While collector’s editions for popular games are practically a guarantee in today’s day and age, there was a time when the prospect of separate SKUs for games simply didn’t exist. That is, until certain franchises started to cultivate such dedicated and sizable fanbases that it became profitable to market special editions of new games to players. One of the first franchises to achieve this level of notoriety is The Legend of Zelda, which has a long and rich history of collector’s editions for its games dating all the way back to the first entry in the series. Believe it or not, the original gold cartridge version of The Legend of Zelda just might be the world’s first collector’s edition game, even though it’s not branded as such.
The first game in the series to use the phrase “collector’s edition” is the original run of Ocarina of Time, despite the fact that it doesn’t include any extras. Beyond the first print runs of the early games in the series, though, the advent of collector’s and limited editions of games became commonplace in the 6th and 7th console generations, and gave way to nearly every new Zelda game having their own. And, as the series and collector’s editions evolve, so too do the contents that each new Zelda collector’s edition includes. Some of these collector’s editions are exclusive to non-NTSC regions, making them even more rare and desirable for North American collectors.
The Legend of Zelda – First Print Run (1987)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda gold cartridge
- Game Manual
- World Map
Description: The original print run of The Legend of Zelda in North America came in a telltale gold box that immediately set it apart from other NES games of the time. When players opened the box, they were greeted with an unmistakable gold cartridge as well, along with several extras that would not be included in later runs of the game. In addition to later printings of the game making the cartridge a uniform gray to match other NES games, Nintendo would remove the fold-out world map that the initial run includes. Even though it does not include “collector’s edition” branding on its packaging or a separate SKU, the original release of The Legend of Zelda is the series’ first collector’s edition.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link – First Print Run (1988)
Contents:
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link gold cartridge
- Game Manual
Description: Unlike the first print run of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II does not come with a print-out of the game’s map. This is unfortunate considering how much larger the game world is, as well as the propensity of players to get lost and need help navigating it. It’s possible that Nintendo decided to forego including a map in the initial run of Zelda II cartridges so that they could entice players into a Nintendo Power subscription for help with the game, which had just started its publication. The only difference between the initial run of Zelda II cartridges and later editions are the signature gold box and gold cartridge.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Collector’s Edition (1998)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time gold cartridge
- Gold foil packaging
- Game Manual
Description: After an entire generation without a collector’s edition or special cartridge, Zelda returned to its roots with the release of Ocarina of Time on Nintendo 64. This is also the first time in the series that a game in the Zelda franchise has the “Collector’s Edition” branding on its box to signify the special nature of the first run of the game. Like the first print runs of both The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II, Ocarina of Time‘s “collector’s edition” differentiates itself from later runs via its gold foil box packaging and gold cartridge. Later editions of the game would come in a standard gold colored box (no foil) and feature a gray cartridge. This Collector’s Edition is the version of the game players picked up in the initial months of the game’s release in 1998.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask Collector’s Edition (2000)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask gold lenticular cartridge
- Game Manual
Description: Just like Ocarina of Time before it, the initial run of copies of Majora’s Mask has “Collector’s Edition” marking the bottom right of its packaging. Not only is the cartridge of Majora’s Mask in this version the classic gold, it also features a lenticular 3D label. Later versions of Majora’s Mask feature md gray cartridges with standard labels, making these initial printings of the game highly-sought after collector’s items. Beyond the special cartridge, though, this edition features no extras and no special packaging. One interesting thing to note is the printing error these editions contain in their instruction booklets, prompting Nintendo to package a disclaimer. Later editions have corrected manuals and no disclaimer.
The Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition (2003)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition GameCube Disc, containing The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, and Majora’s Mask
- Game Manual
Description: This ultra-rare GameCube relic is arguably one of the best collections of titles on the system, packaging together the two NES-era Zelda games and the two N64-era Zelda games on to one GameCube disc. Obtaining this software presented quite a challenge upon its release, as it was only available via very specific methods depending on player region. In Japan, Club Nintendo members could use points to obtain the game, while North American players needed either a subscription to Nintendo Power or to register their GameCube and two applicable games in order for Nintendo to send them the disc. European players could obtain the game by purchasing the GameCube Mario Kart: Double Dash!! bundle or providing proof of purchase of a unique set of other GameCube first-party titles.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Limited Edition Pak (2004)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap for GBA
- Limited edition gold Game Boy Advance SP
- Triforce carrying case
- Certificate of Authenticity
- The Minish Cap T-shirt
- Game Manual
Description: With only 300 made worldwide, the Limited Edition Pak for The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is the rarest of the Zelda collector’s editions. This special edition Game Boy Advance SP console includes a copy of The Minish Cap along with a slew of extras. The console itself is the iconic Zelda gold color and features a laser-etched triforce on the back of its screen. Additionally, the box includes a carrying case for the SP with embroidery of the Triforce on it. Each box contains a certificate of authenticity from Nintendo that indicates which number out of 300 the particular Limited Edition Pak is. Finally, each box includes a Minish Cap t-shirt from Hanes.
Despite the actual version of The Minish Cap it includes being the same as the standard edition, this Limited Edition Pak console bundle can fetch outrageous prices on the secondary market. A sealed and graded version of the Limited Edition Pak can net almost $100,000.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Limited Edition (2011)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword limited edition packaging
- Skyward Sword Motion Plus WiiMote
- The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary CD
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword art book
Description: Right off the bat, the distinguishing feature of the Limited Edition of Skyward Sword is its inclusion of the special gold Zelda-themed WiiMote. Since Skyward Sword requires the Motion Plus peripheral that Nintendo sold seperately from the original WiiMotes, the limited edition includes its own proprietary Zelda WiiMote. Additionally, the Limited Edition includes a CD and art book commemorating the 25th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda and the release of Skyward Sword as the earliest game in the series’ chronology. Standard editions of Skyward Sword do not include the special WiiMote or the gold foil insert that the Limited Edition includes.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Collector’s Edition (2013)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD for Wii U
- Collectible Ganondorf figurine
Description: The two Zelda ports on Wii U each have their own collector’s editions, each of which come with special collectible figurines. Wind Waker on Wii U’s collector’s edition includes the game along with a collectible figurine of Ganondorf in his iconic kimono. The figurine depicts Ganondorf as he appears in Wind Waker‘s final boss battle, but otherwise does not serve any in-game function. The version of the game that the collector’s edition includes is also simply the standard edition of the game with no discernable features.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Collector’s Edition (2013)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for 3DS
- Treasure Chest 3DS Game Case
- Poster
- Collectible Pin
Description: This PAL-exclusive collector’s edition for the 3DS gem A Link Between Worlds contains some of the cooler bonuses of any Zelda collector’s edition. Aside from including the European version of the game, the collector’s edition includes a replica of one of A Link Between Worlds‘ treasure chest that doubles as a carrying case for 3DS cartridges. In addition to the treasure chest replica case, the collector’s edition also includes a poster depicting the Lost Woods and the Master Sword as well as a collectible pin commemorating the 20th anniversary of Link’s Awakening.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Collector’s Edition (2016)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for Wii U
- Twilight Princess HD Sound Selection CD
- Midna and Wolf Link amiibo
Description: With the advent and proliferation of Nintendo’s amiibo figurines between the release of Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD, the collector’s edition of Twilight Princess‘ figurine is an amiibo that has in-game function in every subsequent Zelda game. Outside of the collectible figurine being an amiibo and more than a collectible novelty, the version of the game included in the collector’s edition is the same as the standard edition. Interestingly, the Wii U version of Twilight Princess is actually a port of the GameCube version, meaning its map and dungeons are all mirror versions of the Wii version of Twilight Princess.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Master Edition (2017)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo Switch
- Breath of the Wild Soundtrack CD
- Weather-worn collectible map of Hyrule
- Sheikah Eye collectible coin
- Master Sword statue
- Sheikah Slate carrying case for the Nintendo Switch
Description: The Master Edition for Breath of the Wild pulls out all the stops to be one of the most jam-packed collector’s editions in series history. In addition to its inclusion of the base game for Nintendo Switch, it also includes a collectible map of ancient Hyrule during the beginning of the Age of Calamity and a carrying case for the Nintendo Switch to have players’ switch mimic Link’s Sheikah Slate in-game. Further, the inclusion of collector’s coins and statues are a nice bonus for longtime fans and an homage to the series’ past. Considering the MSRP of this collector’s edition when it was still available at retail, players were able to get a proverbial treasure trove of collectibles at a reasonable price.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Collector’s Edition (2023)
Contents:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch
- Collectible steel book packaging
- Poster
- Art book
- Pin set
Description: The latest of the Zelda collector’s editions, Tears of the Kingdom‘s collector’s package includes some similar extras to the one for Breath of the Wild. In addition to the game itself, players are treated to a special steel book case that can be used to house the cartridge for the game and display it. There are also some unique collectibles this edition includes, such as a pin set of different Zonai runes and an art book detailing pages full of concept art. This edition quickly sold out at retail but is still available via third-party sellers or on the secondary market. Like the Master Edition of Breath of the Wild before it, expect the collector’s edition of Tears of the Kingdom to eventually increase in value.