Switch-In #005 – The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Nintendo

Sep 23

The 1993’s Classic for Nintendo Switch

Yes! One of the most beloved games in The Legend of Zelda series, originally released for the Game Boy over 25 years ago, now beautifully redesigned for Nintendo Switch! The 2019 version lets us explore a wonderful reimagined Koholint Island – that has been rebuilt in a brand-new art style that will surprise both fans and newcomers.

I have to admit that I never played The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening back in the day, so it will be my first time, to awaken the Wind Fish in order to find a way for Link to leave the island. But to be fully transparent: I actually played the Game Boy title for some minutes as a kid in the mid-90s, but put it down as I did not manage to proceed in the game any further. Just after having played 10 minutes or so.

So one more reason why I was more than happy when Nintendo announced to all of our surprise in their February 2019 #NintendoDirect, what game will be released for Nintendo Switch soon:

Going for the European Limited Edition

As soon as Big N stated that there will be a limited edition – and even a different limited edition for each the US and the European market, it was clear that I had to go for one of these versions. Naturally for the European limited edition set, since I do live in this region. It turned out quick that this limited edition will be the more popular one, as it will contain a beautiful SteelBook that is shaped like the original Game Boy.

For weeks I was checking several retail shops every night before going to bed, and one night -I stayed awake way too long for a weekday- I was in luck and could finally snag the precious limited edition of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening:

It's 4:19 AM in 🇩🇪 & just before going to bed way too late again, I checked if the #LinksAwakening Limited Edition is listed over here. And it is!

I just secured my edition! So happy! Hopefully everything works out, as I never pre-ordered w/ @GameStop_Zing before.#SwitchCorps pic.twitter.com/4gvlYyICqK
— Benny Kong (@BennyKong64) June 20, 2019

Just hours later, normal getting-up time in Germany, the limited edition was already sold out! So in case you are still after a limited edition, you have to be really lucky and have to be willing to pay a premium on Amazon (European Limited Edition or Dreamer Edition), Playasia (European Limited Edition), eBay or any other outlets.

Unboxing the European Limited Edition

Finally – I figure that’s why you are all here for: To have a look inside the limited edition box and see what this version is all about. As already stated, the highlight of this collection is Game Boy shaped SteelBook case. Additionally the set contains a hardback 120 pages artbook full of lovely images and concept arts of the game and last but not least: The physical game itself.

It’s a bit of a bummer though that this time Nintendo decided not to give us a rating free artwork, as they did it with the limited editions for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Astral Chain: Here the artwork came without any USK or Pegi logos, what is unfortunately not the case for the copy that is included in the The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Limited Edition. Although it’s been quite some time now, but due to the rarity and beautifulness of these aforementioned limited editions, please expect a feature on them on Benny Kong some time soon. Happy to learn in the comments section below which edition you would like me to cover here first.

But now let’s have finally a look at some footage of the The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Limited Edition, Europe version:

(I hope you will not mind that I have used the The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening amiibo and the original The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Game Boy cartridge as a decoration for the unboxing.)