Game Boy · 1993
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
A self-contained Zelda adventure set on the windswept Koholint Island.
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Format
- Cartridge
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Released
- 1993
01
Overview
Link is washed ashore on Koholint Island after a mysterious shipwreck. His goal is to find the lost Triforce and restore his vessel so he can return home. The island's four corners hold dungeons, a dog companion, and a bird form that opens new routes.
02
Why it matters
The game proved the Game Boy could carry a full Zelda experience beyond the original NES series. Its compact design and nonlinear layout influenced later portable and modern Zelda entries.
03
The physical edition
A typical complete copy includes the cartridge, instruction booklet, and original packaging, though regional editions vary in box art and label details. Some later printings and regional versions differ from first releases.
04
Playing it today
Original Game Boy hardware remains the most straightforward way to play the cartridge. Emulation and modern ports exist, but hardware gives the authentic monochrome experience.