legend of zelda

Exclusive: Zelda 3DS 'feels totally different,' needs to be played in 3D

The Nintendo 3DS has already been through a lot. The first-ever glasses-less 3D portable console didn't have the most glamorous of launches when it hit the market more than two years ago. Tainted by an underwhelming batch of debut software, controversial 3D effect, and a disappointing battery life, the 3DS didn't have a whole lot going for it out of the gate.

If that wasn't enough of a burden, the 3DS was also forced to follow up the original DS, a predecessor that is approaching worldwide sales of 154 million units combined. It's the best-selling portable console of all time.

But in the 25 months since its release, the 3DS has made significant strides. A focus on the platform's online store and a hardware refresh with a much bigger screen and better battery have begun to right the ship. Most importantly, a bevy of compelling software has been made available -- though some have criticized the company's continual recycling of classic games. … Read more

Nintendo releases a bevy of new and old games on its 3DS

Nintendo announced Wednesday that it will be releasing a boatload of new games on its 3DS handheld console.

Not only will there be a host of Super Mario Bros spinoffs, but the game maker also is launching Yoshi's Island, Donkey Kong Country, and The Legend of Zelda series. Based on the games Nintendo is choosing to release, it seems the company is tipping its hat to the Game Boy days of the '90s but tossing in a modern 3D twist. … Read more

'The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia' now a NYT best seller

It turns out that Hyrule isn't the only place Link can dominate.

The New York Times yesterday published its list of best-selling books for the week. Sitting atop the "Hardcover Advice & Misc." list is none other than "The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia," the book published last month by Dark Horse Books and Nintendo.

The title, which is described as "containing an unparalleled collection of historical information" on the famed franchise, is authored by Akria Himekawa. Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto and the franchise's current steward, Eiji Aonuma, are also given author … Read more

Bask in the glow of Zelda: Wind Waker in HD

To enhance the appeal of the Wii U, Nintendo plans to re-release several cherished classics, including the epic The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for GameCube, with snazzy high-definition graphics. Below, we present a set of images that show off the HD remastering of the game next to the original version that debuted in 2003.

Prepare yourself for lots of dynamic lighting and bloom when Wind Waker HD hits later this year. … Read more

Geek out over Legend of Zelda playing cards

Forget about those tired playing cards with spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. When you play with Cards of Legend, you deal out suits such as sword, heartpiece, rupee, and of course, the legendary Triforce. I can just imagine the jealousy-filled eyes the next time these come out at a geeky gathering.

Created by Swiss designer Nelde, this special set of 56 playing cards features the good, the bad, and the ugly characters of Hyrule in a retro card design similar to a standard deck. The Playing Card Company manufactures the Zelda cards -- available with red or blue backs -- and prints them on the same paper stock as Bicycle playing cards. … Read more

Nerdy aprons let you be barefoot and geeky in the kitchen

Geeks know there's more to life than video game marathons and "Star Trek" reruns. Sometimes, you need to step into the kitchen and make cookies with your "Star Wars" cookie cutters.

It's important to be properly outfitted when you're role-playing as a chef. You may want to pick up one of Etsy seller Darling Army's geek aprons as a personal force field for your body before you start flinging flour about.… Read more

Fistful of Rupees: Zelda done as a live-action Western

Fistful of Rupees reimagines Link as a loner Clint Eastwood type, battling against the forces of evil in an Old West town rather than a dungeon.

True to the video game series, Link doesn't say a word. Familiar Zelda weapons like boomerangs and arrows come into play, but this is a Western. Six shooters also make plenty of appearances. Red revitalizing potions come in glass jars and money is in the form of shiny crystals.… Read more

Rare Zelda prototype cartridge for $150,000 on eBay

Last year we ran into a rare Tetris cartridge with an asking price of $1 million. Perhaps the gaming market really is sinking, because a rare Legend of Zelda cartridge is going for just $150,000 on eBay.

The prototype cartridge dates to 1987, the U.S. release year for the famous NES game. The cartridge is yellow with a plain white label reading "Legend of Zelda."… Read more

Zelda fireplace insert: Legend in your living room

Etsy seller JamesBit is encouraging video game fans to warm their cockles in front of a Zelda fireplace insert. This fire is old-school Zelda, full of blocky bits of red, orange, and white.

The fireplace art piece is acrylic on your choice of canvas or wood. Just remember that either of those materials is flammable. Be sure to remove your Zelda fire to a safe distance before lighting a real fire in your fireplace.

JamesBit suggests placing the painting in a non-working or decorative fireplace, but don't let that limit you. It could be just as geeky hanging on your wall or warming your unused Wii console. … Read more

As the franchise turns 26, happy Zelda Day!

Heroes of Hyrule, please lay down your swords and shields. Today marks Zelda Day, and that means it's time to embrace the Triforce!

For a quarter of a century, gamers have been playing versions of the hit franchise, which has come out in 18 iterations across 11 gaming systems, ranging from the original NES console to the Nintendo 3DS handheld. Despite selling more than 60 million copies, some might not familiar with the premise, which offers an elegant blend of adventure, action, and puzzles. … Read more