I have a deep love for handheld consoles and although I never had a Game & Watch as a kid, I did play them, between them and the Game Boy they ignited a passion in me for handhelds that still exists to this day.
I do have very fond memories of playing The Legend of Zelda II on my Nintendo Entertainment System and Links Awakening on my Gameboy as a kid.
Seeing the Zelda series receive such a loving homage with the creation of this system really fills my pixilated hearts.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of one of Nintendo’s most popular long-running series The Legend of Zelda, which was released on The NES in 1986.
Nintendo has lovingly created a dedicated Zelda portable device in the shape of one of the first-ever handheld gaming devices, including some of the first Legend of Zelda games.
Emulating the iconic design of the classic Game & Watch handheld, which was originally developed in the 1980s by the legendry Gunpai Yuikoi who also designed the Game boy, this modern device brings that retro design into the modern era with a better screen, 3 classic games and a rechargeable battery.
The system is very similar to the Super Mario Game & Watch which was released earlier this year, including the metal, gold front and identical button placement.
Like the Mario model, even the packaging is reminiscent of the old 80s Game & Watch boxes showing that Nintendo is really leaning into the nostalgia. It even includes a cardboard display stand which while it isn’t remarkable is a nice addition allowing you to display your Game & Watch with pride.
The only external only changes are the inset colour which changed from red to green and the addition of a Tri-force on the back of the device which glows slightly when the screen is on, which is such a small but nice touch.
The Legend of Zelda Game & Watch features a dinky but pixel-perfect 2.36-inch, LCD colour screen, that is more suitable for the job.
The display is sharp and bright and is clear from multiple angles and it's easily good enough for the simple graphics of the classic 8-bit era.
It also has the same squishy A and B buttons on the right and a slightly hard, 4-way classic, cross-shaped D-Pad that’s reminiscent of the original NES controller, both are basic but responsive.
In addition, there are three rubber buttons on the right-hand side, Game, Time and Pause/Set on the front that allows you to switch between modes and games.
The device is ultra-portable at only 67mm x 112 x 12.5mm the same dimensions as the Super Mario Game & Watch and also close to the original 80s single screen Game & Watch devices size too.
And while you can easily carry it anywhere, but this is much more of a beautiful collector’s piece.
The single tiny speaker on the left-hand side is deceptively powerful and does a great job while being super clear and moderately loud.
Due to the very compact size buttons can feel very close together and can be uncomfortable for those with larger hands, however, it really feels like a system that’s meant for short term play and not long gaming sessions.
Also, any ergonomic improvements would betray the incredibly faithful retro design and just wouldn’t feel right.
The Legend of Zelda Game & Watch features the original first Legend of Zelda, that game that started it all and is definitely one of the few NES games that is still fun to play today, as well as the more divisive Zelda II, which while it isn't as loved is still a solid title.
In an improvement on the Mario device, this also includes Game boy classic Links Awakening, which is a fantastic addition to the package, as this is widely regarded as one of the best Game boy games of all time.
It also includes the Game & Watch title, Vermin, with Link’s head placed on the main character. The game is incredibly simple by today’s standards but it’s a nice call back to the original systems
There is an interactive clock that displays the time but also allows you to take control of Link walking around the dungeons.
The Game & Watch also features a timer mode inspired by Zelda II allowing you to set a time and try to defeat as many foes as you can before the time runs out. The systems keep track of your performance for you, high-score junkies, out there.
The one flaw, if you can call it that is that I’d wished the SENS game Link to the Past has also been included, partly because it’s one of my personal top Zelda games, as well as being easier a more approachable game and when the Zelda series felt like it was becoming a coherent series.
The file size of these games old is so small its exclusion seems strange not to include Link to the past, as it would help with feel like a more definitive collection.
The old NES games do feel particularly dated and harder to play by today’s standards so the addition of a more user-friendly game like Links awakening is really appreciated.
NES titles have also been available in many other formats including the Mini consoles, Virtual console and of course on Nintendo Switch Online, so fans already likely own this game several times already and are really buying this of the form factor.
The device uses a rechargeable battery that will last around 8 hours or so depending on usage, so you won’t need to hunt around for batteries like in the old days and it charges via USB-C, which comes supplied with a cable.
As a screensaver, the display even shows some of the old art used on the original manuals, which just adds to the charm overload and is yet another nod to fans.
Link's awakening also includes the option to change the aspect ratio between a slight stretched full screen and a 1:1 ratio, which is a great addition but if you pick the full-screen mode you are a monster.
Price The price is very reasonable for a simple collectable and the perfect gift idea for old school gamers who want to relive their NES days.
The Game and & Watch also includes the ability to pick up where your last game left off, even when you switch between games and modes.
You can now also switch between the English and Japanese versions of the games which hardcore fans will enjoy with Links Awakening also including French and German.
Verdict
Nintendo has taken the already charming design and great idea and improved refined it making it even better than before.
The new settings and addition of Links Awakening really help this device 1-UP the previous model. Let’s hope we see a few more of the Game & Watch systems with further improvements and more games added in future.
Having these three childhood-defining classics combined in one system is a fitting tribute to 35 years of Zelda that does a great job of capturing some of that early Nintendo magic.
If you’ve never played these games or you’re not a collector there’s little here for you, but if you’re an 80’s kid and have fond memories of old school gaming, or if you’re a Zelda fan who wants to go back to the beginning, the Zelda Game & Watch is a really awesome device that’ll bring joy to Nintendo nerds old and new.
The Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda Game & Watch is out now for £44.99 on amazon.co.uk
