Game & Watch Zelda Review: Nostalgia Wins at 8.4/10
An unexpected delight for retro fans, the Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda lands a solid 8.4/10, winning collectors over with its nostalgia-packed design, sharp screen, and inclusion of three classic Zelda titles—though frequent criticisms about missing features and price temper that enthusiasm.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for collectors and handheld nostalgia seekers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp, bright LCD screen | No headphone jack |
| Includes 3 classic Zelda games + Vermin | Feels small and lightweight to point of seeming cheap |
| Multiple language versions preserved | High price compared to digital downloads |
| Long battery life (5–8 hours) | Limited game library, no Link's Awakening DX |
| Interactive clock and timer mini-game | Buttons can feel mushy |
| Packaging doubles as display stand | No manual restore points |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing bills the Game & Watch as “a collectible game & watch system packed with Legend of Zelda classics” that’s “perfect for players and collectors.” While the feature list includes The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Link’s Awakening (1993 Game Boy version), and Vermin, several users note a gap between advertised nostalgia and gameplay flexibility.
Reddit user feedback shows that while “the glowing triforce on the back is cute and the free packaging…means I can now display with pride on my desk,” others express disappointment at missing titles. One comment reads, “I would have loved to have the option to choose the superior GBC version of Link’s Awakening.” That content omission recurs across reviews, with multiple players wishing Nintendo had gone for a “complete 8-bit Zelda collection.”
Similarly, official product pages tout a sleek retro look and “interactive clock and timer,” but hardware feel divides opinion. Hyrule Blog reviewers argue that “with the exception of the display it’s all as cheap as it can get,” noting mushy buttons and lightweight build, while a Quora expert praises “a wonderfully clicky and responsive d-pad” that works well for short bursts. The consensus: display quality hits the mark; tactile feel depends on expectations.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Collectors, nostalgic gamers, and desk toy enthusiasts converge on the standout screen and portability. A verified Best Buy buyer enthused, “Beautiful screen and quite durable…cool little piece of tech.” For on-the-go fans, the convenience is a draw—one Tumblr reviewer found it “smaller than my iPhone 11” and perfect for quick play sessions without hauling a Switch.
The inclusion of multiple language versions earns high marks with regional purists. The Hyrule Blog notes, “It’s absolutely fantastic that Nintendo has finally preserved the original Game Boy title now in this form…German and French versions included.” These preserved versions even maintain quirky variations in sound design and gameplay between regions, which long-time fans appreciate as a rare archival nod from Nintendo.
Battery longevity is another win. Reports commonly cite 5–8 hours between charges, with one Best Buy reviewer recalling it “kept me from going insane while working at a car wash…battery life is long lasting, like very long lasting!” For collectors who also play occasionally, this combines low maintenance with showpiece appeal.
Common Complaints
The absence of a headphone jack is a frequent sticking point. As one Tumblr/X comment laments, “The lack of a headphone jack makes taking this device out in public difficult…Sure, you can play on mute…but having that option…would’ve been a nice addition.” Speaker quality is also criticized—effects in Link’s Awakening “just don’t have the same heavy tone” compared to original hardware.
Physical build garners mixed reactions: multiple Reddit and blog posts remark on the brittle feel (“seems brittle for the price”) and “tiny” size, leading some to question durability. Price amplifies complaints: while the MSRP threads around $49.99, critics point to the same included NES titles being free with Switch Online or under $10 each on older e-shops.
The limited library prompts disappointment too. Absent Link’s Awakening DX and other Game Boy Color Zelda titles, owners feel shortchanged. A Hyrule Blog review puts it plainly: “It’s a shame Nintendo didn’t go the extra mile.”
Divisive Features
Screen scaling divides audiences—some dislike the stretched Link’s Awakening default, echoing Reddit user concerns, while others prefer it that way. The packaging-as-stand feature fares better: collectors like the display option, though others see it as “just cardboard” lacking permanence. Gameplay extras like the clock and timer mini-game delight some (“Dark Link literally stabs you in the back…satisfying”) but feel gimmicky to others who prioritize the main titles.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term user anecdotes are generally positive regarding function over months of ownership. Best Buy customers note sustained battery performance and collector condition preservation. No major scam concerns emerge—eBay listings for “tested, very good condition” units consistently show functional devices. However, recurring observations about perceived fragility could indicate caution for heavy travel use.
Quora experts frame it as “terrifically tiny” with quality feel despite size, suggesting the build meets collector-grade standards but may disappoint those expecting rugged portability akin to a Switch Lite or 3DS.
Alternatives
The only direct comparator discussed in user data is the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. edition. Reddit and Quora comments suggest the Zelda edition “greatly improves upon the Super Mario one” through extras like the display stand and added timer feature. Collector preference seems to hinge on franchise loyalty more than hardware changes, though Mario owners note fewer titles and a less engaging clock feature.
Price & Value
Official MSRP stands at $49.99 USD, but resale varies—from $62 open box on eBay to over $100 AUD in Australia. Collectors mention buying during sales as the smart move; one Best Buy user admitted only purchasing “at a good price when it was on sale.”
Given that the three main titles are cheap or free in digital form, practical gamers may find poor value unless the physical nostalgia and extras justify it. On resale, well-kept units trend upwards slightly in collector circles, suggesting reasonable retention for those aiming at long-term display.
FAQ
Q: Does it include Link’s Awakening DX or other Game Boy Color titles?
A: No—only the original 1993 monochrome Game Boy version of Link’s Awakening is included, along with Zelda I, Zelda II, and Vermin.
Q: Can you use headphones with the Game & Watch: Zelda?
A: No headphone jack is available. Users must play using the built-in speaker or mute the device entirely.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Reports cite 5–8 hours depending on screen brightness, enough for multiple short sessions without daily charging.
Q: Are the language versions different beyond text?
A: Yes—some regional versions feature distinct sound effects, enemy behavior, and in the case of German Link’s Awakening, censored dialogue changes.
Q: Is the packaging useful beyond storage?
A: Yes, it’s designed to fold into a basic display stand—popular with collectors, though not long-term durable.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Zelda collector, nostalgia-driven gamer, or someone who wants a display-worthy handheld that also plays well in short bursts. Avoid if your goal is cheap, extensive gameplay—Switch Online and emulation offer greater value. Pro tip from community: Wait for a sale or limited edition bundle to maximize collectible worth while minimizing buyer’s remorse.
