5 Zelda Games That Need to be Remade

5 Zelda Games That Need to be Remade

In the past, Nintendo has shown that it’s open to remaking some of the classics in the “Zelda” library. But we think there are a few others that could benefit from similar treatment. Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re looking at five “Zelda” games that deserve a remake.

“The Legend of Zelda” (1987)

The groundbreaking original that started it all, “The Legend of Zelda” has seen multiple re-releases over the years. Between its inclusion on e-Shops, the Virtual Console, and special pack-in releases like the NES Classic, it's a game we’ve all always had access to. Yet, we can’t deny how exciting it would be to see this piece of gaming history in a new light.

Now, Nintendo has dipped a toe into the remake pool with the original game before, but that was in the mid-90s. And it was only available through the Satellaview, a Japanese-only peripheral for the Super Famicom that downloaded new game content via satellite. This version came with new maps and story additions. But obviously, most players wouldn’t be able to access this version today, even if they tried.

What we’d really like to see is Nintendo go all in on a remake. And given how old the original is, that means there are a lot of directions to go. There’s a lot of excitement in the prospect. On top of a visual overhaul and some quality of life advancements, story and characters would be the next obvious things to freshen up; most NPCs are simple merchants with a single line of dialogue, after all. Plus, if you know what you’re doing, the first game doesn’t take long to beat at all. So, it would be interesting to see the ways in which Nintendo could expand on the experience, while still maintaining the game’s historic significance.

“The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds” (2013)

We’re clearly not game designers, though we have to imagine that transitioning a game that was built to use two screens, to a system that only has one, is probably a bit of a nuisance. Even if it is a from-the-ground-up remake, developers would have to take changing certain mechanics and features into account. It would be great if all the DS and 3DS “Zelda” games were available on Nintendo’s current platform. But if we could pick one, we’re obviously going with “A Link Between Worlds.”

For one, it seems like it would be less of a hassle to remake than the DS games; it doesn’t rely on the stylus nearly as much. But also, “A Link Between Worlds” is the strongest “Zelda” release of the DS and 3DS era. The game is a wonderful blend of old and new, set in a classic style Hyrule with a new twist. The signature mechanic, Link’s ability to turn into a painting to solve puzzles and reach new areas, consistently delights and entertains. This, along with items both old and creatively new, makes traversing this Hyrule, and the mirror dimension of Lorule, endlessly enjoyable.

We’re sure there are some fans who might prefer to see Nintendo revisit this game’s spiritual inspiration, “A Link to the Past,” instead, since it’s the more historically significant game of the two. And if Nintendo chose to do that, it isn’t as if we wouldn’t be interested. But if it doesn’t, players can still access it on Switch. “A Link Between Worlds” is one of the best top down “Zelda’s,” but it’s still trapped on the 3DS and a remake could change that.

“The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures” (2004)

Multiplayer games in the “Zelda” series haven’t usually been viewed in the highest regard. But they definitely have their charm and place in the series. Of the group, “Four Swords Adventures” on GameCube is probably the best of the bunch. Even if it is a step away from a ‘core’ “Zelda” experience, it offers a nice alternative, letting you solve puzzles and fight monsters with friends. But the biggest problem is how difficult it is to actually play it.

“Four Swords Adventures” has been stuck on the GameCube since it was released. It has never been remastered or re-released, not even on an e-Shop. And we don’t need to tell you how pricey some of those GameCube exclusives have been getting in recent years. There are probably legions of fans that have never played this game, simply because they can’t access it. “Tri Force Heroes” was at least on the 3DS, since it’s newer, as was the original “Four Swords” through an anniversary re-release. While this issue could be solved by a port or remaster, which is clearly more likely, there are a lot of extra benefits to a remake.

Nintendo would have to find a work around for the original’s ability to connect to the Game Boy Advance. But after that, the sky’s the limit. A remake could bring new levels, quests, and quality of life changes, to be expected. But we’d also like to see a greater focus on multiplayer, since the original launched before Nintendo went online. Rework the additional modes, include some new ones, and maybe even bundle in a remake of the first “Four Swords,” and diehard fans would flock to discover an often forgotten corner of the “Zelda” universe.

“The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages” & “Oracle of Seasons” (2001)

When Nintendo remade “Link’s Awakening” in 2019 with a lovely, diorama aesthetic, it not only caused a lot of new players to discover that particularly quirky adventure, but for veterans to find new joy in a classic. It seemed like the next logical step would be to take the two handheld games that came after, “Oracle of Ages” and “Seasons” on the Game Boy Color, and do the same thing, just how Nintendo remade “Majora’s Mask” for the 3DS following the success of “Ocarina of Time 3D.’ As of 2026, that, for some reason, has yet to happen.

While we did get a new game in the same style, 2024’s “Echoes of Wisdom,” and you can play the “Oracle” games through a Switch online subscription…c’mon, this is an obvious win just waiting to happen. The first result of Nintendo’s partnership with Capcom, the “Oracle” games followed Link fighting two separate threats in new kingdoms, with players able to link their saves to connect the stories. They’re two of the more underrated of Link’s adventures. But they have their staunch defenders, and a dual remake bundle could show those who haven’t played them what they’ve been missing out on.

There’s the visual makeover that we mentioned. But there are some obvious quality of life changes a remake could bring as well. Such as: the ability to carry over items in a linked save being done through passwords in the originals. Or pretty much everything about the Rings. Some of these are extremely difficult to get, yet you don’t know if you’ve actually gotten it or something else until you’ve had it appraised. These games are great, but understandably a bit dated. So, we welcome a remake, as long as it receives the same care that “Link’s Awakening” did.

“Zelda II: The Adventure of Link” (1988)

There are a few games in the “Zelda” series that could be considered the black sheep. But the OG is “Zelda II” on NES. It’s easy to see why. It’s absurdly difficult, and its side-scrolling view and heavier focus on RPG elements make it unlike the majority of the core series. Some fans think it’s straight-up bad, which is exactly why it’s a perfect choice for a remake.

Nintendo did consider remaking it once; it created a prototype for a potential Super Nintendo remake using the same Super FX chip that powered the original “Star Fox.” And that very prototype would influence the creation of “Ocarina of Time.” It was obviously the right choice to scrap those plans then. But these days, with how popular “The Legend of Zelda” is, the reception for “Zelda II” could turn around given the proper resources.

Among the obvious updates to visuals, controls, and mechanics, of which Nintendo could go in any number of directions since it is an NES game, there are the quality of life updates. We’re not saying get rid of its difficulty; it should still be a hard game. But from its overwhelmingly durable enemies to resetting to a fixed location every Game Over, it could definitely use some fine tuning. There’s even room to update the story, since much of the original is set up in the manual anyway. It’s unlikely to happen, especially until Nintendo decides to remake the first. But it could help give “Zelda II” a new life.

Which game in the “Zelda” series would you like to see get a remake? Share your thoughts in the comments, and we’ll see you next time!