Cameos of The Legend of Zelda in Nintendo Media



has made numerous Cameos in Nintendo Media. Elements and characters from the series have appeared in a number of Nintendo games and other licensed, related media. This listing does not include appearances in third-party video games. Please visit Cameos of in Third-Party Media for examples of these. For unlicensed parodies and homages in other media, see in popular culture.

Animal Crossing Series
In the, a number of objects and characters from series make cameos in the form of furniture, clothing and accessories. Some of these pieces of furniture and accessories have made return appearances in subsequent Animal Crossing games. They include:


 * The Master Sword appears as a piece of furniture in the original, , , and . It is part of the "" of furniture. Interacting with it plays the "get item" jingle. It is set in the Pedestal of Time, with its design in City Folk and its SS undefined design in New Leaf.
 * The Triforce appears as a piece of furniture in Wild World, City Folk and New Leaf. It is part of the "Nintendo Set" of furniture. Interacting with the Triforce separates its pieces as they twirl before reforming, mimicking the animation and sound effect of 's title screen.
 * Kafei's and Anju's outfits appear as clothes in the original Animal Crossing only. is worn by, while  is worn by  and.
 * Link's hat and clothes appear in City Folk and New Leaf. Link's pants and boots also appear in New Leaf.
 * The appears as a mask accessory in City Folk and New Leaf.
 * Midna's Fused Shadow appears as a hat in City Folk and New Leaf.
 * Tingle's hood appears as a hat in New Leaf.
 * Makar's mask appears in New Leaf.
 * A mask resembling Fi's face appears in New Leaf.


 * Scanning certain e-Reader cards adds Zelda-based pattern designs that can be used as wallpaper, clothing, etc.
 * If the player catches a, his or her character will say "You don't suppose it's Hylian, do you?"
 * Gulliver and Kapp'n make references to Hyrule, such as a Hyrulean prison.
 * Tortimer tells a story that he defeated the great sea snakes at Pinnacle Rock.
 * In some villagers' houses, if the player looks inside their cabinets or wardrobes, they may get the message "You found 10 Rupees! Talk about lucky! Too bad you can't use them in this town...".
 * On the back wall of Katrina's tent, there is a picture of the Triforce.
 * A Nintendo Entertainment System console with was set to appear as an item, but was made unobtainable. It can still be played by hacking into the game.


 * Villagers occasionally talk about a boy in green who shot things out of the air with a Slingshot.


 * When eating a Fortune Cookie, the paper inside reads a fortune relevant to the item obtained from it. The Zelda-related fortunes read:
 * Hero's Clothes: "The land is in great peril, and soon you will be the Hero of (town name)."
 * Hero's Pants: "Sometimes treasure is not hidden. It is only invisible."
 * Hero's Cap: "A green hat may be just the thing to inspire you toward adventure."
 * Majora's Mask: "If you leave my mask out there, something terrible will happen!"
 * Midna's Mask: "Look to the sky when the sun sets. All will be revealed in this twilight."
 * Master Sword: "It's dangerous to go alone. Take this."
 * Triforce: "He who believes he has a pure heart is probably just a beast in denial."
 * Hero's Boots: "A door that does not open is not closed to you; it only needs a key."
 * Fi Mask: "Sometimes a sword is just a sword. And sometimes it's a pretty girl."
 * Through the  update, it is possible to scan a Zelda character amiibo to bring a Zelda-themed RV to the town's campground. The Zelda-themed RVs each contain an animal villager based on a Zelda character. They are:
 * A based on Ganon. (Obtained from Ganondorf, Classic Link, Guardian, and Bokoblin)
 * A based on Epona. (Obtained from Sheik,  Link, Rider Link, and  Link)
 * A based on Medli. (Obtained from both versions of Toon Link,  Zelda,  Zelda, and Zelda and Loftwing)
 * A based on Wolf Link, known as W. Link in-game. (Obtained from Smash Link, Smash Zelda, Smash Young Link, Wolf Link, Archer Link,  Link, SS - Link, and  Link)
 * In addition, the birthdays of these four characters are the Japanese release dates of their debut games.
 * Each character's RV features exclusive Zelda-themed decor that can be purchased with MEOW Coupons. These include:
 * A shirt based on what the character that was summoned.
 * Link's hat and shirt from . (All Characters)
 * Link's wig and shirt from . (All Characters)
 * An 8-bit Hyrule carpet and wallpaper from . (all characters)
 * A Bomb from . (Ganon)
 * Ganondorf's wig, shirt, and pants from . (Ganon)
 * A green Rupee. (Ganon and Medli)
 * A Treasure Chest from . (Ganon and Wolf Link)
 * A Gossip Stone. (Epona)
 * A bottle of Lon Lon Milk. (Epona)
 * The Moon from . (Epona)
 * Sheik's mask, shirt, and pants. (Epona)
 * A Piece of Heart. (Epona, Medli, and Wolf Link)
 * A Cucco from . (Medli)
 * A Fairy in a Bottle. (Medli)
 * A mural based on the opening from . (Medli)
 * A Hylian Shield. (Wolf Link)
 * A Heart. (Wolf Link)
 * Zelda's wig and dress from . (Wolf Link)


 * When talking about island evals with Isabelle, she quotes a comment from a villager about the current state of the island. One of these quotes contains the iconic phrase from, "It's a secret to everybody."

Series
A number of Zelda theme songs can be played in the ''Daigasso! Band Brothers'' games, some of which must first be downloaded.


 * The original Daigasso! Band Brothers includes a medley of Zelda songs.
 * , known in Japan as Daigasso! Band Brothers DX, includes some Zelda songs.
 * Daigasso! Band Brothers P includes ' theme, ' Woodlands theme, ' Lorule theme, the Ballad of the Goddess, and 's orchestrated theme.


 * If the game is beaten with 18 Video Game Hero Coins (in the form of DK Coins) or less, third place in Cranky's Video Game Heroes will be held by Link, behind and . Link's appearance is based on the design used for official art in  and, albeit with darker hair, possibly due to palette limitations. He appears unequipped, and looks around the room before crossing his arms. In the Game Boy Advance remake, Link takes second place instead of Yoshi. As the game uses pre-rendered sprites, this marks the first time Link had been rendered in three dimensions for a game.


 * This game also includes the same Video Game Heroes lineup as the SNES equivalent.


 * If the main characters ask about the castle in Bazaar's Shop (available after buying the shell), and refuse to pay for the story, Bazaar will recount how a boy also asked about the castle and had paid 500 Rupees for it. This reference was removed in the Game Boy Advance remake.

Series

 * In the ' series of games, theme is featured in a number of games, including the original,, and '.
 * In the original Donkey Konga, the player can buy a -themed bongo sound set.


 * references series' infamous "It's dangerous to go alone" phrase when selling Crash Guards in Funky's Fly'n'Buy.

Series

 * In several games, starting with ', Kirby's ability is a reference to Link, most notably as the hat Kirby wears is based on Link's cap. The Sword Kirby uses also resembles the Master Sword. In some games, the ability grants Kirby with sword techniques based on those of Link's, such as the Sword Beam, Spin Attack, Down Thrust, and the Skyward Strike (called "Sky Energy Strike" in ').


 * In, one of the treasures to collect is the Triforce. According to Nintendo, the reason for this and the references to other Nintendo games are because the developers wanted to repay the favor of having Kirby appear in.


 * A "Master Sword" can be collected. It is based on the  from  and is likely a  reference in name only.


 * On Level 3 of the Paint Roller's mini-game, Kirby may sometimes have to draw a Triforce shape.


 * The sound effect of spitting an egg is taken from the sound effect that plays when firing a magic projectile with the Magical Rod (and when Wizzrobes fire their projectiles) in.


 * The plays the same tune as the Recorder in . It also summons a cyclone in the same way.


 * If Mario sleeps at the inn at Rose Town, Link will be sleeping in the bed next to him. If Mario attempts to talk to him, the classic Zelda discovery theme will play.


 * The word "Zelda" can be read on the newspaper background in Stages 2-3 and 2-4.


 * Random names of characters from other Nintendo games are put on the scoreboards in Mario Golf for the Game Boy Color. In the Links Club, several characters from may also appear, including Darunia, Deku Scrub, Goron Kid, Impa, Link, Malon, Nabooru, Navi, Saria, Sheik, Talon, and Zelda. These names may also appear on the scorecards of other courses as well. The Links Club, while a reference to the golfing term, may also be a pun on Link from  as well.


 * The "Character Stamps" mode includes the official artwork of many characters from that can be placed in the painting. The "Game Illustration" mode features seven full-screen art pieces from  that can be used as backgrounds.


 * Under his mask, the character has a face resembling the Running Man from  and the Postman from.


 * One of the items obtained from the Starbeans Café is the, a yellow triangle resembling a piece of the Triforce. Originally, various Nintendo characters were intended to appear at the Café to present the Mario Bros. with related items, before being replaced by Professor E. Gadd and the items slightly renamed and redesigned. Link was originally supposed to appear and give the Triforce to the brothers.


 * In the Winkle Colosseum, the Mario Bros. participate in a mini-game where they must deflect rocks at enemies known as s, whose name is derived from Octoroks. These enemies also have a similar appearance, as they shoot rocks from their snouts.


 * In the mini-game, an 8-bit skeleton resembling a Stalfos from  will appear briefly from behind the crates on the bottom-right corner of the screen whenever Mario and Luigi clear four rows of barrels at the same time. The Stalfos appears to have its limbs reduced in length and its head increased in size to match the proportions of the skeleton characters in the game.


 * In the Nintendo 3DS remake, , the Great Force is redesigned, now bearing a closer resemblance to the Triforce. The jingle that plays when Mario and Luigi obtains it is the same one that plays when Link obtains an item from a big Treasure Chest in the series.


 * Every time a Cruise Secret is purchased, the text box says, "Shhh... It's a secret to everybody!"


 * Throughout the game Mario is guided by a hint-giving Pixl named Tippi. Her fairy-like appearance and role is likely a reference to Navi.
 * When Mimi insists that Mario pays for a vase he broke, she will not accept coins, as she prefers to use octagonal gems called "", a reference to Rupees. The also strongly resembles a Rupee.
 * A Pixl named Fleep can be found inside a bathroom on the moon, who requests a piece of paper. Mario must then buy a map, which is then used as toilet paper by Fleep. This is similar to how MM3D: also requests paper.
 * When the first boss malfunctions, it will begin to say several computer computer-inspired phrases, one of which is "I AM ERROR."


 * In the third mission of the, Mario fights giant creatures that resemble Deku Scrubs firing cannonballs at him.
 * In the, can be seen formed in the shape of a Rupee.
 * Game director Yoshiaki Koizumi said in an interview with Nintendo Power (issue #225) that the battle strategy against the boss was inspired by what was originally going to be used for the final battle against Ganon in, which was scrapped due to difficulty on camera control.


 * In one of the galaxies, a Gearmo will ask Mario for a Goomba. After the plumber gives him the Goomba, he will hold it up in the air exactly like Link does when he gets an item.


 * is heavily based on series and was created to honor the game's 25th anniversary. The course is played predominantly from a top-down perspective and involves Mario moving from room to room in a similar manner to a traditional Zelda dungeon. A puzzle to obtain a Star Coin involves lighting torches using Fire Mario, which causes the Zelda "puzzle solved" jingle to play. The course also includes traps that mimic those that appear in Zelda dungeons, such as Guruguru Bars and Rolling Spike Traps.


 * In Mission C-3: Roundhouse Brawl in the Old Clockworks, the Ancient Poltergeist (Elder Boffin in the PAL release) is briefly seen arranging six bricks into the shape of the Triforce. As he does this, the background music briefly plays the "item found" jingle from the Zelda games.


 * One of the Luiginoid moves is called, which is a reference to the item of the same name. This Luiginoid move works in a similar manner to the aforementioned item, causing multiple Luigis to stretch out in a chain to latch onto targets and pull Mario and the remaining Luiginoids to it.


 * A secret area in takes Mario to an area composed of black blocks that form an 8-bit Link sprite from . Lighting them all up to reveal the sprite causes the "item found" refrain from  to play, and a Green Star to appear. After this, the music will change to a remix of part of the main theme of the Zelda series until Mario leaves.




 * A Zelda-themed DLC package for was released on November 13, 2014.  ×  package contains three new playable characters, including the incarnation of Link from SS undefined. The DLC pack also contains a Zelda-themed vehicle with matching parts: the Master Cycle, which features a Hylian Shield at each side, and the Triforce Tires and Hylian Kite. The Triforce Cup, also included in the DLC, features the Hyrule Circuit, which is located in Hyrule Field and inside Hyrule Castle. The circuit features Rupees instead of Coins, Deku Babas instead of s, and Keese instead of s. Once inside the Hyrule Castle section, switches can be activated to summon the Master Sword. Also, Link will sometimes hold the Triforce in his hands while performing a.


 * Using either the Link or Toon Link amiibo unlocks the Link Racing Suit usable by the Mii character.


 * Using any amiibo unlocks a pattern for Yoshi based on that character. These include all five Zelda-related amiibo.




 * 8-bit versions of Link, Toon Link, Zelda, Sheik, Ganondorf, and Tingle appear as for Mario, usable by grabbing a Mystery Mushroom. They are unlocked by either playing through the 100-Mario Challenge, or scanning their respective amiibo (except Tingle, who does not have an amiibo). Zelda-centric jingles play when Mario is transformed into these characters and when the D-pad is pressed up. Costumes based on "Totem Link" (based on the three Links from ) and Tetra also appear and can be unlocked through Event Courses and updates, respectively.


 * The sprite used for the Sea Urchin enemies was reused in Super Mario Maker when placing a Super Mario World-style spike object in an underwater setting.

Added as part of the Ver. 2.0.0 update, promoted as A Legendary Update, SMM2: was added as a playable character through the use of the SMM2: power-up. He has the ability to jump, Down Thrust, Dash Attack, lay down NaN Bombs, use a SMM2:, and shoot NaN Arrows in multiple directions from a SMM2:.

The fourth chapter in the game has Mario sailing across an ocean called TWWHD: on a boat with similar mechanics to the TWWHD: from. In order to unlock a dungeon called the Sea Tower, which looks similar to the TWWHD: from the outside, Mario must travel to Diamond Island and complete the Trials of Power, Courage and Wisdom to collect the three sacred orbs, which is a reference to the NaN Golden Goddesss and the NaN Goddess Pearls. When arriving on Diamond Island, remarks on the scenery by saying "It seems so familiar. I would swear I've heard a legend about this place. I won't try to force a name upon it."

A reference to can be found earlier in the game, where a Toad in Autumn Mountain complains he doesn't have enough stamina to climb a wall, before commenting that at least it isn't raining.

In the Japanese version, the Whispering Woods area is known as. One of its inhabitants, an elderly tree stump named, is called. His face has similarities to the OoT3D: from.


 * The game's concept of light/dark duality, as well as the collection of Temple Keys, is comparable to the gameplay mechanic from . In fact, the developer of the game,, was assisted by one of the creators of the SNES Zelda game to properly incorporate the aforementioned concept into the new game.


 * Players can unlock a special feature known as Bumper Stickers, which decorates 's with stickers based on certain Nintendo games that have data stored in the players' Wii consoles. One of the stickers is the Wing Crest from.


 * Volume 5 and 8 of the Nintendo Power Picross series had its "Character" section based on . In the latter game, these puzzles are available in the "Character Extra" section, which is unlocked after completing all 96 of the original puzzles. The images used are of Navi, the Fairy Ocarina, the Keaton Mask, the Fairy Slingshot, Kaepora Gaebora, Link, Princess Ruto, Epona, Darunia, Deku Scrub and Ganondorf.

Picross DS

 * Level 11 of Normal Mode, unlocked after completing the 10 other levels, is based on different Nintendo characters. Puzzle 11-L is based on the original Link sprite.
 * Volume 5 of Picross NP was also made available as a "My Picross" download in the game. Pack 7, released in August 27, 2008 only for the North American version contains the puzzles, with them being puzzles 7B-7H.


 * Two puzzles in "Easy Picross" and fifteen puzzles in "Normal Picross" are based on Zelda characters and items. A larger, multi-part "Micross" puzzle shows artwork of Link from SS undefined, and when completed, plays the music heard when SSHD: obtains the SSHD:. Unlike in earlier Picross titles, the images do not become animated when puzzles are completed.


 * This update/sequel features six new Zelda puzzles and a new "Micross" puzzle showing Link from, which plays the "Get Item" fanfare when completed. Nine Zelda puzzles from the original Club Nintendo Picross are reused as "Mega Picross" puzzles, which contain hint numbers spanning over two rows.

Picross 3D: Round 2

 * One of the nine puzzles that can be unlocked with amiibo features Link, in his appearance, riding Epona.


 * In Area E of Sector 2, known as "The Keeper of the Lake", a blue Ocarina nearly identical in design to the Ocarina of Time appears as a treasure called the Unexamined Nest. It is the reward for defeating the boss of Sector 2, the Long Water Dumple. It is worth 1000 Sparklium.


 * In Area A of Sector 3, known as the "Crystal Tunnels", one of the treasures that can obtained is a cartridge called the Attention-Getting Logo. It is worth 200 Sparklium.


 * A known as the Pikmin 4: can be found in the . It plays the "Pikmin 4:" when it is being carried by Pikmin or when it is performing its action in the . When viewed in the Treasure Catalog,  will state how its song resembles "heroic tales and captured princesses."
 * The is a Treasure that can be found in the . It is an Pikmin 4: bearing the engraving, "Tlozoot", a reference to.
 * The, , and are three Treasures that collectively reference the three aspects of the Series:.


 * An 8-bit Octorok from can be found on one of the walls in the Urchin Underpass map. Octorok sprites from  and  can also be found throughout the.


 * Similar to Splatoon, Octorok sprites from can be found in the.
 * In the DLC, many Nintendo consoles and game cartridges can be seen as floating background elements. One of the Nintendo 64 cartridges greatly resembles.


 * A event was announced to promote the release of . Players are prompted to make a choice between Power, Wisdom, or Courage, represented by silhouettes of OoT:, TP:, and OoT: respectively, as well as the symbols of corresponding to their respective pieces of the Triforce. The event was announced on April 14, 2023 and it is scheduled to run between May 5 to May 7.
 * The  is  that references the BotW: region. The stage has a custom layout unique to this specific Splatfest, being the first to utilize a three-point symmetrical layout. The layout of the stage layout resembles the Triforce, with markings of it seen at the center of the stage.
 * T-shirts were also announced to be releasing in celebration of the Splatfest, bearing the designs of the main Splatfest poster.

(NES)

 * After winning a B-type game at or above Level 9 with a height of at least 1, Link appears playing a flute.
 * Upon beating Level 9, a secret ending with various Nintendo characters, including Link, is unlocked.


 * This version features Link prominently and includes a number of Zelda-themed puzzles.


 * There are two unlockable themes based on ;, purchased with tickets, and , obtainable through participating in the 23rd.


 * A few Nintendo references appear in the form of some Treasures Wario can obtain in each level. A boot with wings, resembling the Pegasus Boots, appears in the "Return the Hen to Her Nest" level, while a blue Ocarina much like the Flute from appears in "Stop that Train!" of the "In Town" chapter.

Series

 * Several of 's, 's and 's microgames are based on games of series.


 * One of 9-Volt's microgames is based on . In it, the player has to move Link into the cave entrance within the time limit while avoiding enemies. This microgame reappears in 
 * During the credits, if the player pushes down on the control pad, the stars turn to Triforces.


 * One of 9-Volt's microgames is based on . Using the game's tilt motion controls, the Game Boy Advance must be turned to change the direction of Link's Shield, in order to deflect the rocks from a group of Octoroks.


 * One of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames is based on, and alternately, in the microgame's level 1. The object is to tap all the onscreen Fairies to restore Link's health. If successful, Link will reveal himself and hold up a Nintendo DS. In  setting, Link will simply walk past.


 * One of the s available during the intermission screen is called the Triforce.
 * Two of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames are based on games from series. One is based on, where the player must fly Link with the Deku Leaf onto the wooden platform to reach the Forbidden Woods. The other is based on , where Link must pull out the Master Sword from the Pedestal of Time.
 * Another one of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames, called Opening Night, requires the player to conduct an orchestra played by Mario, Luigi and Link. One of the possible music tracks includes overworld theme on level 3.


 * One of 9-Volt's microgames is based on . In it, the player must tap the ChuChus surrounding Link to defeat them all before they can reach him.


 * One of 18-Volt's microgames is based on . In it, Link must raise his Shield to protect himself from the Boomerangs thrown by the Goriya.


 * Several microgames are reused from earlier WarioWare titles:
 * Two of 5-Volt's microgames are (from WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!) and  (from WarioWare: Smooth Moves).
 * One of 18-Volt's microgames is (from WarioWare: Smooth Moves).
 * 9-Volt has a new microgame based on . In it, the player must trace a path for Link's Boomerang to hit one or more Shock Switches inside the Temple of Fire.


 * There is a microgame where the playable character must strike three Objects under the influence of BotW:, and send them as far as possible.


 * One of 9-Volt's microgames is based on . The player controls a Cucco and must outrun Link, who is chasing it through a section of Kakariko Village with added obstacles.

The initials used for the game's default high scores make reference to various Nintendo franchises. The top three high scores for Revolution Cliff track's Gate challenge are "POW", "CUR", and "WIS", referencing the three pieces of the Triforce.

Demo versions of, , and are unlockable by scanning  amiibo.

The built-in Nintendo 3DS app allows players to take photos with various Nintendo characters using AR Cards bundled with the console. One of the AR Cards features ST: in his appearance. When altering ST:'s pose, he will either make a shout or, when he holds up a Series:, the "Get Item" fanfare will be heard.


 * Two of the stages are based on, utilizing sprites of Link, Zelda and Ganon. Each stage is accompanied by a remixed theme in a chiptune style; one based on the main theme, and the second being a rock-themed remix of the Death Mountain music.


 * One of the puzzles in the "Get in Shape" mode is based on the Triforce.


 * In the Game Boy version, Link roots for the player at the start of Course 5.

Characters pump their fists when cooking, like Link in.


 * Game & Watch Zelda is available as an unlockable bonus game.


 * The Idol description for the references Navi in the first sentence:
 * Tired of pixies asking you to listen? Try these spritely orbitars on for size!


 * Several apparel items as well as room decor based on have been made available for the application. Many of these items are available only as redeemable rewards in . Apparel items include Link's Wig (based on 's Link), Link's New Hair Wig (based on 's Link), 8-Bit Link Tee, and the Bow & Arrows (based on 's Champion Shirt). Decor items include matching wallpaper and flooring based on.


 * In both the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch versions of the game, scanning any Link, Zelda, Sheik, or Ganondorf amiibo will reward the player with a matching Mii costume based on that character.


 * Numerous badges based on sprites and artwork from can be collected in this  application by playing a selection of  games. These can be used to decorate the HOME Menu of the Nintendo 3DS. More badges were occasionally released through weekly updates, until new badge additions were discontinued on May 26th, 2017 in Japan, on June 22nd, 2017 in North America, and on June 23rd, 2017 in Europe. Corresponding to the closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops on March 27th, 2023, the selection of badge catchers no longer rotates daily, and the ability to purchase plays was deactivated. Free plays can still be won through the daily practice catcher, and all previously-collected badges can still be accessed.


 * The following games have had sets of badges available to collect:
 * (As part of the NES Remix set)
 * (Some characters' artwork is from )
 * (Some characters' and items' artwork is from )
 * The now-permanent selection of badge catchers includes three catchers from the set and two from the  set.
 * Several other sets contained Zelda-related badges. A set titled " - 30th Anniversary" contained artwork of Link from nearly every game in the series, while badges with pixelated sprites of various Zelda characters were available in the set.  Several badges of Zelda game cartridges could be found in the "Pixel Collection" set, and several badges from the "amiibo" set featured Zelda characters. Five badges from the  set and two badges of FDS Disk Cards from the "Pixel Collection" set were unavailable outside of Japan.
 * (Some characters' artwork is from )
 * (Some characters' and items' artwork is from )
 * The now-permanent selection of badge catchers includes three catchers from the set and two from the  set.
 * Several other sets contained Zelda-related badges. A set titled " - 30th Anniversary" contained artwork of Link from nearly every game in the series, while badges with pixelated sprites of various Zelda characters were available in the set.  Several badges of Zelda game cartridges could be found in the "Pixel Collection" set, and several badges from the "amiibo" set featured Zelda characters. Five badges from the  set and two badges of FDS Disk Cards from the "Pixel Collection" set were unavailable outside of Japan.
 * The now-permanent selection of badge catchers includes three catchers from the set and two from the  set.
 * Several other sets contained Zelda-related badges. A set titled " - 30th Anniversary" contained artwork of Link from nearly every game in the series, while badges with pixelated sprites of various Zelda characters were available in the set.  Several badges of Zelda game cartridges could be found in the "Pixel Collection" set, and several badges from the "amiibo" set featured Zelda characters. Five badges from the  set and two badges of FDS Disk Cards from the "Pixel Collection" set were unavailable outside of Japan.


 * Some "collaboration" badges were also available, featuring characters from Animal Crossing, Swapdoodle, the WarioWare series, and Nintendo Badge Arcade itself dressed as characters from . Link also appeared riding the Master Cycle in the set, as a puppet in the Cat Mario set, and as badges within badges in the Nintendo Badge Arcade set. Several sets of Zelda game badges also included "launcher" badges, which resemble the icons of various built-in Nintendo 3DS apps, remade in the style of those games.


 * Link also appears on the application's title screen in his appearance as part of the Badge Arcade's marquee, and on the loading screen in his  appearance. Once loaded, the application is hosted by an anthropomorphic pink rabbit named Arcade Bunny, who would often make spoken references to  when introducing new sets of badges or showcasing the customized HOME Menus that users had shared on Miiverse. Arcade Bunny has made use of quotes such as "I am Error" in his greeting monologues, and would frequently comment on his favorite characters and other aspects of the series.


 * Several of the badge catchers included gimmicks which recreate or allude to gameplay elements from the original games. For instance, in a catcher set inside a TLoZ: from, the badge of TLoZ: could only be collected by knocking the badge of TLoZ:'s TLoZ: into it from the opposite side of the screen. A few other catchers mimicked the layout of the NaN Shops found inside caves. Another catcher based on  features several MM3D: badges along the floor and a badge of the MM3D: suspended higher up; moving the claw too far will cause the MM3D: badge to fall onto the NaN Masks, making them more difficult to collect.


 * An exclusive HOME Menu Theme, featuring a brick wall suitable for ALBW:-style badges, could only be purchased through the application.

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 * One of the mini-games is called The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest, and is a direct homage to the series. The player takes on the role of Link and fights many monsters from the series in familiar landscapes.
 * The Triforce makes an appearance in in Gate 30, where the player must make the shape of the relic using the stylus to complete the stage.
 * The Triforce also appears as a possible shape in the Pachinko game found in the main Plaza.


 * In the Augmented Reality Camera mode, using the Series: AR Card bundled with the Nintendo 3DS will dress the player's pet in Series:'s cap, complete with blond hair.


 * In My Room mode, the player's character can decorate their room with consoles. On the NES, it is possible to see ; on the SNES, can be seen; and on the Nintendo 64,  can be seen.


 * After being defeated by the player, Preschooler Mia on Route 4 says "Hey! Hey! Listen!", referencing Navi.


 * The Series: Breath of the Wild Medley was added in the Version 1.2.0 update on March 26, 2020. It is an arrangement of the NaN Songs "BotW:", "BotW:", "BotW:", and "BotW:" from . It is playable only in the game's Rhythm Mode.


 * The application utilizes and exchanges Miis through StreetPass to play an assortment of mini-games. Miis can be dressed up in accessories which can be received in mini-games or through events. Some of the possible accessories include the Link Costume, which dresses the Mii in Link's tunic and cap; the Princess Zelda Wig, which features jewelry and pointed ears; and the Sheik Mask. Other hats are available featuring the Triforce, a green Rupee, a treasure chest, and busts of Epona and Tingle.


 * StreetPass Mii Plaza also features a mini-game called Puzzle Swap, which features several animated panels based on various Nintendo games and characters. There are several panels explicitly based on series.
 * The panel entitled "" features a right-handed Link in his appearance, wielding the Ordon Sword and the Hylian Shield. He periodically slashes his sword. Link is standing in a dark, empty plane, which has black squares rising and rotating, and a drifting cloud cover that lets a little, yellow light through.


 * The panel entitled "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D" features an adult Link in his appearance riding Epona through Hyrule Field, with Navi flying alongside them. Hyrule Castle Town and Death Mountain are visible in the background, but do not move any further away as Epona gallops (to maintain the loop). The time cycles through day and night.


 * The panel entitled "Nintendo Starlets" in North America, and "Heroines" in PAL regions, features Zelda in her SS undefined appearance (with her lyre) and Zelda's spirit from, as well as , , and from the Super Mario series. Each of the characters appear above a color-matched flower, with all of them rotating in a carousel fashion and performing a specific animation when facing the camera.


 * The panel entitled "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" features Link in his SS - appearance riding the Crimson Loftwing through The Sky. Rotating the camera, Skyloft can be seen on the left and Zelda in her SS - appearance riding a Loftwing can be seen on the right.


 * The panel entitled "ULTIMATE NES REMIX" features an 8x5 grid of tiles from various NES games featured in the game . This grid features Link, a Heart Container and an Octorok in their appearances; as well as Link, a Bot and an Old Woman in their  appearances. In the animation, Link in his  appearance obtains a Triforce Shard, which then transitions to a spritesheet. The spritesheet at the end of the animation depicts the Old Man from the Great Palace, a Small Key, and a red Daira in addition to Link holding up the Triforce. Using the Circle Pad to shift the camera at various points in the animation also reveals Ganon, Aquamentus, a Moblin and a Bomb in their  appearances, and a lady from  carrying a Dr. Mario pill.


 * The panel entitled "Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U" features all 35 starter characters from . Link, Toon Link, Zelda, and Sheik appear in their Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U appearances. The animation depicts colored silhouettes of each of the character shooting into the camera, then puts all the silhouettes into a display before revealing the proper artwork.


 * By scanning series Series: Series:, players can obtain the Princess Tiara, which resembles Series:'s tiara from.


 * The Calico Trophy in makes a reference to the Gerudo while mentioning the fact that only one percent of calico cats are male.


 * In the Lesson Store, four Lesson packs exclusively featuring games from series can be purchased. Two feature  and two feature.
 * The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time contains 2 pieces of stationery, one with adult Link and the other with adult Princess Zelda, and 11 Lessons: Adult Link, Epona, adult Princess Zelda, the Hylian Shield, Sheik, the Hookshot, Darunia, Ganondorf, adult Princess Ruto, the Wingcrest and Impa.
 * The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time #2 contains 2 pieces of stationery, a green one with child Link and a pink one with child Princess Zelda, and 12 Lessons: Child Link, Saria, child Princess Zelda, Navi, child Malon, Nabooru, child Princess Ruto, Kaepora Gaebora, King Zora, a Goron, the Kokiri Sword and the OoT3D:.
 * The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker contains 2 pieces of stationery, a green one with Link and a pink one with Princess Zelda, and 10 Lessons: Link, the Wind Waker, Princess Zelda, the Hero's Shield, the King of Red Lions, the Master Sword, a Fairy, the Bait Bag, Link conducting with the Wind Waker and Ganondorf.
 * The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker #2 contains 2 pieces of stationery, one featuring the Great Sea and Tetra and the other featuring Outset Island and Aryll, and 10 Lessons: Tetra, Aryll, Gonzo, Sue-Belle, Niko, Link's Grandma, Beedle, Orca, a Fishman and Tingle.
 * Two other Lesson packs also feature characters, items and symbols from series alongside other Nintendo series. The Bronze Glitter & Stationary Set contains stationery, one with the Hylian Shield and one with the Wingcrest (referred to as the Hylian Crest), and the Nintendo Premium Pack contains a green stationery with Link from  and a Lesson to draw the head of Link from.


 * One of the possible things a Mii can say in their sleep is, "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this!".
 * One of the possible games being heard while a Wii U is being played by a Mii is Battle Quest.
 * One of the possible names for a picture can be is, "The Legend of October".


 * In the North American version, the bookshelf in the Silver Bird Room contains a book called " Chronology".


 * One of the playable songs is the title theme of.


 * One of the stamps that can be obtained in the archery mini-game is called "It's a secret to everybody."


 * The description for the "Flashlight Frights" mini-game starts with "It's dangerous to go alone."


 * In , Mario rescues some aliens known as Quirks from Moon Man Koopa. Near the end of the episode, the Quirks hum a song to stop Koopa, which is the intro to the theme of.


 * Link and Princess Zelda make guest appearances throughout the second season of the television series.


 * A road in the Queen's map in the Super Mario Bros. Plumbing's commercial is named after Link.
 * Mario and Luigi's father's hairstyle resembles Talon's, in reference to the character being designed to be similar to the plumber. It was however stated this hairstyle is a re-worked version of the original concept-art for.

In chapter 4 of volume 4 of the long-running manga, and  find themselves in Hyrule. Mario is armed with a Mushroom Sword (which later is powered-up into the Master Mushroom Sword), while Yoshi becomes his shield. They encounter a ALttP:, NaN Rupees, NaN Octoroks, NaN Zora (Enemy)s, an ALttP:, and finally ALttP:, as well as a ALttP: and the Cursed Fairy with the same face as 's.

In chapter 7, still of volume 4, while approaching Bowser's Castle, Mario pulls out the Pegasus Boots that he stole from his adventure in Hyrule and uses them to reach quickly the castle. Meanwhile, behind the page, Link is looking desperately for them.

The Master Mushroom Sword later reappears in chapter 3 of volume 13.


 * Hidden within the game's source code is that greatly resembles Link.


 * Prior to the version 1.2.0 update, there existed data and descriptions referencing a Series: costume for Mario to wear. It was never included in the final game.


 * During development, the various tours were named after Nintendo franchises. The first tour was called "Zelda" and was represented by an original sprite of Series:. These were removed from the final release but can be seen during a trailer on a Nintendo Power Previews tape.