Cameos of The Legend of Zelda


 * Not to be confused with The Legend of Zelda in Popular Culture

The Legend of Zelda series has made numerous cameos and crossovers in other Nintendo games, and elements and characters from the series have even made licensed appearances in third party video games. This listing does not include unlicensed parodies and homages in other media. Please visit The Legend of Zelda in popular culture for examples of these.

Animal Crossing

 * The Master Sword appears as furniture. Interacting with it plays the get item jingle.
 * Kafei's and Anju's shirt appear as clothes.
 * Scanning certain e-Reader cards added Zelda-based pattern designs that could be used as wallpaper, clothing, etc.
 * 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.
 * If the player catches a Loach, 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.
 * On the back wall of Katrina's tent, there is a picture of the Triforce.


 * The Triforce appears as furniture and the Master Sword returns as furniture. Interacting with the Triforce separates its pieces as they twirl before reforming, mimicking the animation and sound effect of title screen.
 * Villagers occasionally talk about a boy in green who shot things out of the air with a Slingshot.
 * Villagers occasionally talk about a boy in green who shot things out of the air with a Slingshot.


 * The Triforce and Master Sword return as furniture.
 * Link's hat and clothes, Majora's Mask, and Midna's Fused Shadows appear as clothing.
 * Link's hat and clothes, Majora's Mask, and Midna's Fused Shadows appear as clothing.


 * The Triforce and Master Sword return as furniture.
 * Link's hat, clothes, Majora's Mask, and Midna's Fused Shadow all return as clothing. Link's pants and boots, Tingle's hood, Makar's mask, and Fi's mask now appear as clothing.
 * 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."

Donkey Kong

 * 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 Yoshi 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 version, Link takes the second place instead of  (at the time of the original game,  had just been released). As the game used pre-rendered sprites, this marks the first time Link had been rendered in three dimensions for a game.
 * 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 Yoshi 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 version, Link takes the second place instead of  (at the time of the original game,  had just been released). As the game used 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.
 * 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 from the Game Boy Advance remake.
 * 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 from the Game Boy Advance remake.


 * A version of theme is featured in this game.
 * The player can buy a -themed bongo sound set.
 * The player can buy a -themed bongo sound set.


 * A version of theme is featured in this game.
 * A version of theme is featured in this game.


 * This game contains a song based on theme.
 * This game contains a song based on theme.


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

Kirby

 * In several games, starting with , Kirby's ability makes many reference to Link, most notably with a hat based on Link's cap from, the most recent design at the time of release (although with the addition of a bobble at the tip). The Sword Kirby uses was also made into a design resembling the Master Sword. When using it, Kirby gains many abilities based on those used by Link, such as the Sword Beam and Down Thrust.
 * In several games, starting with , Kirby's ability makes many reference to Link, most notably with a hat based on Link's cap from, the most recent design at the time of release (although with the addition of a bobble at the tip). The Sword Kirby uses was also made into a design resembling the Master Sword. When using it, Kirby gains many abilities based on those used by Link, such as the Sword Beam and Down Thrust.


 * 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.
 * 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.


 * One creature named Bonehead resembles Bubbles, which may be a reference to them.
 * One creature named Bonehead resembles Bubbles, which may be a reference to them.


 * On Level 3 of the Paint Roller's minigame, Kirby sometimes has to draw a Triforce shape.
 * On Level 3 of the Paint Roller's minigame, Kirby sometimes has to draw a Triforce shape.


 * When using the Sword ability, Kirby can use Link's trademark Spin Attack, complete with him charging energy before the attack is unleashed.
 * When using the Sword ability, Kirby can use Link's trademark Spin Attack, complete with him charging energy before the attack is unleashed.


 * When using the Sword ability, Kirby can use several of Link's techniques. These include shooting Sword Beams when Kirby is at full health, the Spin Attack when charging the Sword, the Down Thrust, and the Skyward Strike, called "Sky Energy Strike." A Master Sword keychain from  can also be collected.
 * When using the Sword ability, Kirby can use several of Link's techniques. These include shooting Sword Beams when Kirby is at full health, the Spin Attack when charging the Sword, the Down Thrust, and the Skyward Strike, called "Sky Energy Strike." A Master Sword keychain from  can also be collected.

Mario

 * Super Mario Bros. 3
 * The warp whistle plays the same tune as the one in . It also summons a cyclone in the same way. This cameo appears in remakes of Super Mario Bros. 3 (Super Mario All-Stars, Super Mario All Stars + Super Mario World, and Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3).


 * Picross NP Vol. 5
 * All of the puzzles in Character Mode are from The Legend of Zelda series. The images used are of Navi, the Fairy Ocarina, the Keaton Mask, the Fairy Slingshot, Kaepora Gaebora, Princess Zelda, Link, Princess Ruto, Epona, Darunia, Deku Scrub, and Ganondorf.
 * Picross DS has 1 puzzle of the original Link sprite. Found as an unlockable following the completion of all 10 levels of Normal Mode.


 * Super Mario RPG
 * Link In Rose Town Inn.png

If Mario sleeps at the Inn at Rose Town, Link will be sleeping in the bed next to him. If Mario talks to him it will play the classic Zelda discovery theme. As seen here.


 * Yoshi's Story
 * The player can read the word "Zelda" on the newspaper background in Stages 2-3 and 2-4.


 * Mario Golf
 * Random names of characters from other Nintendo games are put on the scoreboards. Darunia, Deku Scrub, Goron Kid, Impa, Link, Malon, Navi, Saria, Sheik, Talon, and Zelda are included.


 * Super Mario Sunshine
 * The character Il Piantissimo has a (masked) face reminiscent of the Running Man from and the Postman from.


 * Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga
 * One of the items is the Great Force, a yellow triangle. The people at TMK discovered that the item was originally supposed to be the Triforce and Link was supposed to appear when the player got it.


 * Mario Party 7
 * Every time a Cruise Secret is purchased, the text box says, "Shhh... It's a secret to everybody!"


 * Super Paper Mario
 * Throughout the game Mario is guided by a hint giving Pixl named Tippi. She has the appearance of a rainbow colored (but mostly light blue) butterfly, and is obviously a parody of Navi. Also, when Mimi insists that Mario pays for a vase he broke, she will not accept coins, since she prefers to use octagonal gems called Rubees, again a parody of Rupee. There is a Pixl inside a bathroom on the moon named "Fleep" which requests a piece of paper. Mario then must buy a map, which is then used a toilet paper by Fleep (in a similar way to ???), who rewards him by joining his team.
 * The first boss of the game is a robotic dragon named Fracktail who is attacked by Dimentio. After being attacked, the dragon malfunctions and begins to say several computer-inspired phrases, one of which is "I AM ERROR."


 * Super Mario Galaxy
 * Game director Yoshiaki Koizumi said in an interview with Nintendo Power (issue #225) that the battle strategy against the boss character Megaleg is inspired by what was going to be used for the final battle against Ganon in, but that was scrapped due to difficulty on camera control. Also, in the third mission of Good Egg Galaxy, Mario fights giant creatures that resemble Deku Scrubs firing cannonballs at him. In one galaxy, a giant Rupee appears and grants Mario a large amount of star bits.


 * Super Mario Galaxy 2
 * 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.


 * Super Mario 3D Land
 * World 5-2 is heavily based on the Zelda series and was created to honor the game's 25th anniversary. Played predominantly from a top-down perspective and involving 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" musical cue to play, and the dungeon includes traps that mimic those that appear in Zelda games, such as Guruguru Bars, Spiked Rollers, and Spinies appear as enemies, who also appear in the Zelda series in the form of Spiked Beetles.


 * Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
 * 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" refrain from the Zelda games.


 * Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
 * One of the Luiginoid moves is called Hookshot, 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.


 * Super Mario 3D World
 * A secret area in one level of the game takes Mario to an area composed of black blocks that form an 8-bit Link sprite from the original . 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.


 * An 8-bit version of Link appears as a costume for Mario. By using the Link amiibo, a Mystery Mushroom appears which transforms Mario into Link after grabbing it.
 * An 8-bit version of Link appears as a costume for Mario. By using the Link amiibo, a Mystery Mushroom appears which transforms Mario into Link after grabbing it.


 * A Zelda-themed Downloadable Content package for Mario Kart 8 was released on November 13, 2014. The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 package contains three new playable characters, including the incarnation of Link from SS undefined. The DLC also contains four vehicles and two 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 s, 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.
 * A Zelda-themed Downloadable Content package for Mario Kart 8 was released on November 13, 2014. The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 package contains three new playable characters, including the incarnation of Link from SS undefined. The DLC also contains four vehicles and two 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 s, 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.
 * Using any amiibo unlocks a pattern for Yoshi based on that character. These include all five Zelda-related amiibo.

Metroid

 * The game's concept of light/dark duality, as well as the collection of Temple Keys, was compared 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.
 * The game's concept of light/dark duality, as well as the collection of Temple Keys, was compared 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.


 * Interestingly, some game journalists and critics also compared this game to, as both games are credited for being darker and more challenging than their respective predecessors, albeit also less influential.


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

Wario

 * Wario Land II
 * A few Nintendo references appear in the form some of the Treasures Wario can obtain in each level. The treasure found in the Story "Get in the Tea Cup" is a gem that appears similar to a Rupee, while a blue Ocarina much like the Flute from appears in "Stop that Train!". A staff resembling the Cane of Byrna appears in "Get to the Castle!!", while "Return the Hen to Her Nest" contains winged boots resembling the Boots from.


 * WarioWare series
 * Several of 9-Volt's games are based on.
 * During the credits, if the player pushes down the stars turn to Triforces.


 * WarioWare: Smooth Moves
 * Two of the minigames are based on various games of The Legend of Zelda series. One is based on where the player's character flies with the Deku Leaf onto the wooden platform to reach the Forbidden Woods. The other is based on, where the Master Sword is pulled out of the Pedestal of Time. Plus, there is a pose called the Triforce.

Other Nintendo Games

 * Art Style: PiCTOBiTS
 * Two of the stages are based on the original Legend of Zelda, 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.


 * Big Brain Academy
 * One of the puzzles to complete is the Triforce.


 * Collectible Badge Center
 * Several badges based on the sprites from the original The Legend of Zelda can be collected in the game. These can be used to customize the home menu of the Nintendo 3DS.


 * Daigassou! Band Brothers
 * One of the Nintendo-themed songs is a medley of Zelda songs.


 * F-1 Race
 * Link roots for the player on Course 5.


 * Game and Watch Gallery 4
 * Game & Watch Zelda is available as an unlockable bonus game.


 * Golden Sun: The Lost Age
 * Hidden within the game's source code is an unused NPC sprite that greatly resembles Link.


 * Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak
 * There's a part in the game where the player goes to Sunny Peak and pulls The Legendary Spoon out of its pedestal, similar to Link pulling the Master Sword out of its pedestal. It references, in which Link also had to get a blue, red and green orb before he could pull the sword from its pedestal. This specific quest has also been featured in several other Zelda games.
 * Ham-Merchants across the game say "Buy something, will ya?", like the merchants from the first game.


 * Kid Icarus: Uprising
 * The Idol description for the Fairy Orbitars references Navi in the first sentence.


 * Nintendo Land
 * One of the minigames is called The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest, and is a direct homage to the series, where the player takes on the role of Link and fights many monsters from the series in familiar landscapes.
 * Aside from the obvious Zelda references relating to Battle Quest, the Triforce makes an appearance in Yoshi's Fruit Cart 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.


 * Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky
 * In the special episode "Igglybuff the Prodigy", there is a cutscene involving a room in a dungeon filled with many Zelda dungeon puzzle-like implements that a character explains are probably all used to open the door in that room. A later cutscene involves the same character talking about a single simple, common (but reverse-solution) Zelda puzzle type found in front of him inside another dungeon.


 * Pokémon Stadium 2
 * In My Room mode, the player's character can decorate his room with consoles. On the NES, it is possible to see ; on the Super Nintendo, one can see ; and on the Nintendo 64, one can see.


 * Pokémon X and Y
 * In Pokémon X and Y versions, after being defeated by the player, Preschooler Mia on Route 4 says "Hey! Hey! Listen!" before battle, referencing Navi.


 * An 8-bit Octorok from The Legend of Zelda can be found in one of the walls in the Urchin Underpass map. 8-bit Octoroks from The Adventure of Link can also be found in various stages.
 * An 8-bit Octorok from The Legend of Zelda can be found in one of the walls in the Urchin Underpass map. 8-bit Octoroks from The Adventure of Link can also be found in various stages.


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


 * Tetris
 * 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 in the NES version, a secret ending with various Nintendo characters, including Link, will be unlocked.


 * Tetris DS
 * This version of Tetris features Link prominently and includes a number of Zelda-themed games.


 * ''Tomodachi Life
 * 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.
 * The name for a picture can be, "The Legend of October".


 * Trace Memory
 * In the U.S. version, the bookshelf in the Silver Bird Room contains a book called "The Legend of Zelda Chronology".


 * Wii Music
 * One of the songs playable is the Title Theme for The Legend of Zelda.


 * Wii Sports Resort
 * One of the stamps that can be obtained in the archery minigame is called "It's a Secret to Everybody."


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

Licensed Third-party Game Cameos

 * In the Wii U version of ' that is packaged with retail copies of ', the titular character and Jeanne appear with multiple Nintendo-inspired outfits, including the Hero of Hyrule costume based on Link. With this costume, they use the Master Sword and Hylian Shield, with the Master Sword replacing the Shuraba Sword and the Shield used to parry and counter incoming attacks. Other elements from the Zelda series also appear, such as collectible Rupees and jingles that play when opening a locked door or a chest.
 * In the Wii U version of ' that is packaged with retail copies of ', the titular character and Jeanne appear with multiple Nintendo-inspired outfits, including the Hero of Hyrule costume based on Link. With this costume, they use the Master Sword and Hylian Shield, with the Master Sword replacing the Shuraba Sword and the Shield used to parry and counter incoming attacks. Other elements from the Zelda series also appear, such as collectible Rupees and jingles that play when opening a locked door or a chest.


 * Dynasty Warriors VS
 * Released exclusively in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS, the game features a costume of Link in his SS undefined incarnation (along with a costume of ). He is equipped with the True Master Sword and the Hylian Shield; however, he does not use them as it is only a costume and not a full character.


 * Ittle Dew
 * Ittle Dew bears homage to the classic 2D Zelda titles and contains similar puzzle elements as well as Hearts and Chests. The protagonist herself greatly resembles Link, and she is accompanied by a winged companion, similar to Navi.


 * Lego City Undercover
 * The buses in the game are named as 'Epona' model buses.


 * Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
 * If the player has a saved data on the memory card, Psycho Mantis will mention this to Solid Snake.


 * Monster Hunter 4
 * Costumes of Link in his Skyward Sword incarnation for the players with the Master Sword, Hylian Shield and the Sacred Bow are available after completing a quest where you have to defeat monsters known as Jinouga, Kirin, and Rajang. These monsters are chosen to represent Power, Wisdom and Courage, the three aspects of the Triforce. Defeating them grants the player a Triforce ticket that can be used to obtain the Zelda item set.


 * One Piece: Super Grand Battle! X
 * By using amiibos through the Nintendo 3DS, various costumes based on Nintendo characters can be unlocked. These inlcude a Link costume for Zoro, which includes the Master Sword, Hylian Shield, and Majora's Mask.


 * Phantasy Star 0
 * Along with other Nintendo-themed cameos such as 's Power Beam, the Hylian Shield appears as a Shield weapon in the Japanese version of Phantasy Star Zero. It is only available using a special code.


 * Scribblenauts Unlimited
 * In the Wii U version of the game, many people and objects from the Mario and Zelda series can be created.


 * Sonic Lost World
 * The Legend of Zelda Zone is a free -level for Sonic Lost World. In the level, Sonic the Hedgehog is dressed like Link in a green tunic and boots. The Zone features many elements from Zelda series, including enemies, objects, and sounds. Link himself appears in his Skyward Sword incarnation.


 * Link is a playable character in the GameCube version.
 * Link is a playable character in the GameCube version.


 * Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition
 * The Wii U version of the game includes many Nintendo-themed costumes for the characters, including Link, Ganon, Princess Zelda and Sheik, based predominantly on their Super Smash Bros. Brawl appearances. The Link costume includes the Master Sword.

Television and Movies

 * The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
 * In one episode, Mario is rescuing some aliens known as Quirks from Moon Man Koopa. In the episode, the Quirks sing a song to stop Koopa. The song that the Quirks play is the beginning theme from the Zelda cartoon.


 * Captain N: The Game Master
 * Princess Zelda and Link make guest appearances throughout the second season of this television series.


 * Best Friends Whenever
 * In the episode "Time To Rob and Slam", when the show's main characters Cyd and Shelby watch Barry's favorite movie "Spark Dynamo", a white Triforce is shown in the background near the end of the episode.

Other Media

 * Nintendo.co.uk
 * Whenever there is a 404 error on Nintendo UK's official website, the page will show Error and quote "It is south of the King's Tomb".