The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition is a compilation disc released by Nintendo in 2003 for the GameCube, featuring four classic Zelda titles, a demo, and exclusive video content.
Included Games
- The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1986)
- Experience the original adventure in Hyrule, now presented in higher resolution (640×480). Notably, the spelling of “Gannon” has been corrected to “Ganon” in this version.
- Memory Blocks Required: 3
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES, 1988)
- This side-scrolling action RPG offers a unique take on the Zelda series, also benefiting from an upgraded resolution and the corrected “Ganon” spelling.
- Memory Blocks Required: 3
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998)
- Join Link in this seminal 3D adventure. This edition runs smoothly on the GameCube, providing an updated experience. However, the Master Quest variant is not included in this compilation.
- Memory Blocks Required: 9
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Nintendo 64, 2000)
- Embark on a time-sensitive quest to save Termina. Players may encounter minor sound irregularities and slightly blurred visuals due to emulation nuances.
- Memory Blocks Required: 21
Additional Content
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Demo
- A 20-minute playable demo showcasing the innovative cel-shaded graphics and gameplay mechanics of the then-upcoming title.
- The Wind Waker Movie
- A 2-minute promotional trailer highlighting the game’s features and art style.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Retrospective
- A brief 2-minute video montage celebrating the history of the Zelda series, featuring music and gameplay footage from various titles.
Availability
The Collector’s Edition was not sold at retail. Instead, it was distributed through various promotional methods, including:
- Bundling with new GameCube consoles.
- As a reward for registering hardware and games on Nintendo’s official website.
- Through subscriptions to Nintendo Power magazine.
Current Market Value
As of March 2025, the market value of The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition varies based on condition and completeness:
- Complete in Box (CIB): Prices range from approximately $65 to $160. For instance, a complete set in excellent condition sold for $90 on March 9, 2025.
- Brand New, Sealed: Sealed copies command higher prices, with listings around $200.
Reception
While the compilation was praised for bringing classic titles to the GameCube, some players noted technical issues, particularly with Majora’s Mask, such as lower frame rates and occasional crashes.
Screenshots
Other Notable The Legend of Zelda Collector’s Editions:
The Legend of Zelda series has released several collector’s editions over the years, each offering unique content and features. Here’s an overview of notable editions:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Master Quest (2002): A special GameCube disc that includes the original Ocarina of Time and the Master Quest variant, which features remixed dungeons for an added challenge. This edition was offered as a pre-order bonus for The Wind Waker and through select promotions.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Limited Edition (2002): This edition includes The Wind Waker game along with a bonus disc containing Ocarina of Time and Master Quest. It was available in limited quantities and often as a pre-order incentive.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Collector’s Edition (2013): Released for the Wii U, this edition features The Wind Waker HD game and a collectible Ganondorf figurine. It was sold as a limited edition package.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Master Edition (2017): For the Nintendo Switch, this edition includes the Breath of the Wild game, a Master Sword statue, Sheikah Slate carrying case, soundtrack CD, collectible map, and coin. It was released as a premium collector’s edition.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Collector’s Edition (2023): This edition for the Nintendo Switch includes the Tears of the Kingdom game, a SteelBook® case, artbook, ICONART™ steel poster, and a set of four pins. It was offered as a limited edition package.
Each of these collector’s editions offers unique physical items and packaging, catering to fans and collectors, while the core game content typically remains consistent with standard editions.