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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past vs The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the PastClassic 2D adventure that defines the action‑puzzle genre
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DXClassic handheld adventure reborn with vibrant colors and new puzzles.
Overview
Description

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past delivers a timeless top‑down adventure where players explore a richly detailed world, solve intricate puzzles, and battle iconic enemies. Its dual‑world mechanic and deep storyline set a benchmark for future action‑adventure games.

Link's Awakening DX is a lovingly enhanced remake of the beloved Game Boy Color classic, bringing the whimsical island of Koholint to modern screens with full color graphics and additional content. The game retains the original's charming exploration, clever puzzles, and memorable soundtrack while adding new dungeons, items, and a secret dungeon for extra challenge. Designed for a single-player experience, this title blends action, adventure, and fantasy elements, making it an accessible yet deep journey for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series. Its timeless gameplay and thoughtful updates ensure it remains a standout entry in the Zelda franchise.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Story-Rich
Action RPG
Best for
Fans of classic action‑adventure
Classic Zelda fans
Specifications
General
msrp
$59.99
$59.99
release date
1991-11-21
1998-12-12
Specifications
developer
Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development
Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development
publisher
St. GIGA, Nintendo, Playtronic, Gradiente, Hyundai
Nintendo, Gradiente
age rating
ESRB E, PEGI 7
ESRB E, PEGI 7
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
100/100+16%
86/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Iconic dual‑world design
  • Deep puzzle and exploration elements
  • Memorable boss encounters
  • Timeless art style and music
  • Stunning color overhaul of the original game
  • Additional dungeons and items increase replay value
  • Touchscreen-friendly UI on Switch
  • Faithful to the classic Zelda formula
Cons
  • No modern quality‑of‑life features
  • Limited save options compared to newer titles
  • Controls can feel dated on some platforms
  • Limited to Nintendo Switch, no PC version
  • Some players miss the original's simplicity
  • No multiplayer or co‑op options
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

A classic side‑scrolling action‑RPG that continues Link’s epic quest

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The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

A tiny hero embarks on a big adventure to save Hyrule’s smallest citizens.

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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

A timeless adventure that defines 3D action‑puzzle gaming

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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Embark on a dark adventure to restore light to Hyrule.

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Alternatives to The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX

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The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

A timeless adventure where a young hero awakens on a mysterious island.

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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Classic 2D adventure that defines the action‑puzzle genre

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The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons

Control the seasons to save Holodrum in this classic adventure.

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The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

A tiny hero embarks on a big adventure to save Hyrule’s smallest citizens.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

A offers the iconic, critically perfect classic adventure with deep dual‑world puzzles, while B adds color, extra dungeons, and modern UI but scores lower.

Key differences

  • A features the original Light/Dark World mechanic; B replaces it with a single world with added dungeons.
  • B provides full‑color graphics and touchscreen map support; A retains the original 2D palette and controls.
  • Save system: B has save‑anywhere; A relies on limited save options.
  • Critic scores: A 100/100 vs B 86/100, indicating higher critical acclaim for A.
  • Platform: A is available on multiple retro platforms; B is Switch‑only.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

A’s dual‑world design and iconic boss fights deliver deeper puzzle variety than B’s single‑world plus extra dungeons.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Platform availability

A has been released on many systems since 1991; B is limited to Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Price & value

Both cost $59.99; value depends on whether extra dungeons and modern UI justify B’s lower critic score.

Tie

Multiplayer / co‑op

Both are single‑player only; no difference.

Tie

Content & replayability

B adds two new dungeons, six hidden items, and a secret Color Dungeon, increasing replay content over A.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX

Difficulty & accessibility

B’s save‑anywhere and touchscreen UI make progress easier than A’s limited save options and dated controls.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX

Graphics & performance

B features full‑color graphics and remastered audio, whereas A retains the original retro palette.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX

Choose The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past if…

Fans seeking the definitive classic experience with top critical acclaim and broader platform support.

Choose The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX if…

Players who want modern conveniences, extra content, and vibrant visuals on the Switch.

Common questions

Do both games cost the same?

Yes, each has an MSRP of $59.99.

Which game has better critical reception?

A received a perfect 100/100 critic score; B received 86/100.

Can I play either title on PC?

No; neither game is listed for PC. A appears on multiple consoles, B is Switch‑only.