{"id":131012,"date":"2023-01-04T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/#article-143169"},"modified":"2023-01-04T19:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T19:00:00","slug":"talking-point-which-zelda-themed-nintendo-console-has-the-best-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2023\/01\/04\/talking-point-which-zelda-themed-nintendo-console-has-the-best-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Talking Point: Which Zelda-Themed Nintendo Console Has The Best Design?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"media_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/da26e6232d265\/large.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/da26e6232d265\/small.jpg\" class=\"media_thumbnail\"><\/a><\/div>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Zelda Nintendo Consoles\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/da26e6232d265\/zelda-nintendo-consoles.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA3Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"507\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/da26e6232d265\/zelda-nintendo-consoles.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Zelda Nintendo Consoles\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When it comes to console special editions, Nintendo takes the biscuit. Whether it&#8217;s a colour variant, a game release exclusive, or a nod back to retro consoles of the past, the company is constantly looking for ways to get a &#8216;new&#8217; model out on the market and, so it seems, get the money out of our pockets.<\/p>\n<p>No more so is this the case than with special edition Zelda designs. Here at Nintendo Life, it&#8217;s fair to say that we are fans of the series \u2014 hands up, you got us \u2014 and a brief survey of our staff revealed a tidy collection of Zelda-themed consoles between us. And this should come as no surprise because a Death Mountain-sized pile of them have been released over the years that positively (Ganon)dwarfs all other series-specific console designs (ok, maybe except Pok\u00e9mon special editions, though that&#8217;s a discussion for another day).<\/p>\n<p>This obsession with all things Hyrule got us thinking \u2014 what is the sexiest Zelda-themed console out there? The ensuing research dredged up a dozen or so official limited-edition consoles, many of which we were surprised to have forgotten. It quickly became clear that separating the beautiful from the beastly was going to be a harder quest than we had first imagined.<\/p>\n<p><!-- cache: html:nintendolife.com\/ssl\/zelda\/related-articles:143096 @ 2023-01-05T11:29:53+00:00 --><\/p>\n<aside class=\"block object-related\"> <\/aside>\n<p>It&#8217;s for this reason that we are seeking the ever-encouraging wisdom of you lovely lot. Below, we have gathered every official Zelda console design across Nintendo&#8217;s history and fashioned a poll at the bottom for you to decide which is best looking.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s dangerous to vote alone, take a look at these&#8230;<\/p>\n<nav id=\"toc\" role=\"navigation\" class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<h2><span class=\"icon icon-list-bullet\"><\/span> On this page:<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/features\/talking-point-which-zelda-themed-nintendo-console-has-the-best-design?refresh=1#every-zelda-themed-nintendo-console\">Every Zelda-themed Nintendo console<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/features\/talking-point-which-zelda-themed-nintendo-console-has-the-best-design?refresh=1#bonus\">Bonus!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"every-zelda-themed-nintendo-console\">Every Zelda-themed Nintendo console<\/h2>\n<p>Before we dive into the Special Editions, it&#8217;s worth flagging that not all of these variants were readily available, with some being much rarer than others. This means that while there are some releases that seemingly every one of us either owned or played on at a mate&#8217;s house (hi GBA SP!), there are other models which, quite frankly, took us by surprise with their legitimacy.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;ve also eliminated bundles that don&#8217;t include bespoke console designs (sorry, <a href=\"https:\/\/consolevariations.com\/variation\/console\/nintendo-64-zelda-ocarina-of-time-black-bundle\">Swedish Ocarina fans<\/a> and Platinum GameCube <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/gamecube\/legend_of_zelda_the_wind_waker\">Wind Waker<\/a> lovers) and have limited the options down to <em>consoles<\/em> only \u2014 see the bonus section at the bottom for a couple of honourable, peripheral mentions.<\/p>\n<p>And so, let&#8217;s dive off this Skyloft-like introduction and into the glowing light of the Hylian exclusives below&#8230;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"game-andamp-watch\">Game &amp; Watch<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"game-andamp-watch-the-legend-of-zelda-1989\">Game &amp; Watch: The Legend of Zelda (1989)<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Game &amp; Watch: The Legend of Zelda\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/97333f1a68233\/game-and-watch-the-legend-of-zelda.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA2Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/97333f1a68233\/game-and-watch-the-legend-of-zelda.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Game &amp; Watch: The Legend of Zelda\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Gemma Smith \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The penultimate addition to the original Game &amp; Watch range, the Zelda edition is not so much a themed design as it is a wholly different console, but we couldn&#8217;t skip it. These little portables were all about providing simple gaming on the go and the Zelda model did just that with its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/nes\/zelda_ii_the_adventure_of_link\">Adventure of Link<\/a>-like (<em>sorta<\/em>) side-scrolling adventure.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of looks, we have to admit that this classic is still turning heads. Its white and green cover and interior are simple, yes, but the little motifs dotted around the console keep it interesting. Seriously, if we saw a Switch model with that classic cover image of Link and the Goblins on the back and with the sword\/dragon motifs on the Joy-Cons, we&#8217;d be buying in the blink of an eye.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"game-andamp-watch-the-legend-of-zelda-2021\">Game &amp; Watch: The Legend of Zelda (2021)<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Game &amp; Watch: The Legend of Zelda (2021)\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/486071c853b82\/game-and-watch-the-legend-of-zelda-2021.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA2Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/486071c853b82\/game-and-watch-the-legend-of-zelda-2021.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Game &amp; Watch: The Legend of Zelda (2021)\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Zion Grassl \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A significant mark of Zelda&#8217;s 35th anniversary, this revamped Game &amp; Watch console packed in three separate games <em>and<\/em> a colour screen. Technology these days!<\/p>\n<p>The look itself is actually very simple. The gold and green definitely suggests a certain Zelda flare but there&#8217;s nothing else to really comment on here. It lacks the <em>ooo shiny<\/em> appeal of some of the later gold editions (of which there are <em>a lot<\/em>), but it is a nice spin on the usual Mario-centric red model all the same.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"object object-youtube\">\n<figure class=\"youtube\" data-videoid=\"uCmlEO7JH_o\">[embedded content]<figcaption class=\"youtube-sub\">Subscribe to <a class=\"external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/subscription_center?add_user=nintendolife\">Nintendo Life<\/a> on <span class=\"g-ytsubscribe\" data-channel=\"nintendolife\" data-layout=\"default\" data-count=\"default\"><a class=\"external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/nintendolife\">YouTube<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 id=\"gameboy-advance-sp\">Gameboy Advance SP<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"the-legend-of-zelda-gameboy-advance-sp\">The Legend of Zelda Gameboy Advance SP<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo GBA SP Zelda\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/58ff33481ea8b\/nintendo-gba-sp-zelda.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA2Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/58ff33481ea8b\/nintendo-gba-sp-zelda.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo GBA SP Zelda\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Gemma Smith \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ok, having skipped the N64 and GameCube Ocarina and Wind Waker editions that just threw a standard console in a bundle box, <em>now<\/em> we&#8217;re talking. This model of the Gameboy Advance SP might not have the spicy backlight of the AGS-101 units, but let&#8217;s just take a moment to look at that thing.<\/p>\n<p>This is the first example of a Nintendo epiphany whereby the studio can slap a gold casing and Triforce on any old console and we are all guaranteed to gobble it up. But come on, can you blame us? The gold casing is oh so shiny and that Triforce decal screams out &#8216;<em>yes, I have played <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/gba\/legend_of_zelda_the_minish_cap\">The Minish Cap<\/a>, let me tell you about it<\/em>&#8216;. It&#8217;s a beauty.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nintendo-ds-lite\">Nintendo DS Lite<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"nintendo-ds-lite-the-legend-of-zelda-phantom-hourglass-special-edition\">Nintendo DS Lite The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Special Edition<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo DS Lite Zelda: Phantom Hourglass\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/8d82884b48ed6\/nintendo-ds-lite-zelda-phantom-hourglass.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA2Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/8d82884b48ed6\/nintendo-ds-lite-zelda-phantom-hourglass.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo DS Lite Zelda: Phantom Hourglass\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Gemma Smith \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When you think of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/ds\/legend_of_zelda_phantom_hourglass\">Phantom Hourglass<\/a> DS Lite, you might instantly leap to the more renowned gold edition, but let&#8217;s not forget the original silver model.<\/p>\n<p>This design is the rarer of the two (with only around 1,000 being made available), and it subs out the usual Triforce motif for a little Toon Link running along with his little toon map. If only the design had left it there and had not slapped a huge great game title on the other side (subtlety is key, people!) but this is a nice design nonetheless and a surefire reminder that the Triforce doesn&#8217;t need to be the only signifier of a Zelda game.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"nintendo-ds-lite-the-legend-of-zelda-phantom-hourglass-gold\">Nintendo DS Lite The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Gold<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo DS Lite Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Gold\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/171d0eb0ac7b8\/nintendo-ds-lite-zelda-phantom-hourglass-gold.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA2Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/171d0eb0ac7b8\/nintendo-ds-lite-zelda-phantom-hourglass-gold.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo DS Lite Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Gold\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Gemma Smith \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>See what we mean about Nintendo whacking out a gold casing and Triforce symbol? This lacks the <em>shiny<\/em> appeal of the GBA SP, it&#8217;s true, but the tried and tested formula for how to reel us Zelda fans in never fails.<\/p>\n<p>At this point, we&#8217;re pretty sure that the company could release a gold edition of anything and we would all flock to add it to our bursting Zelda collections. Is this the design with the least effort applied to it? Probably \u2014 that Triforce is teeny tiny after all \u2014 but it&#8217;s an exclusive all the same.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nintendo-3ds\">Nintendo 3DS<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-3ds-bundle\">The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS Bundle<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo 3DS Zelda Special Edition\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/453bc4e854b14\/nintendo-3ds-zelda-special-edition.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTIwIj48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"520\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/453bc4e854b14\/nintendo-3ds-zelda-special-edition.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo 3DS Zelda Special Edition\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Gemma Smith \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Unlike the franchise&#8217;s 35th anniversary, Zelda&#8217;s 25th birthday at least had something going for it. The 3DS and its XL counterparts really knocked it out of the park with its Zelda editions and this OG model is no exception.<\/p>\n<p>The sleek black casing and gold detail is an attempt to steal the gentleman&#8217;s choice. If George Clooney were to play a 3DS, it would be this one. It&#8217;s a classy design that carries something inherently Zelda despite not being brandished with an image of neither Link nor a giant Triforce \u2014 what a concept!<\/p>\n<p>Those who own this console have a three-piece suit for every occasion and drink black coffee straight from their Nespresso Pods. <em>Oooh, the dignity!<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nintendo-3ds-xl-new-3ds-xl\">Nintendo 3DS XL \/ New 3DS XL<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"the-legend-of-zelda-a-link-between-worlds-special-edition\">The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Special Edition<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo 3DS XL A Link Between Worlds Special Edition\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/113d5053b219b\/nintendo-3ds-xl-a-link-between-worlds-special-edition.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA2Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/113d5053b219b\/nintendo-3ds-xl-a-link-between-worlds-special-edition.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo 3DS XL A Link Between Worlds Special Edition\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Gemma Smith \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>All members of the Nintendo Life team ooh-ed and ahh-ed at several of the Zelda console designs, but none received quite as positive a reception as this bad boy.<\/p>\n<p>Released alongside <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/3ds\/legend_of_zelda_a_link_between_worlds\">A Link Between Worlds<\/a>, the first 3DS XL is just gorgeous. It has the gold casing and Triforce symbol (see? Like mosquitoes to an electric zapper) but there is so much more hidden between the surface. To be a fly on the wall when one clever designer suggested taking the classic gold concept and opening up the console to reveal a black mirror image underneath. &#8220;Take five everyone, we need to give this guy a huge pay rise.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s an all-time great and many of us hold it up as one of the &#8216;best DS designs evs&#8217; (except not phrased exactly like we&#8217;re a cool kid in an early-2000s movie).<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"hyrule-edition\">Hyrule Edition<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo 3DS XL Hyrule Edition\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/a198c750cb596\/nintendo-3ds-xl-hyrule-edition.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTAzIj48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"503\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/a198c750cb596\/nintendo-3ds-xl-hyrule-edition.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo 3DS XL Hyrule Edition\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Nintendo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This New 3DS XL might just be the pinnacle of the <em>make it gold and stick some Zelda symbol on it<\/em> approach. The shine has never been shinier and the central motif has never had the chance to be quite as detailed.<\/p>\n<p>There is an argument to be made that all of this extra detail does nothing but distract from the simplicity of the Triforce design, but as a nice nod back to the OG GBA SP only on a much bigger canvas, we think it&#8217;s pretty neat.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"majoras-mask-edition\">Majora&#8217;s Mask Edition<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo 3DS XL Majora's Mask\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/ebde5b8f3247f\/nintendo-3ds-xl-majoras-mask.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA4Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"508\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/ebde5b8f3247f\/nintendo-3ds-xl-majoras-mask.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo 3DS XL Majora's Mask\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Gemma Smith \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There are some out there who prefer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/n64\/legend_of_zelda_majoras_mask\">Majora&#8217;s Mask<\/a> to Ocarina of Time (a big battle and we salute you for flying your flag so defiantly), so it makes sense that Nintendo would make the most of this debate and also release a Majora edition of the previous Hyrule design.<\/p>\n<p>The detailing works far better here, to our eyes at least, really making that signature spooky mask pop. Of course, the gold casing is once again at work to really underline the &#8216;<em>this is a Zelda edition, see???<\/em>&#8216;, but we like it all the same.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nintendo-2ds\">Nintendo 2DS<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"link-edition\">Link Edition<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo 2DS Link Edition\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/212af5e9da8f5\/nintendo-2ds-link-edition.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgODQ2Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"846\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/212af5e9da8f5\/nintendo-2ds-link-edition.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo 2DS Link Edition\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Nintendo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It&#8217;s a shame that after so many sure-fire bangers, Nintendo had to finally slip up. The boxy design of the classic 2DS was pretty contentions right from the start, but releasing a green\/brown colour way is more reminiscent of something you&#8217;d find at the bottom of the food bin than something to prove you&#8217;re a top-notch Zelda fan.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t even get us started on the yellow buttons. With so many gorgeous designs out there, this exceedingly plain example is a rare miss.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"new-nintendo-2ds-xl\">New Nintendo 2DS XL<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"hylian-shield-edition\">Hylian Shield Edition<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"2DS XL Hylian Shield Edition\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/c20f746e198a4\/2ds-xl-hylian-shield-edition.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNTA2Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/c20f746e198a4\/2ds-xl-hylian-shield-edition.900x.jpg\" alt=\"2DS XL Hylian Shield Edition\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Nintendo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You would be forgiven for assuming that after the 2DS&#8217; stomach-churning Zelda edition, Nintendo would never be able to bounce back to its former design greatness. You would, however, be wrong.<\/p>\n<p>This bundle with A Link Between Worlds is one of the sexiest editions out there. No more focused on pure gold and Triforce, this took a swing for another iconic piece of Zelda iconography \u2014 the Hylian Shield \u2014 and struck, well, gold.<\/p>\n<p>This 2DS XL design might just be one of the most out-there models going, but nothing screams Zelda quite like it. The blue interior continues the shield theme onto the console&#8217;s inside so you can be reminded of just how big of a fan you really are whilst playing.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"wii-u\">Wii U<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-limited-edition-gamepad\">The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Limited Edition GamePad<\/h4>\n<figure class=\"picture\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Nintendo Wii U Wind Waker Limited Edition\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/139c9171a4b2b\/nintendo-wii-u-wind-waker-limited-edition.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNjIwIj48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"900\" height=\"620\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/139c9171a4b2b\/nintendo-wii-u-wind-waker-limited-edition.900x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Wii U Wind Waker Limited Edition\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Image: Nintendo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Once Clooney gets tired with his 3DS playtime and wants to upgrade to something all-round chunkier (though no less classy, of course), where would he turn? We reckon it would be to the Wii U&#8217;s Wind Waker HD GamePad.<\/p>\n<p>Much like the aforementioned 3DS model, this design combines the sleek black casing of the Wii U with some subtle gold detailing for yet another dignified upgrade. Once you have finished sipping on your Nespresso, you might translate the Hylian text around the edge of the GamePad to find a Wind Waker prelude story &#8211; this is positively bursting with suaveness!<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nintendo-switch\">Nintendo Switch?<\/h3>\n<h4 id=\"rumours\">Rumours<\/h4>\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/nintendo-switch\/legend_of_zelda_breath_of_the_wild\">Breath of the Wild<\/a> as a Switch launch title, it makes sense that Nintendo would not make a special edition console design that early on in the life cycle. But with a good few Zelda titles under its belt in the ensuing years (remasters though they may be), we are surely due a Hylian-themed Switch about now, right?<\/p>\n<aside class=\"object object-imgur\"><\/aside>\n<p>There are rumblings that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/nintendo-switch\/legend_of_zelda_tears_of_the_kingdom\">Tears of the Kingdom<\/a> might bring an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/news\/2022\/12\/rumour-leaked-images-of-a-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-switch-oled-model-appear-online\">exclusive OLED model<\/a> our way (above), though these are but rumours for the time being. It looks subdued enough to be legit to us, but we&#8217;ll have to await official confirmation&#8230;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bonus\">Bonus!<\/h2>\n<aside class=\"gallery\">\n<div class=\"cols\">\n<div class=\"col\"><a title=\"Nintendo Switch OLED Zelda: Skyward Sword Joy-Cons\" class=\"scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/48acdc206048f\/nintendo-switch-oled-zelda-skyward-sword-joy-cons.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA0NDUgMjk3Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"445\" height=\"297\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/48acdc206048f\/nintendo-switch-oled-zelda-skyward-sword-joy-cons.445x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Switch OLED Zelda: Skyward Sword Joy-Cons\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"col\"><a title=\"Nintendo Wii Zelda: Skyward Sword Remote\" class=\"scanlines scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/7f47f14da5156\/nintendo-wii-zelda-skyward-sword-remote.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA0NDUgMjk3Ij48L3N2Zz4=\" width=\"445\" height=\"297\" data-original=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/7f47f14da5156\/nintendo-wii-zelda-skyward-sword-remote.445x.jpg\" alt=\"Nintendo Wii Zelda: Skyward Sword Remote\"><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\">Images: Gemma Smith \/ Nintendo Life, Nintendo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/aside>\n<p>We couldn&#8217;t finish without mentioning the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/wii\/legend_of_zelda_skyward_sword\">Skyward Sword<\/a> gold Wii controller and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/nintendo-switch\/legend_of_zelda_skyward_sword_hd\">HD Remaster<\/a>&#8216;s blue Joy-Cons here.<\/p>\n<p>The reason for these exclusions is quite simple: it&#8217;s consoles only, mate. As for why the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/wiiu\/legend_of_zelda_the_wind_waker_hd\">Wind Waker HD<\/a>&#8216;s Wii U GamePad is in here, it&#8217;s because it came with the console itself and couldn&#8217;t be purchased separately.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><em>There you have all of the major Zelda-themed designs on Nintendo consoles, but which is your favourite? Fill out the following poll and then take to the comments to defend your solid gold opinion \u2014 and let us know if we missed something!<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"poll-which-nintendo-console-has-the-best-zelda-design\" class=\"poll\" data-uri=\"polls\/which_nintendo_console_has_the_best_zelda_design\">\n<div class=\"results hidden\">\n<h3 data-toc=\"Which Nintendo console has the best Zelda design?\" id=\"which-nintendo-console-has-the-best-zelda-design\">Which Nintendo console has the best Zelda design? (1,809 votes)<\/h3>\n<ol class=\"poll-results\">\n<li class=\"result first\"><strong class=\"answer\">Game &amp; Watch: The Legend of Zelda (1989)<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"48 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"3\"><span class=\"val\">3<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Game &amp; Watch: The Legend of Zelda (2021)<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"32 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"2\"><span class=\"val\">2<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Gameboy Advance SP<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"118 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"7\"><span class=\"val\">7<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Nintendo DS Lite (Silver)<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"10 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"1\"><span class=\"val\">1<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Nintendo DS Lite (Gold)<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"18 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"1\"><span class=\"val\">1<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Nintendo 3DS<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"189 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"10\"><span class=\"val\">10<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Nintendo 3DS XL (A Link Between Worlds)<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"225 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"12\"><span class=\"val\">12<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">New Nintendo 3DS XL (Hyrule Edition)<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"280 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"15\"><span class=\"val\">15<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">New Nintendo 3DS XL (Majora&#8217;s Mask Edition)<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"252 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"14\"><span class=\"val\">14<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Nintendo 2DS<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"24 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"1\"><span class=\"val\">1<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Nintendo New 2DS XL<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"486 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"27\"><span class=\"val\">27<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result\"><strong class=\"answer\">Wii U<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"66 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"4\"><span class=\"val\">4<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"result last\"><strong class=\"answer\">A Switch design yet to come&#8230;<\/strong><span class=\"votes\"><span title=\"61 votes\"><span class=\"bar accent-bg has-votes\" data-value=\"3\"><span class=\"val\">3<\/span>%<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Image: Nintendo Life When it comes to console special editions, Nintendo takes the biscuit. Whether it&#8217;s a colour variant, a game release exclusive, or a nod back to retro consoles of the past, the company is constantly looking for ways to get a &#8216;new&#8217; model out on the market and, so it seems, get the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-131012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nintendo-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131012"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131012\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}