Classic Zelda on Nintendo Switch Online gets easier with special save data

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo has made quite a sizable update to the NES library of games available on its Nintendo Switch console via the Nintendo Switch Online service, but one takes the cake: a special save file for The Legend of Zelda.

Available now, Nintendo has updated the version of The Legend of Zelda with an optional set of special game save data that anyone can access, which starts you off as Link with nearly all of his special weapons and items already unlocked along with loads of rupees (the game’s currency) with which to buy even more goodies from in-game vendors.

The idea is to provide gamers with access to the later stages of the game that many may have missed out on when the game first debuted on the NES back in 1987 – it’s a surprisingly difficult and esoteric game.

Nintendo promises to release other sets of special save data for its online-enabled NES games in the future. We can already see progression-focused games, like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Metroid, benefiting most from this neat feature.

In the same breath, Nintendo dropped three more games into the app: NES Open Tournament Golf, Solomon’s Key and Super Dodge Ball. In November, the app will gain Metroid, Mighty Bomb Jack and TwinBee, while December will see the release of Adventures of Lolo, Ninja Gaiden and Wario’s Woods.

If Nintendo keeps adding these unique features and niceties to the NES library on Switch, it could easily become yet another major selling point for the console – especially since it's already been hacked.

Joe Osborne

Joe Osborne is the Senior Technology Editor at Insider Inc. His role is to leads the technology coverage team for the Business Insider Shopping team, facilitating expert reviews, comprehensive buying guides, snap deals news and more. Previously, Joe was TechRadar's US computing editor, leading reviews of everything from gaming PCs to internal components and accessories. In his spare time, Joe is a renowned Dungeons and Dragons dungeon master – and arguably the nicest man in tech.

Latest in Nintendo Switch
An image of the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 could have AI upscaling similar to PS5 Pro’s PSSR according to patent, and it could be a gamechanger for graphics on the upcoming console
Super Mario Odyssey played on a Nintendo Switch in portable mode
YouTuber seemingly reveals the first hands-on look at the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new magnetic Joy-Cons
Nintendo Switch Pro
To the surprise of absolutely no one, another new look at the Nintendo Switch 2 has seemingly leaked
Nintendo Switch 2
If the Switch 2 can't perform at the same level as the Z1 Extreme Asus ROG Ally even with Nvidia's DLSS, then Nintendo is in trouble
Nintendo Switch 2
New Nintendo Switch 2 leak may have revealed the first look at the new handheld
Nintendo Switch Pro
Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have reportedly appeared for sale online, but I've seen Bigfoot photos that are more believable
Latest in News
Google DeepMind panel discussion
“More sovereignty and protection” - Google goes all-in on UK AI with data residency, upskilling projects, and startup investments
An image of the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 could have AI upscaling similar to PS5 Pro’s PSSR according to patent, and it could be a gamechanger for graphics on the upcoming console
PowerColor Red Devil AMD RX 9070 XT graphics card shown side-on
Your next GPU could be from AMD, not Nvidia, if Team Red’s success with PC gamers continues
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #1149)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #380)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #646)