Cameos of The Legend of Zelda in Nintendo Media

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The very first The Legend of Zelda cameo in Tetris on the NES

The Legend of Zelda series has made numerous Cameos in Nintendo Media. Elements and characters from the series have appeared in a number of Nintendo games and other licensed, related media. This listing does not include appearances in third-party video games. Please visit Cameos of The Legend of Zelda in Third-Party Media for examples of these. For unlicensed parodies and homages in other media, see The Legend of Zelda in popular culture.

Nintendo Series

Animal Crossing Series

Zelda items in Animal Crossing: New Leaf

In the Animal Crossing series, a number of objects and characters from The Legend of Zelda series make cameos in the form of furniture, clothing and accessories. Some of these pieces of furniture and accessories have made return appearances in subsequent Animal Crossing games. They include:

• The Master Sword appears as a piece of furniture in the original Animal Crossing, Wild World, City Folk, and New Leaf. It is part of the "Nintendo Set" of furniture. Interacting with it plays the "get item" jingle. It is set in the Pedestal of Time, with its Twilight Princess design in City Folk and its Skyward Sword design in New Leaf.
• The Triforce appears as a piece of furniture in Wild World, City Folk and New Leaf. It is part of the "Nintendo Set" of furniture. Interacting with the Triforce separates its pieces as they twirl before reforming, mimicking the animation and sound effect of A Link to the Past's title screen.
• Kafei's and Anju's outfits appear as clothes in the original Animal Crossing only. Anju's outfit is worn by Aziz, while Kaffe's outfit is worn by Boris and Becky.
• Link's hat and clothes appear in City Folk and New Leaf. Link's pants and boots also appear in New Leaf.
• The Majora's Mask appears as a mask accessory in City Folk and New Leaf.
• Midna's Fused Shadow appears as a hat in City Folk and New Leaf.
• Tingle's hood appears as a hat in New Leaf.
• Makar's mask appears in New Leaf.
• A mask resembling Fi's face appears in New Leaf.

• 

  Majora's Mask

• 

  Master Sword

• 

  Fi's Mask

Animal Crossing

• Scanning certain e-Reader cards adds Zelda-based pattern designs that can be used as wallpaper, clothing, etc.
• If the player catches a Loach, his or her character will say "You don't suppose it's Hylian, do you?"
• Gulliver and Kapp'n make references to Hyrule, such as a Hyrulean prison.
• Tortimer tells a story that he defeated the great sea snakes at Pinnacle Rock.
• In some villagers' houses, if the player looks inside their cabinets or wardrobes, they may get the message "You found 10 Rupees! Talk about lucky! Too bad you can't use them in this town...".
• On the back wall of Katrina's tent, there is a picture of the Triforce.
• A Nintendo Entertainment System console with The Legend of Zelda was set to appear as an item, but was made unobtainable. It can still be played by hacking into the game.

Animal Crossing: Wild World

• Villagers occasionally talk about a boy in green who shot things out of the air with a Slingshot.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

• When eating a Fortune Cookie, the paper inside reads a fortune relevant to the item obtained from it. The Zelda-related fortunes read:
  • Hero's Clothes: "The land is in great peril, and soon you will be the Hero of (town name)."
  • Hero's Pants: "Sometimes treasure is not hidden. It is only invisible."
  • Hero's Cap: "A green hat may be just the thing to inspire you toward adventure."
  • Majora's Mask: "If you leave my mask out there, something terrible will happen!"
  • Midna's Mask: "Look to the sky when the sun sets. All will be revealed in this twilight."
  • Master Sword: "It's dangerous to go alone. Take this."
  • Triforce: "He who believes he has a pure heart is probably just a beast in denial."
  • Hero's Boots: "A door that does not open is not closed to you; it only needs a key."
  • Fi Mask: "Sometimes a sword is just a sword. And sometimes it's a pretty girl."
• Through the Welcome amiibo update, it is possible to scan a Zelda character amiibo to bring a Zelda-themed RV to the town's campground. The Zelda-themed RVs each contain an animal villager based on a Zelda character. They are:
  • A cranky pig villager based on Ganon. (Obtained from Ganondorf, Classic Link, Guardian, and Bokoblin)
  • A peppy horse villager based on Epona. (Obtained from Sheik, Ocarina of Time Link, Rider Link, and Majora's Mask Link)
  • A normal bird villager based on Medli. (Obtained from both versions of Toon Link, The Wind Waker Zelda, Breath of the Wild Zelda, and Zelda and Loftwing)
  • A smug wolf villager based on Wolf Link, known as W. Link in-game. (Obtained from Smash Link, Smash Zelda, Smash Young Link, Wolf Link, Archer Link, Twilight Princess Link, Skyward Sword Link, and Link's Awakening Link)
  • In addition, the birthdays of these four characters are the Japanese release dates of their debut games.
• Each character's RV features exclusive Zelda-themed decor that can be purchased with MEOW Coupons. These include:
  • A shirt based on what the character that was summoned.
  • Link's hat and shirt from The Legend of Zelda. (All Characters)
  • Link's wig and shirt from Breath of the Wild. (All Characters)
  • An 8-bit Hyrule carpet and wallpaper from The Legend of Zelda. (all characters)
  • A Bomb from Ocarina of Time. (Ganon)
  • Ganondorf's wig, shirt, and pants from Twilight Princess. (Ganon)
  • A green Rupee. (Ganon and Medli)
  • A Treasure Chest from Ocarina of Time. (Ganon and Wolf Link)
  • A Gossip Stone. (Epona)
  • A bottle of Lon Lon Milk. (Epona)
  • The Moon from Majora's Mask. (Epona)
  • Sheik's mask, shirt, and pants. (Epona)
  • A Piece of Heart. (Epona, Medli, and Wolf Link)
  • A Cucco from Ocarina of Time. (Medli)
  • A Fairy in a Bottle. (Medli)
  • A mural based on the opening from The Wind Waker. (Medli)
  • A Hylian Shield. (Wolf Link)
  • A Heart. (Wolf Link)
  • Zelda's wig and dress from Twilight Princess. (Wolf Link)

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

• When talking about island evals with Isabelle, she quotes a comment from a villager about the current state of the island. One of these quotes contains the iconic phrase from The Legend of Zelda, "It's a secret to everybody."

Daigasso! Band Brothers Series

A number of Zelda theme songs can be played in the Daigasso! Band Brothers games, some of which must first be downloaded.

• The original Daigasso! Band Brothers includes a medley of Zelda songs.
• Jam with the Band, known in Japan as Daigasso! Band Brothers DX, includes some Zelda songs.
• Daigasso! Band Brothers P includes Tri Force Heroes' theme, Tri Force Heroes' Woodlands theme, A Link Between Worlds' Lorule theme, the Ballad of the Goddess, and Twilight Princess's orchestrated theme.

Donkey Kong Series

Cranky's Video Game Heroes in Donkey Kong Country 2

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest

• If the game is beaten with 18 Video Game Hero Coins (in the form of DK Coins) or less, third place in Cranky's Video Game Heroes will be held by Link, behind Yoshi and Mario. Link's appearance is based on the design used for official art in A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening, albeit with darker hair, possibly due to palette limitations. He appears unequipped, and looks around the room before crossing his arms. In the Game Boy Advance remake, Link takes second place instead of Yoshi. As the game uses pre-rendered sprites, this marks the first time Link had been rendered in three dimensions for a game.

Donkey Kong Land 2

• This game also includes the same Video Game Heroes lineup as the SNES equivalent.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble

• If the main characters ask about the castle in Bazaar's Shop (available after buying the shell), and refuse to pay for the story, Bazaar will recount how a boy also asked about the castle and had paid 500 Rupees for it. This reference was removed in the Game Boy Advance remake.

Donkey Konga Series

• In the Donkey Konga series of games, The Legend of Zelda theme is featured in a number of games, including the original, Hit Song Parade, and Donkey Konga 3.
• In the original Donkey Konga, the player can buy a The Legend of Zelda-themed bongo sound set.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

• Funky Kong references The Legend of Zelda series' infamous "It's dangerous to go alone" phrase when selling Crash Guards in Funky's Fly'n'Buy.

Kirby Series

Sword Kirby firing a Sword Beam in Kirby Super Star

• In several games, starting with Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Sword ability is a reference to Link, most notably as the hat Kirby wears is based on Link's cap. The Sword Kirby uses also resembles the Master Sword. In some games, the ability grants Kirby with sword techniques based on those of Link's, such as the Sword Beam, Spin Attack, Down Thrust, and the Skyward Strike (called "Sky Energy Strike" in Kirby: Triple Deluxe).

Kirby Super Star

• In The Great Cave Offensive, one of the treasures to collect is the Triforce. According to Nintendo, the reason for this and the references to other Nintendo games are because the developers wanted to repay the favor of having Kirby appear in Link's Awakening.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe

• A "Master Sword" Keychain can be collected. It is based on the Master Copy Ability from Kirby & The Amazing Mirror and is likely a The Legend of Zelda reference in name only.

Kirby: Canvas Curse

• On Level 3 of the Paint Roller's mini-game, Kirby may sometimes have to draw a Triforce shape.

Mario Series

Super Mario Bros. 2

• The sound effect of Birdo spitting an egg is taken from the sound effect that plays when firing a magic projectile with the Magical Rod (and when Wizzrobes fire their projectiles) in The Legend of Zelda.

Super Mario Bros. 3

• The Magic Whistle plays the same tune as the Recorder in The Legend of Zelda. It also summons a cyclone in the same way.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

• If Mario sleeps at the inn at Rose Town, Link will be sleeping in the bed next to him. If Mario attempts to talk to him, the classic Zelda discovery jingle will play.
  • Link's cameo reappears in the 2023 Nintendo Switch remake, Super Mario RPG.

• 

  Link in Rose Town's inn from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

• 

  Link in Rose Town's inn from Super Mario RPG (2023)

Yoshi's Story

• The word "Zelda" can be read on the newspaper background in Stages 2-3 and 2-4.

Mario Golf

• Random names of characters from other Nintendo games are put on the scoreboards in Mario Golf for the Game Boy Color. In the Links Club, several characters from Ocarina of Time may also appear, including Darunia, Deku Scrub, Goron Kid, Impa, Link, Malon, Nabooru, Navi, Saria, Sheik, Talon, and Zelda. These names may also appear on the scorecards of other courses as well. The Links Club, while a reference to the golfing term, may also be a pun on Link from The Legend of Zelda as well.

Mario Artist: Paint Studio

Character Stamps in Mario Artist: Paint Studio

• The "Character Stamps" mode includes the official artwork of many characters from Ocarina of Time that can be placed in the painting. The "Game Illustration" mode features seven full-screen art pieces from Ocarina of Time that can be used as backgrounds.

Super Mario Sunshine

• Under his mask, the character Il Piantissimo has a face resembling the Running Man from Ocarina of Time and the Postman from Majora's Mask.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

• One of the items obtained from the Starbeans Café is the Great Force, a yellow triangle resembling a piece of the Triforce. Originally, various Nintendo characters were intended to appear at the Café to present the Mario Bros. with related items, before being replaced by Professor E. Gadd and the items slightly renamed and redesigned. Link was originally supposed to appear and give the Triforce to the brothers.

• In the Winkle Colosseum, the Mario Bros. participate in a mini-game where they must deflect rocks at enemies known as Chuckoroks, whose name is derived from Octoroks. These enemies also have a similar appearance, as they shoot rocks from their snouts.

• In the Barrel mini-game, an 8-bit skeleton resembling a Stalfos from The Legend of Zelda will appear briefly from behind the crates on the bottom-right corner of the screen whenever Mario and Luigi clear four rows of barrels at the same time. The Stalfos appears to have its limbs reduced in length and its head increased in size to match the proportions of the skeleton characters in the game.

• In the Nintendo 3DS remake, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, the Great Force is redesigned, now bearing a closer resemblance to the Triforce. The jingle that plays when Mario and Luigi obtains it is the same one that plays when Link obtains an item from a big Treasure Chest in the The Legend of Zelda series.

• 

  The 8-bit Stalfos during the Barrel mini-game in the bottom-right corner from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

• 

  The Stalfos from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

• 

  A Stalfos from The Legend of Zelda

Mario Party 7

• Every time a Cruise Secret is purchased, the text box says, "Shhh... It's a secret to everybody!"

Super Paper Mario

• Throughout the game Mario is guided by a hint-giving Pixl named Tippi. Her fairy-like appearance and role is likely a reference to Navi.
• When Mimi insists that Mario pays for a vase he broke, she will not accept coins, as she prefers to use octagonal gems called "Rubees", a reference to Rupees. The Flipside Token also strongly resembles a Rupee.
• A Pixl named Fleep can be found inside a bathroom on the moon, who requests a piece of paper. Mario must then buy a map, which is then used as toilet paper by Fleep. This is similar to how ??? also requests paper.
• When the first boss Fracktail malfunctions, it will begin to say several computer computer-inspired phrases, one of which is "I AM ERROR."

Super Mario Galaxy

• In the third mission of the Good Egg Galaxy, Mario fights giant creatures that resemble Deku Scrubs firing cannonballs at him.
• In the Rolling Gizmo Galaxy, Star Bits can be seen formed in the shape of a Rupee.
• Game director Yoshiaki Koizumi said in an interview with Nintendo Power (issue #225) that the battle strategy against the boss Megaleg was inspired by what was originally going to be used for the final battle against Ganon in Ocarina of Time, which was scrapped due to difficulty on camera control.

Super Mario Galaxy 2

• In one of the galaxies, a Gearmo will ask Mario for a Goomba. After the plumber gives him the Goomba, he will hold it up in the air exactly like Link does when he gets an item.

Super Mario 3D Land

• World 5-2 is heavily based on The Legend of Zelda series and was created to honor the game's 25th anniversary. The course is played predominantly from a top-down perspective and involves Mario moving from room to room in a similar manner to a traditional Zelda dungeon. A puzzle to obtain a Star Coin involves lighting torches using Fire Mario, which causes the Zelda "puzzle solved" jingle to play. The course also includes traps that mimic those that appear in Zelda dungeons, such as Guruguru Bars and Rolling Spike Traps.

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

• In Mission C-3: Roundhouse Brawl in the Old Clockworks, the Ancient Poltergeist (Elder Boffin in the PAL release) is briefly seen arranging six bricks into the shape of the Triforce. As he does this, the background music briefly plays the "item found" jingle from the Zelda games.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

• One of the Luiginoid moves is called Hookshot, which is a reference to the item of the same name. This Luiginoid move works in a similar manner to the aforementioned item, causing multiple Luigis to stretch out in a chain to latch onto targets and pull Mario and the remaining Luiginoids to it.

Super Mario 3D World

• A secret area in Rainbow Run takes Mario to an area composed of black blocks that form an 8-bit Link sprite from The Legend of Zelda. Lighting them all up to reveal the sprite causes the "item found" refrain from Ocarina of Time to play, and a Green Star to appear. After this, the music will change to a remix of part of the main theme of the Zelda series until Mario leaves.

Mario Kart 8

The title screen of Mario Kart 8 featuring Link

Main article: The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8

• A Zelda-themed DLC package for Mario Kart 8 was released on November 13, 2014. The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 package contains three new playable characters, including the incarnation of Link from Skyward Sword. The DLC pack also contains a Zelda-themed vehicle with matching parts: the Master Cycle, which features a Hylian Shield at each side, and the Triforce Tires and Hylian Kite. The Triforce Cup, also included in the DLC, features the Hyrule Circuit, which is located in Hyrule Field and inside Hyrule Castle. The circuit features Rupees instead of Coins, Deku Babas instead of Piranha Plants, and Keese instead of Swoops. Once inside the Hyrule Castle section, switches can be activated to summon the Master Sword. Also, Link will sometimes hold the Triforce in his hands while performing a trick.

• Using either the Link or Toon Link amiibo unlocks the Link Racing Suit usable by the Mii character.

• 

  Hyrule Circuit from Mario Kart 8

• 

  Deku Baba

• 

  Keese

• 

  Rupee

Yoshi's Woolly World

Main article: amiibo § Yoshi's Woolly World

• Using any amiibo unlocks a pattern for Yoshi based on that character. These include all five Zelda-related amiibo.

• 

  Link and Toon Link's pattern

• 

  Zelda's pattern

• 

  Sheik's pattern

• 

  Ganondorf's pattern

Super Mario Maker

8-bit Link costume from Super Mario Maker

Main article: amiibo § Super Mario Maker

• 8-bit versions of Link, Toon Link, Zelda, Sheik, Ganondorf, and Tingle appear as Costumes for Mario, usable by grabbing a Mystery Mushroom. They are unlocked by either playing through the 100-Mario Challenge, or scanning their respective amiibo (except Tingle, who does not have an amiibo). Zelda-centric jingles play when Mario is transformed into these characters and when the D-pad is pressed up. Costumes based on "Totem Link" (based on the three Links from Tri Force Heroes) and Tetra also appear and can be unlocked through Event Courses and updates, respectively.

• The sprite used for the Sea Urchin enemies was reused in Super Mario Maker when placing a Super Mario World-style spike object in an underwater setting.

• 

  A Sea Urchin in Link's Awakening

• 

  A Sea Urchin in Super Mario Maker

Super Mario Maker 2

Link transformation from Super Mario Maker 2

Added as part of the Ver. 2.0.0 update, promoted as A Legendary Update, Link was added as a playable character through the use of the Master Sword power-up. He has the ability to jump, Down Thrust, Dash Attack, lay down Bombs, use a Shield, and shoot Arrows in multiple directions from a Bow.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

The fourth chapter in the game has Mario sailing across an ocean called The Great Sea on a boat with similar mechanics to the King of Red Lions from The Wind Waker. In order to unlock a dungeon called the Sea Tower, which looks similar to the Tower of the Gods from the outside, Mario must travel to Diamond Island and complete the Trials of Power, Courage and Wisdom to collect the three sacred orbs, which is a reference to the Golden Goddesses and the Goddess Pearls. When arriving on Diamond Island, Captain T. Ode remarks on the scenery by saying "It seems so familiar. I would swear I've heard a legend about this place. I won't try to force a name upon it."

A reference to Breath of the Wild can be found earlier in the game, where a Toad in Autumn Mountain complains he doesn't have enough stamina to climb a wall, before commenting that at least it isn't raining.

In the Japanese version, the Whispering Woods area is known as デクの山Deku no yama (Deku Mountain). One of its inhabitants, an elderly tree stump named Ol' Grandsappy, is called デクじいDeku jī (Grandfather Deku). His face has similarities to the Great Deku Tree from Ocarina of Time.

Metroid Series

The Royal Crest bumper sticker from Metroid Prime 3

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

• The game's concept of light/dark duality, as well as the collection of Temple Keys, is comparable to the gameplay mechanic from A Link to the Past. In fact, the developer of the game, Retro Studios, was assisted by one of the creators of the SNES Zelda game to properly incorporate the aforementioned concept into the new game.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

• Players can unlock a special feature known as Bumper Stickers, which decorates Samus's Gunship with stickers based on certain Nintendo games that have data stored in the players' Wii consoles. One of the stickers is the Wing Crest from Twilight Princess.

Picross Series

Picross NP

• Volume 5 and 8 of the Nintendo Power Picross series had its "Character" section based on Ocarina of Time. In the latter game, these puzzles are available in the "Character Extra" section, which is unlocked after completing all 96 of the original puzzles. The images used are of Navi, the Fairy Ocarina, the Keaton Mask, the Fairy Slingshot, Kaepora Gaebora, Link, Princess Ruto, Epona, Darunia, Deku Scrub and Ganondorf.

Completed puzzles

• 

  Navi

• 

  Fairy Ocarina

• 

  Keaton Mask

• 

  Fairy Slingshot

• 

  Kaepora Gaebora

• 

  Princess Zelda

• 

  Link

• 

  Princess Ruto

• 

  Epona

• 

  Darunia

• 

  Deku Scrub

• 

  Ganondorf

Picross DS

• Level 11 of Normal Mode, unlocked after completing the 10 other levels, is based on different Nintendo characters. Puzzle 11-L is based on the original Link sprite.
• Volume 5 of Picross NP was also made available as a "My Picross" download in the game. Pack 7, released in August 27, 2008 only for the North American version contains the Ocarina of Time puzzles, with them being puzzles 7B-7H.

Club Nintendo Picross

• Two puzzles in "Easy Picross" and fifteen puzzles in "Normal Picross" are based on Zelda characters and items. A larger, multi-part "Micross" puzzle shows artwork of Link from Skyward Sword, and when completed, plays the music heard when Link obtains the Goddess Sword. Unlike in earlier Picross titles, the images do not become animated when puzzles are completed.

Completed puzzles

• 

  E04. Ocarina

• 

  E05. Heart

• 

  N16. Triforce

• 

  N17. Dungeon Stairs

• 

  N18. Bow & Arrow

• 

  N19. Bomb

• 

  N20. Rupee

• 

  N21. Fairy

• 

  N22. Wizzrobe

• 

  N23. Darknut

• 

  N24. Stalfos

• 

  N25. Old Man

• 

  N26. Princess Zelda

• 

  N27. Link

• 

  N28. Moblin

• 

  N29. Wallmaster

• 

  N30. Octorok

• 

  M01. Link (Skyward Sword)

Club Nintendo Picross Plus

• This update/sequel features six new Zelda puzzles and a new "Micross" puzzle showing Link from A Link Between Worlds, which plays the "Get Item" fanfare when completed. Nine Zelda puzzles from the original Club Nintendo Picross are reused as "Mega Picross" puzzles, which contain hint numbers spanning over two rows.

Completed puzzles

• 

  P003. Key

• 

  P005. Boomerang

• 

  P014. Heart Container

• 

  P074. Toon Link

• 

  P080. Ganondorf

• 

  P090. Sheik

• 

  μ002. Link (A Link Between Worlds)

Picross 3D: Round 2

The "Link" puzzle in Picross 3D: Round 2

• One of the nine puzzles that can be unlocked with amiibo features Link, in his Ocarina of Time 3D appearance, riding Epona.

Pikmin Series

Hey! Pikmin

• In Area E of Sector 2, known as "The Keeper of the Lake", a blue Ocarina nearly identical in design to the Ocarina of Time appears as a treasure called the Unexamined Nest. It is the reward for defeating the boss of Sector 2, the Long Water Dumple. It is worth 1000 Sparklium.

Unexamined Nest I recovered this from inside the giant water creature. It's...a nest of some kind? I'm too nervous to see what lives in it. I...I don't need to analyze all of these things! It's not my job!

• In Area A of Sector 3, known as the "Crystal Tunnels", one of the treasures that can obtained is a Link's Awakening DX cartridge called the Attention-Getting Logo. It is worth 200 Sparklium.

Attention-Getting Logo I can't read the writing, but the shape and color of the letters are very striking. The sword and shield behind the large, jagged glyph project an air of strength and confidence. A business or product could do very well with this type of logo. Maybe I should bring it back with me and show it to the company president to give him some ideas.

Pikmin 4

• A Treasure known as the Mechanical Harp (Windmills) can be found in the Hero's Hideaway. It is a Music box that plays the "Song of Storms" when it is being carried by Pikmin or when it is performing its action in the Treasure Catalog. When viewed in the Treasure Catalog, Schnauz will state how its song resembles "heroic tales and captured princesses."
• The Ambiguous Hostel is a Treasure that can be found in the Serene Shores. It is a mahogany Ocarina bearing the engraving, "Tlozoot", a reference to Ocarina of Time.
• The Hearty Container, a Treasure found in the Plunder Palace, is a reference to Heart Containers. Though it is actually one of the cookies from Yoshi's Cookie, Olimar, in his notes, associates it with having extra health.
• The Courage Emblem, Power Emblem, and Wisdom Emblem are three Treasures that collectively reference the three aspects of the Triforce. They are actually playing cards of the hearts, diamonds, and clubs suits, respectively, whose face values provide the code to unlocking the safe in Hero's Hideaway, and are thus randomized each time the game is played.

• 

  A Mechanical Harp

• 

  The Ambiguous Hostel

• 

  The Hearty Container

• 

  A possible Courage Emblem

• 

  A possible Power Emblem

• 

  A possible Wisdom Emblem

Splatoon Series

Splatoon

8-bit Octorok sprite found in Splatoon

• An 8-bit Octorok from The Legend of Zelda can be found on one of the walls in the Urchin Underpass map. Octorok sprites from The Legend of Zelda and The Adventure of Link can also be found throughout the Octo Valley.

Splatoon 2

• Similar to Splatoon, Octorok sprites from The Adventure of Link can be found in the Octo Canyon.
• In the Octo Expansion DLC, many Nintendo consoles and game cartridges can be seen as floating background elements. One of the Nintendo 64 cartridges greatly resembles Ocarina of Time.

Splatoon 3

• A Splatfest event was announced to promote the release of Tears of the Kingdom. Players were prompted to make a choice between Power, Wisdom, or Courage, represented by silhouettes of Ganondorf, Princess Zelda, and Link respectively, as well as the symbols of corresponding to their respective pieces of the Triforce. The event was announced on April 14, 2023, and it ran between May 5 to May 7.
  • The Tricolor Turf War stage was Scorch Gorge, which resembles the Gerudo Highlands. The stage had a custom layout unique to this specific Splatfest, being the first to utilize a three-point symmetrical layout. The layout of the stage layout resembled the Triforce, with markings of it seen at the center of the stage.
  • T-shirts were also announced to be releasing in celebration of the Splatfest, bearing the designs of the main Splatfest poster.

Tetris Series

A Zelda-themed Tetris puzzle in Tetris DS

Tetris (NES)

• After winning a B-type game at or above Level 9 with a height of at least 1, Link appears playing a flute.
• Upon beating Level 9, a secret ending with various Nintendo characters, including Link, is unlocked.

Tetris DS

• This version features Link prominently and includes a number of Zelda-themed puzzles.

Tetris 99

• There are two unlockable themes based on The Legend of Zelda; The Legend of Zelda, purchased with tickets, and Skyward Sword HD, obtainable through participating in the 23rd Maximus Cup.

Wario Series

Wario Land II

• A few Nintendo references appear in the form of some Treasures Wario can obtain in each level. A boot with wings, resembling the Pegasus Boots, appears in the "Return the Hen to Her Nest" level, while a blue Ocarina much like the Flute from A Link to the Past appears in "Stop that Train!" of the "In Town" chapter.

WarioWare Series

• Several of 9-Volt's, 18-Volt's and 5-Volt's microgames are based on games of The Legend of Zelda series.

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!

• One of 9-Volt's microgames is based on The Legend of Zelda. In it, the player has to move Link into the cave entrance within the time limit while avoiding enemies. This microgame reappears in WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!
• During the credits, if the player pushes down on the control pad, the stars turn to Triforces.

WarioWare: Twisted!

• One of 9-Volt's microgames is based on The Legend of Zelda. Using the game's tilt motion controls, the Game Boy Advance must be turned to change the direction of Link's Shield, in order to deflect the rocks from a group of Octoroks.

WarioWare: Touched!

• One of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames is based on The Legend of Zelda, and alternately, The Adventure of Link in the microgame's level 1. The object is to tap all the onscreen Fairies to restore Link's health. If successful, Link will reveal himself and hold up a Nintendo DS. In The Adventure of Link setting, Link will simply walk past.

WarioWare: Smooth Moves

• One of the poses available during the intermission screen is called the Triforce.
• Two of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames are based on games from The Legend of Zelda series. One is based on The Wind Waker, where the player must fly Link with the Deku Leaf onto the wooden platform to reach the Forbidden Woods. The other is based on Ocarina of Time, where Link must pull out the Master Sword from the Pedestal of Time.
• Another one of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames, called Opening Night, requires the player to conduct an orchestra played by Mario, Luigi and Link. One of the possible music tracks includes The Legend of Zelda overworld theme on level 3.

WarioWare: D.I.Y.

• One of 9-Volt's microgames is based on Phantom Hourglass. In it, the player must tap the ChuChus surrounding Link to defeat them all before they can reach him.

WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase

• One of 18-Volt's microgames is based on The Adventure of Link. In it, Link must raise his Shield to protect himself from the Boomerangs thrown by the Goriya.
• The Japanese release has a microgame based on Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland, in which the player must tap on an Eyelid Pig rapidly to help Tingle defeat it. In the international releases, it was replaced by a Kid Icarus microgame.

WarioWare Gold

The Phantom Hourglass microgame in WarioWare Gold

• Several microgames are reused from earlier WarioWare titles:
  • Two of 5-Volt's microgames are The Legend of Zelda (from WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!) and Ocarina of Time (from WarioWare: Smooth Moves).
  • One of 18-Volt's microgames is The Wind Waker (from WarioWare: Smooth Moves).
• 9-Volt has a new microgame based on Phantom Hourglass. In it, the player must trace a path for Link's Boomerang to hit one or more Shock Switches inside the Temple of Fire.

WarioWare: Get It Together!

• There is a Breath of the Wild microgame where the playable character must strike three Objects under the influence of Stasis, and send them as far as possible.

WarioWare: Move It!

The Ocarina of Time 3D microgame in WarioWare: Move It!

• One of 9-Volt's microgames is based on Ocarina of Time 3D. The player controls a Cucco and must outrun Link, who is chasing it through a section of Kakariko Village with added obstacles.

Other Nintendo Games

1080° Avalanche

The Triforce reference in 1080° Avalanche

The initials used for the game's default high scores make reference to various Nintendo franchises. The top three high scores for Revolution Cliff track's Gate challenge are "POW", "CUR", and "WIS", referencing the three pieces of the Triforce.

Amiibo Tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits

Demo versions of The Legend of Zelda, The Adventure of Link, and A Link to the Past are unlockable by scanning The Legend of Zelda amiibo.

AR Games

The built-in Nintendo 3DS app allows players to take augmented reality photos with various Nintendo characters using AR Cards bundled with the console. One of the AR Cards features Link in his Spirit Tracks appearance. When altering Link's pose, he will either make a shout or, when he holds up a Red Rupee, the "Get Item" fanfare will be heard.

• 

  Link's AR Card

• 

  Link appearing with Kirby in augmented reality

Art Style: PiCTOBiTS

• Two of the stages are based on The Legend of Zelda, utilizing sprites of Link, Zelda and Ganon. Each stage is accompanied by a remixed theme in a chiptune style; one based on the main theme, and the second being a rock-themed remix of the Death Mountain music.

Big Brain Academy

• One of the puzzles in the "Get in Shape" mode is based on the Triforce.

F1 Race

Link appearing in F1 Race

• In the Game Boy version, Link roots for the player at the start of Course 5.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Characters pump their fists when cooking, like Link in Breath of the Wild.

Game & Watch Gallery 4

• Game & Watch Zelda is available as an unlockable bonus game.

Kid Icarus: Uprising

• The Idol description for the Fairy Orbitars references Navi in the first sentence:

  Tired of pixies asking you to listen? Try these spritely orbitars on for size!

Miitomo

• Several apparel items as well as room decor based on The Legend of Zelda have been made available for the application. Many of these items are available only as redeemable rewards in My Nintendo. Apparel items include Link's Wig (based on Twilight Princess's Link), Link's New Hair Wig (based on Breath of the Wild's Link), 8-Bit Link Tee, and the Bow & Arrows (based on Breath of the Wild's Champion's Tunic). Decor items include matching wallpaper and flooring based on Breath of the Wild.

• 

  Link's New Hair Wig

• 

  Bow & Arrows

Miitopia

• In both the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch versions of the game, scanning any Link, Zelda, Sheik, or Ganondorf amiibo will reward the player with a matching Mii costume based on that character.

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  Link costume

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  Zelda costume

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  Sheik costume

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  Ganondorf costume

Nintendo Badge Arcade

Arcade Bunny making a Zelda reference

• Numerous badges based on sprites and artwork from The Legend of Zelda series can be collected in this Free-to-play application by playing a selection of Claw crane games. These can be used to decorate the HOME Menu of the Nintendo 3DS. More badges were occasionally released through weekly updates, until new badge additions were discontinued on May 26th, 2017 in Japan, on June 22nd, 2017 in North America, and on June 23rd, 2017 in Europe. Corresponding to the closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops on March 27th, 2023, the selection of badge catchers no longer rotates daily, and the ability to purchase plays was deactivated. Free plays can still be won through the daily practice catcher, and all previously-collected badges can still be accessed.

• The following games have had sets of badges available to collect:
  • The Legend of Zelda
  • The Adventure of Link (As part of the NES Remix set)
  • A Link to the Past
  • The Wind Waker HD
  • A Link Between Worlds
  • Majora's Mask 3D (Some characters' artwork is from Majora's Mask)
  • Tri Force Heroes
  • Twilight Princess HD (Some characters' and items' artwork is from Twilight Princess)
  • Breath of the Wild
• The now-permanent selection of badge catchers includes three catchers from the Majora's Mask 3D set and two from the A Link Between Worlds set.
• Several other sets contained Zelda-related badges. A set titled "The Legend of Zelda - 30th Anniversary" contained artwork of Link from nearly every game in the series, while badges with pixelated sprites of various Zelda characters were available in the Super Mario Maker set. Several badges of Zelda game cartridges could be found in the "Pixel Collection" set, and several badges from the "amiibo" set featured Zelda characters. Five badges from the The Legend of Zelda set and two badges of FDS Disk Cards from the "Pixel Collection" set were unavailable outside of Japan.

Arcade Bunny advertising an exclusive HOME Menu theme

• Some "collaboration" badges were also available, featuring characters from Animal Crossing, Swapdoodle, the WarioWare series, and Nintendo Badge Arcade itself dressed as characters from The Legend of Zelda. Link also appeared riding the Master Cycle in the Mario Kart 8 set, as a puppet in the Cat Mario set, and as badges within badges in the Nintendo Badge Arcade set. Several sets of Zelda game badges also included "launcher" badges, which resemble the icons of various built-in Nintendo 3DS apps, remade in the style of those games.

• Link also appears on the application's title screen in his The Wind Waker HD appearance as part of the Badge Arcade's marquee, and on the loading screen in his The Legend of Zelda appearance. Once loaded, the application is hosted by an anthropomorphic pink rabbit named Arcade Bunny, who would often make spoken references to The Legend of Zelda when introducing new sets of badges or showcasing the customized HOME Menus that users had shared on Miiverse. Arcade Bunny has made use of quotes such as "I am Error" in his greeting monologues, and would frequently comment on his favorite characters and other aspects of the series.

• Several of the badge catchers included gimmicks which recreate or allude to gameplay elements from the original games. For instance, in a catcher set inside a Dungeon from The Legend of Zelda, the badge of Aquamentus could only be collected by knocking the badge of Link's Sword Beam into it from the opposite side of the screen. A few other The Legend of Zelda catchers mimicked the layout of the Shops found inside caves. Another catcher based on Majora's Mask 3D features several Mask badges along the floor and a badge of the Moon suspended higher up; moving the claw too far will cause the Moon badge to fall onto the Masks, making them more difficult to collect.

• An exclusive A Link Between Worlds HOME Menu Theme, featuring a brick wall suitable for Painting-style badges, could only be purchased through the application.

• 

  Badge catcher featuring A Link Between Worlds character and Triforce badges

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  Badge catcher featuring A Link Between Worlds Sage badges

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  Badge catcher featuring Majora's Mask 3D Link badges

• 

  Badge catcher featuring Majora's Mask 3D launcher badges

• 

  Badge catcher featuring Majora's Mask 3D Mask and Moon badges

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  Arcade Bunny statue featuring badges of Princess Zelda, the Moon, and three Links

Unique Badges

Launcher Badges

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  The Legend of Zelda set #1

• 

  The Legend of Zelda set #2

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  The Wind Waker HD set

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  Majora's Mask 3D set

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  A Link Between Worlds set #1

• 

  A Link Between Worlds set #2

Collaboration Badges

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  Isabelle dressed as Link

• 

  The Master Sword in its Animal Crossing appearance

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  Nikki dressed as Princess Zelda

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  Nikki wearing Link's cap

• 

  Cat dressed as Link

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  Panda dressed as Tingle

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  Swapdoodle-styled Bomb and Red Potion

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  Swapdoodle-styled Rupee and Heart Container

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  Ashley dressed as Link

• 

  Red dressed as Tingle

• 

  Wario as the Moon

• 

  Jimmy T. dressed as Skull Kid

• 

  Penny dressed as the Happy Mask Salesman

• 

  Arcade Bunny as Link

• 

  Badge of Link riding the Master Cycle from Mario Kart 8

• 

  Badge of Link as a puppet from The Cat Mario Show

Pixel Collection badges

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  The Legend of Zelda (Famicom Disk System)

• 

  The Adventure of Link (Famicom Disk System)

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  The Legend of Zelda

• 

  A Link to the Past

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  Link's Awakening

• 

  Link's Awakening DX

• 

  Ocarina of Time

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  Majora's Mask

• 

  A Link to the Past & Four Swords

• 

  The Legend of Zelda (Classic NES Series)

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  The Minish Cap

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  Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland

• 

  Phantom Hourglass

• 

  Spirit Tracks

amiibo badges

• 

  Link (The Legend of Zelda)

• 

  Link (Ocarina of Time)

• 

  Toon Link (The Wind Waker HD)

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  Zelda (The Wind Waker HD)

• 

  Wolf Link

• 

  Link (The Legend of Zelda) boxed

• 

  Link (Ocarina of Time) boxed

• 

  Toon Link (The Wind Waker HD) boxed

• 

  Zelda (The Wind Waker HD) boxed

• 

  Wolf Link boxed

Nintendo Land

• One of the mini-games is called The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest, and is a direct homage to the series. The player takes on the role of Link and fights many monsters from the series in familiar landscapes.
• The Triforce makes an appearance in Yoshi's Fruit Cart in Gate 30, where the player must make the shape of the relic using the stylus to complete the stage.
• The Triforce also appears as a possible shape in the Pachinko game found in the main Plaza.

nintendogs + cats

• In the Augmented Reality Camera mode, using the Link AR Card bundled with the Nintendo 3DS will dress the player's pet in Link's cap, complete with blond hair.

Pokémon Stadium 2

• In My Room mode, the player's character can decorate their room with consoles. On the NES, it is possible to see The Legend of Zelda; on the SNES, A Link to the Past can be seen; and on the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time can be seen.

Pokémon X and Y

• After being defeated by the player, Preschooler Mia on Route 4 says "Hey! Hey! Listen!", referencing Navi.

Ring Fit Adventure

• The Song Breath of the Wild Medley was added in the Version 1.2.0 update on March 26, 2020. It is an arrangement of the Songs "Guardian Battle", "Molduga Battle", "Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form", and "Dark Beast Ganon Battle" from Breath of the Wild. It is playable only in the game's Rhythm Mode.

StreetPass Mii Plaza

• The application utilizes and exchanges Miis through StreetPass to play an assortment of mini-games. Miis can be dressed up in accessories which can be received in mini-games or through events. Some of the possible accessories include the Link Costume, which dresses the Mii in Link's tunic and cap; the Princess Zelda Wig, which features jewelry and pointed ears; and the Sheik Mask. Other hats are available featuring the Triforce, a green Rupee, a treasure chest, and busts of Epona and Tingle.

• 

  Link Costume

• 

  Princess Zelda Wig

• 

  Sheik Mask

• 

  Rupee Hat

• 

  Epona Hat

• 

  Tingle Hat

• StreetPass Mii Plaza also features a mini-game called Puzzle Swap, which features several animated panels based on various Nintendo games and characters. There are several panels explicitly based on The Legend of Zelda series.

"The Legend of Zelda" panel

• • The panel entitled "The Legend of Zelda" features a right-handed Link in his Twilight Princess appearance, wielding the Ordon Sword and the Hylian Shield. He periodically slashes his sword. Link is standing in a dark, empty plane, which has black squares rising and rotating, and a drifting cloud cover that lets a little, yellow light through.

"The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D" panel

• • The panel entitled "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D" features an adult Link in his Ocarina of Time 3D appearance riding Epona through Hyrule Field, with Navi flying alongside them. Hyrule Castle Town and Death Mountain are visible in the background, but do not move any further away as Epona gallops (to maintain the loop). The time cycles through day and night.

"Nintendo Starlets" panel

• • The panel entitled "Nintendo Starlets" in North America, and "Heroines" in PAL regions, features Zelda in her Skyward Sword appearance (with her lyre) and Zelda's spirit from Spirit Tracks, as well as Peach, Rosalina, and Pauline from the Super Mario series. Each of the characters appear above a color-matched flower, with all of them rotating in a carousel fashion and performing a specific animation when facing the camera.

"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" panel

• • The panel entitled "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" features Link in his Skyward Sword appearance riding the Crimson Loftwing through The Sky. Rotating the camera, Skyloft can be seen on the left and Zelda in her Skyward Sword appearance riding a Loftwing can be seen on the right.

"ULTIMATE NES REMIX" panel

• • The panel entitled "ULTIMATE NES REMIX" features an 8x5 grid of tiles from various NES games featured in the game Ultimate NES Remix. This grid features Link, a Heart Container and an Octorok in their The Legend of Zelda appearances; as well as Link, a Bot and an Old Woman in their The Adventure of Link appearances. In the animation, Link in his The Legend of Zelda appearance obtains a Triforce Shard, which then transitions to a spritesheet. The spritesheet at the end of the animation depicts the Old Man from the Great Palace, a Small Key, and a red Daira in addition to Link holding up the Triforce. Using the Circle Pad to shift the camera at various points in the animation also reveals Ganon, Aquamentus, a Moblin and a Bomb in their The Legend of Zelda appearances, and a lady from The Adventure of Link carrying a Dr. Mario pill.

• • The panel entitled "Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U" features all 35 starter characters from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. Link, Toon Link, Zelda, and Sheik appear in their Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U appearances. The animation depicts colored silhouettes of each of the character shooting into the camera, then puts all the silhouettes into a display before revealing the proper artwork.

Style Savvy: Fashion Forward

• By scanning The Legend of Zelda series Princess Zelda amiibo, players can obtain the Princess Tiara, which resembles Princess Zelda's tiara from Twilight Princess.

• 

  A promotion for the Princess Tiara

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

• The Calico Trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS makes a reference to the Gerudo while mentioning the fact that only one percent of calico cats are male.

Swapdoodle

• In the Lesson Store, four Lesson packs exclusively featuring games from The Legend of Zelda series can be purchased. Two feature Ocarina of Time and two feature The Wind Waker.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time contains 2 pieces of stationery, one with adult Link and the other with adult Princess Zelda, and 11 Lessons: Adult Link, Epona, adult Princess Zelda, the Hylian Shield, Sheik, the Hookshot, Darunia, Ganondorf, adult Princess Ruto, the Wingcrest and Impa.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time #2 contains 2 pieces of stationery, a green one with child Link and a pink one with child Princess Zelda, and 12 Lessons: Child Link, Saria, child Princess Zelda, Navi, child Malon, Nabooru, child Princess Ruto, Kaepora Gaebora, King Zora, a Goron, the Kokiri Sword and the Ocarina of Time.
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker contains 2 pieces of stationery, a green one with Link and a pink one with Princess Zelda, and 10 Lessons: Link, the Wind Waker, Princess Zelda, the Hero's Shield, the King of Red Lions, the Master Sword, a Fairy, the Bait Bag, Link conducting with the Wind Waker and Ganondorf.
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker #2 contains 2 pieces of stationery, one featuring the Great Sea and Tetra and the other featuring Outset Island and Aryll, and 10 Lessons: Tetra, Aryll, Gonzo, Sue-Belle, Niko, Link's Grandma, Beedle, Orca, a Fishman and Tingle.
• Two other Lesson packs also feature characters, items and symbols from The Legend of Zelda series alongside other Nintendo series. The Bronze Glitter & Stationary Set contains stationery, one with the Hylian Shield and one with the Wingcrest (referred to as the Hylian Crest), and the Nintendo Premium Pack contains a green stationery with Link from The Wind Waker and a Lesson to draw the head of Link from The Wind Waker.

Tomodachi Life

• One of the possible things a Mii can say in their sleep is, "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this!".
• One of the possible games being heard while a Wii U is being played by a Mii is Battle Quest.
• One of the possible names for a picture can be is, "The Legend of October".

Trace Memory

• In the North American version, the bookshelf in the Silver Bird Room contains a book called "The Legend of Zelda Chronology".

Wii Music

• One of the playable songs is the title theme of The Legend of Zelda.

Wii Sports Resort

• One of the stamps that can be obtained in the archery mini-game is called "It's a secret to everybody."

Wii Party

• The description for the "Flashlight Frights" mini-game starts with "It's dangerous to go alone."

Television and Movies

The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!

• In Stars in Their Eyes, Mario rescues some aliens known as Quirks from Moon Man Koopa. Near the end of the episode, the Quirks hum a song to stop Koopa, which is the intro to the theme of The Legend of Zelda TV series.

Captain N: The Game Master

• Link and Princess Zelda make guest appearances throughout the second season of the television series.

• 

  Zelda with her Bow in Captain N: The Game Master

• 

  Zelda and Link in Captain N: The Game Master

• 

  Link holding his Sword in Captain N: The Game Master

• 

  Zelda kissing Link in Captain N: The Game Master

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

• A road in the Queen's map in the Super Mario Bros. Plumbing's commercial is named after Link.
• Mario and Luigi's father's hairstyle resembles Talon's, in reference to the character being designed to be similar to the plumber. It was however stated this hairstyle is a re-worked version of the original concept-art for Papa Mario.^{[citation needed]}

Books and Comics

Super Mario-kun

In chapter 4 of volume 4 of the long-running manga, Mario and Yoshi find themselves in Hyrule. Mario is armed with a Mushroom Sword (which later is powered-up into the Master Mushroom Sword), while Yoshi becomes his shield. They encounter a Spear Soldier, Rupees, Octoroks, Zoras, an Armos, and finally Agahnim, as well as a Fairy and the Cursed Fairy with the same face as Bowser's.

In chapter 7, still of volume 4, while approaching Bowser's Castle, Mario pulls out the Pegasus Boots that he stole from his adventure in Hyrule and uses them to reach quickly the castle. Meanwhile, behind the page, Link is looking desperately for them.

The Master Mushroom Sword later reappears in chapter 3 of volume 13.

• 

  Mario attacked by a Spear Throwing Soldier

• 

  Mario battling Agahnim

Unused and Unreleased Cameos

Golden Sun: The Lost Age

• Hidden within the game's source code is an unused NPC sprite that greatly resembles Link.

Super Mario Odyssey

• Prior to the version 1.2.0 update, there existed data and descriptions referencing a Link costume for Mario to wear. It was never included in the final game.

Uniracers

• During development, the various tours were named after Nintendo franchises. The first tour was called "Zelda" and was represented by an original sprite of Link. These were removed from the final release but can be seen during a trailer on a Nintendo Power Previews tape.

See Also

• amiibo
• Cameos of The Legend of Zelda in Third-Party Media
• Cameos in The Legend of Zelda
• The Legend of Zelda in Popular Culture

References

The Legend of Zelda Series

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Overviews

Cameos • Controversies • Development • Gameplay Elements • Graphic Styles • Iconic Quotes • Medieval Elements • Mistakes • Myths • Permanently Missable Items • Recurring Music • Sales • Technology • Unused Content • Voice Acting • Voice Actors

In Other Media

Advertisements • Cameos in Nintendo Media • Cameos in Third-Party Media • Popular Culture