Zelda Remakes vs Remasters vs Switch Online
This guide explains the key differences between Zelda remakes, remasters, and Nintendo Switch Online releases, helping you understand what each offers before you buy or subscribe. You’ll learn how each type is developed, what changes to expect, and which one fits your needs.
What You’ll Need
- Familiarity with the Legend of Zelda series (helpful but not required)
- Access to a Nintendo Switch (for Switch Online releases)
- A Nintendo Switch Online subscription (for NSO releases)
Step-by-Step
- Understand the core definition of a remaster. A remaster takes the original game’s code and assets, then improves resolution, frame rate, textures, and sometimes audio. The gameplay, level design, and story remain essentially unchanged. Examples: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (2021) and Link’s Awakening (2019) – though the latter is actually a full remake, not a remaster.
- Define a remake. A remake rebuilds the game from the ground up. Developers recreate the world, characters, and often the gameplay mechanics using a modern engine. The story may stay the same, but the presentation, controls, and sometimes content are new. Examples: The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019) on Switch, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (2011) on 3DS.
- Identify Nintendo Switch Online releases. These are emulated versions of classic games (NES, SNES, Game Boy, etc.) that run on the Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online service. They are not remastered or remade; they are the original ROMs played through an emulator. Examples: the original The Legend of Zelda (1986) and A Link to the Past (1991) on the NSO app.
- Compare visual and audio upgrades. Remasters typically offer higher resolution and cleaner audio but keep the original art style and soundtracks. Remakes often feature completely new visuals (2D to 3D, or a new art style like the toy-like look of Link’s Awakening) and re-recorded or rearranged music. NSO releases are pixel-perfect originals, with no visual or audio changes beyond optional scanline filters.
- Examine gameplay changes. Remasters usually only tweak controls (e.g., motion controls removed in Skyward Sword HD) and add quality-of-life features like button mapping. Remakes can change core mechanics – Link’s Awakening added a dungeon editor and new movement options. NSO releases retain original controls, though the emulator may add save states and rewind features.
- Check for new content. Remasters sometimes include bonus content (e.g., Skyward Sword HD added a fast-travel feature). Remakes may add new side quests, items, or modes. NSO releases do not add any new content – they are the original games, sometimes with regional differences (e.g., the Japanese version of the original Zelda has a different second quest).
- Consider price and availability. Remasters and remakes are sold individually at full retail price (often $60). NSO releases are included with a subscription (starting at $19.99/year for individual membership), but you lose access if your subscription lapses. You also need a stable internet connection to download the apps, though games run offline after download.
- Decide based on your goal. If you want the definitive version with modern conveniences, choose a remake. If you want to play the original with slight polish, a remaster is fine. If you want to experience the original exactly as it was, or you want to try many classic games cheaply, use Nintendo Switch Online.
Common Mistakes
- Calling every re-release a “remake.� Many people use “remake� loosely, but a remaster is a different thing. Check if the game was rebuilt or just enhanced.
- Expecting a remake to be a remaster. If you buy Link’s Awakening (2019) expecting the exact original with better graphics, you might be surprised by the new art style and physics.
- Assuming NSO games have modern controls. The emulator does not remap buttons; you play with the original control scheme, which can feel dated.
- Thinking NSO games are “free.� They are part of a paid subscription, not free downloads.
Tips
- Before buying, watch a gameplay trailer to see if the remake’s visual style appeals to you.
- For remasters, check if the original game is available on NSO – you might save money by subscribing instead.
- Use the rewind feature on NSO to undo mistakes in classic games – it’s a huge quality-of-life boost.
- If you’re new to Zelda, start with a remake (like Link’s Awakening) for a more accessible experience, then try the original via NSO to see how it started.
Troubleshooting
- If a remake feels too different from the original, check if the game has an option to switch between old and new graphics (rare, but some remakes like Ocarina of Time 3D allow you to toggle between the original and updated visuals).
- If a remaster has performance issues (frame drops, bugs), look for a patch. Developers often release updates to fix problems. If not, contact Nintendo support.
- If you can’t access NSO games, ensure your subscription is active and that you’ve downloaded the correct app (e.g., “Nintendo Switch Online� app for NES/SNES, or “Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack� for N64/Genesis).
- If you’re unsure which version to buy, read reviews that specifically compare the remake/remaster to the original. Look for details on what changed and whether it’s worth the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breath of the Wild a remake or remaster?
Neither. It’s an original game in the series, not a re-release of an older title.
Why is Skyward Sword HD called a remaster and not a remake?
Because it uses the original game’s assets and code, just with higher resolution and improved controls. The core game is unchanged.
Are all NSO Zelda games playable with the Switch Pro Controller?
Yes, the NSO apps support the Pro Controller, but some games (like the original NES Zelda) may require button mapping to feel right.
Will there be a remake of Ocarina of Time for Switch?
There is no official announcement as of now. The 3DS remake is the most recent version, and the original is on NSO.
Do NSO releases have save states?
Yes, the emulator allows you to create save states at any point, which is a huge advantage over the original hardware.
Can I play NSO Zelda games offline?
Yes, after downloading the app and games, you can play offline. You only need internet to initially download and to verify your subscription periodically.
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