Zelda Game & Watch: A gorgeous collectible for Nintendo fans

You might recall that earlier this year was The Legend of Zelda's 35th anniversary. While there wasn't much fanfare to celebrate the fact (even after Mario died), Nintendo did tangentally reveal that a new Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda edition would launch later in the year.

Now that time has finally come. This awesome little device has three classic Zelda games — The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening — a classic Game & Watch game, and the ability to act as both a clock (or watch) and a timer with themed Zelda elements running around the screen.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

It might seem a little silly buying this device for just shy of a Switch game's pricing, especially when you can already play all three of these Zelda games on your Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, when it comes to Nintendo's history, this little device is the perfect way to remember both Zelda and Nintendo's small beginnings. After all, the original Game & Watch devices made Nintendo a household name in the '80s thanks to a Swedish business man's lie. You could say that if it wasn't for the Game & Watch, we wouldn't have the Switch or Zelda.

Unlike the original Game & Watch, this one features a full color LCD panel, a rechargable internal battery, and USB-C charging cable. The colors are very vibrant and look great in person. The first time I booted it up, I was greeted with the familiar "Dun dun dun dun dun" Zelda tune and artwork for the original Zelda game. Fortunately, you can also change the brightness of the screen and turn the volume all the way down if you don't want to hear game sounds. To access the Zelda titles, I simply press the Game button and choose between the options in the menu. I was happy to find that the device remembers exactly where I was when I exit a game so I can freely jump between all the games or modes without losing my place.

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Since it offers a clock, I set it up on my desk where I can watch Link run around defeating enemies as time passes. I can even jump in and fight for him if I'd like while still in the clock mode. There's also a timer with themes from Zelda II where the numbers are made up of Triforce pieces and you can change the background to several different locations from the game. Then you can watch Link take on baddies as the time counts down. It's pretty cool.

This device is really small and thin, making it so I can slip it into my pocket or purse really easily. However, I recommend getting some kind of carrying case or bag to protect the screen when you're out and about. The included USB-C to USB cable is pretty short, but a good length if you decide to charge the Game & Watch using a Nintendo Switch dock.

Is the Zelda Game & Watch worth buying?

The Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda is more of a collector's item for dedicated Nintendo fans or those who collect everything Zelda. It offers three fun Zelda games and a classic Game & Watch game with Link's face slapped over it. If you're at all interested in the history of Nintendo or are a big Zelda fan, then this will be a great collector's item to have. Otherwise, you might just want to stick with the classic Zelda games offered on Switch.