda series presents a compelling deviation from this norm.

Deciphering Link’s Height Across the Series

Nintendo has never officially disclosed Link’s exact height, leading fans to embark on their own investigative journeys. In Breath of the Wild, YouTuber The Bread Pirate conducted an in-depth analysis using in-game objects, estimating Link’s height at approximately 5’2″ (158.5 cm) . Contrastingly, a Tumblr user named crunchyfield revisited this measurement, accounting for potential parallax errors, and proposed that Link might stand closer to 5’8″ (173 cm).

Further back in the series, Ocarina of Time offers a unique opportunity to gauge Link’s height. In the Lakeside Laboratory, a measuring stick suggests that adult Link stands around 5’7″ (170 cm) . Similarly, analyses of character models from Twilight Princess estimate Link’s height at 165 cm (approximately 5’5″), with Princess Zelda standing taller at 173 cm (approximately 5’8″).

A Hero’s Stature in a World of Giants

Regardless of the exact figure, it’s evident that Link often appears shorter than many of his counterparts in Hyrule. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, he frequently looks up to converse with characters like the Gerudo, who are canonically around 8 feet tall . Yet, this height disparity is never portrayed as a disadvantage. Link’s prowess with the Master Sword, his agility, and his unwavering courage consistently position him as Hyrule’s foremost champion.

Challenging Stereotypes: Link Among Other Short Heroes

Link’s stature places him among a select group of protagonists who defy traditional height expectations. Characters like Kenshin Himura from Rurouni Kenshin, standing at 5’2″, and Wolverine from the X-Men, at 5’3″, share this trait. However, while these characters often confront challenges or stereotypes related to their height, Link’s adventures rarely, if ever, highlight his stature as a focal point. His heroism is intrinsic, not defined by overcoming perceptions tied to his physical appearance.

Embracing a New Archetype of Heroism

In an industry where towering figures often symbolize strength, Link’s height offers a refreshing perspective. His consistent portrayal as a formidable hero, irrespective of his stature, challenges conventional narratives and broadens the scope of representation in gaming. For fans and players alike, Link embodies the principle that true heroism stems from character, determination, and heart—not just height.

I was browsing Reddit earlier when I came across one of the most amazing Lego pieces I have ever seen. Reddit user, Remig posted a picture of his newly finished Hylian Shield, made entirely out of Legos. I do not personally create anything with Legos, but I immediately recognized how hard it must have been to pull off some of the curvature and designs within the shield.

According to some comments from Remig on the Reddit thread, this piece cost about 1500 dollars to put together. That’s a heck of a lot of Legos! Anyways, I have the picture embedded here on the site, but be sure to head on over to his profile and let him know what a great job he did.

Hyrule Historia, the book well known throughout the Zelda community for unveiling the timeline, is finally getting translated into English. The book, released in Japan only, brought tons of insight into the Zelda series including concept art, unknown facts, the timeline, and more.

Since its release abroad, fans have been wishing for an English version. Thanks to Dark Horse Comics, this wish will soon be granted. Dark Horse Comics has teamed up with Nintendo to produce a translated version of the book that will be released in January of 2013. The specific release date listed is January 29.

According to the Diamond Book Distributors website, the book will retail for $34.99, much cheaper than the 80-100 that it costs to import one.

Kid Icarus Uprising was recently released and with it came several cool Easter Eggs. Nintendo games always seem to reference one another in some form or another and this one is no different. In Kid Icarus Uprising there are 2 different Zelda references that have been spotted so far.

The first reference is the chime that is played when solving a puzzle in the Wish Seed Level. After completing a puzzle the chime that plays is similar to the puzzle solving chime from the Zelda series.

The second, and most glaring reference is to Navi of Ocarina of Time. The Fairy Orbitars idol description states, “Tired of pixies asking you to listen?” This is of course referencing the famous and vastly annoying “hey, look, listen” alerts of Navi.

Have you spotted any other Zelda references in Kid Icarus? If so let us know in the comments.

As we recently reported, Nintendo revealed theofficial Zelda Timeline when the Hyrule Historia Book was released in Japan.

With the official Zelda Timeline finally putting the debate to rest many fans began to dive into the timeline and noticed a variety of mistakes and things that just did not make sense. The reason for this? The simple answer is that its because the timeline is far from perfect and Zelda developer Aonuma confirms this fact.

A recent statement from Aonuma seems to hint that admission, “from the very beginning, Zelda games have been developed with the top priority of focusing on the game mechanics rather than the story.” He goes on to comment about some of the glaring issues, “While reading over “The Full History of Hyrule,” it’s possible that some parts may look contradictory,” he said. “For instance, the Mogma race or the beetle item that appear on the very first story do not appear on any other game that takes place in the future. I’d like to ask everyone just to enjoy the book and to be broad-minded, and to think that those parts are the way they are because of the way Zelda games are developed.”

So what problems have you seen with the Zelda timeline? Comment and discuss them below.

Several months ago I was in the car with my mother driving down the highway in Kentucky when I saw a license plate that caught my attention. First of all, it was a horse themed plate which is not the default option where I love, but more importantly it was a custom plate that said Epona. Being a huge Zelda fan I of course had to get a picture. I asked my mom to get closer so I could get a snapshot but my cell’s horrible camera quality would not allow me to capture this moment.

However, here we are, many months later, and I got a second chance. Two days ago I was driving my girlfriend to the grocery store when I noticed the Ohio plates with “number” of Epona. I got close and my girlfriend was able to get a pretty nice snapshot of their plate so I could post it up here for you guys.

So, have you ever seen a Zelda themed license plate? Have any pictures? Share in the comments below.