The Legend of Zelda Oracle of Ages

Nintendo Switch Online has taken another step in making gaming history accessible to the masses. Two beloved titles from the Legend of Zelda series, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, originally released for Game Boy Color in 2001, have now been added to the Switch Online platform. These two classics are now available for play for all Nintendo Switch Online members, as part of the Game Boy – Nintendo Switch Online library.

Here’s what you get

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages is an action-adventure game that takes players on an epic journey through time. The game’s protagonist, Link, embarks on a mission to rescue the Oracle of Ages, a character named Nayru who has been possessed by the evil sorceress Veran. Link’s quest takes him back and forth between the present and the past, with puzzles and challenges that require him to manipulate the flow of time to progress.

In contrast, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons puts a focus on the changing of seasons to drive the gameplay. Link is tasked with saving the Oracle of Seasons, Din, who has been captured by the evil General Onox. As players navigate their way through the game, they can alter the seasons at will, creating unique pathways and solving puzzles in the process.

Zelda uses the Pokémon release formula

These two games represent an interesting strategy from Nintendo. Echoing the approach taken with Pokémon’s dual game releases, Nintendo aimed to encourage Zelda fans to purchase both Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons. The games are independent of each other, yet they can be linked to unlock additional content. Players who complete one game can use a password or the Game Boy Color’s link cable to transfer their progress to the other game, unlocking a modified storyline and a true final boss. This innovative strategy brought a fresh layer of excitement and cross-game continuity to the franchise.

Here’s how to play

These Legend of Zelda titles are now accessible to millions of Nintendo Switch Online members. To enjoy these retro gaming treasures, players simply need to open the Game Boy Advance app on their Switch, where after a brief update, they’ll see a notification that says “There’s something new to play.”