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{{SSB Infobox|
{{character infobox
|color = green
|image=[[File:Link (Tunic of the Wild) SSBU.png|200x200px]]<br>Artwork from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
|emblem = Legend_of_Zelda_Emblem.gif
|species=[[zeldawiki:Hylian|Hylian]]
|image = 571px-Brawlink.jpg
|first_appearance=''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'' ([[List of games by date#1986|1986]], [[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]])<br>''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' - "[[Neatness Counts]]" (1989, ''Super Mario'' franchise)
|games = ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''
|latest_appearance=''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom|The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom]]'' (2024, ''The Legend of Zelda'' series)<br>''[[Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition]]'' ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]], ''Super Mario''-related media)
|standard = [[Boomerang (SSB attack)|Boomerang]] ''(SSB)''; [[Bow (move)|Bow]] ''(SSBM)''; [[Hero's Bow]] ''(SSBB)''
|latest_portrayal=See [[#Portrayals|portrayal list]]
|side = [[Boomerang (SSB attack)|Boomerang]] ''(SSBM)''; Gale Boomerang ''(SSBB)''
|up = [[Spin Attack (SSB attack)|Spin Attack]]
|down = [[Bomb (SSB attack)|Bomb]]
|final = [[Triforce Slash]] ''(SSBB)''
|entrance = Link floats down in a beam of light. ''(SSB)'' <br/> Link whirls in via Gale Boomerang. ''(SSBB)''
}}
}}
'''Link''' is a character from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Series)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' series, where he is the main protagonist, usually having to protect {{iw|zeldawiki|Hyrule}} from forces of evil, especially his arch-nemesis, {{iw|zeldawiki|Ganon}}. Link has often made cameo appearances in the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]], but he sometimes has a playable role, like in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', [[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|its port]], and ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''.
==History==
===''Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up''===
[[File:TravelGuide.png|thumb|left|upright=0.85|Link as a traveling guide]]
Link's first appearance in the ''Super Mario'' franchise is the coloring game ''[[Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up]]''. Link is depicted on the "Chef" page, waiting for [[Mario]]'s pasta dish,<ref>{{cite|quote=Chef Mario is cooking one of his tasty pasta dishes. Waitress Princess Toadstool is taking Link's order at a table. "Your order is coming right up!" says Chef Mario. "Yeah, and now it's coming right down on my head!" says Link.|author=Game description|title=''[[Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up]]''|publisher=Merit Software|date=March 24, 1992|language=en}}</ref> and on the "Travel Guide," running a traveling agency.<ref>{{cite|author=Game description|quote=Link the travel guide is ready to take tourists to exciting faraway places, even to fantasy lands like SuperMarioLand.{{sic}} Better stick close to Link, though, because he knows how to deal with make-believe bad guys.|title=''Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up''|publisher=Merit Software}}</ref>


'''Link''' is a courageous warrior and adventurer from the far away land of Hyrule; however, he occasionally visits [[Mushroom World]]. Link often has to release the Kingdom of Hyrule from the rule of [[Ganondorf]]. Link is connected to [[Zelda]] and Ganondorf by the Triforce.
===''Club Nintendo''===
[[File:LinkCN.jpg|thumb|upright=0.55|Link as seen in the ''Club Nintendo'' comic "Mario in Mariozilla"]]
Link, based on his ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda}}'' iteration, appears in various ''[[Club Nintendo (German magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' comics with characters of the ''Super Mario'' franchise and other media.


==Link (The Legend of Zelda)
Link is amongst the characters celebrating Christmas at the [[Mario Bros.' House]] in "[[Super Mario: Die Bescherung]]." He only speaks in one panel, doubting the realness of [[Santa Claus]].<ref>{{cite|language=de|author=Link|quote=Bademantel und Wattebart! Ob dein bruder glaubt, wir perkennen ihn nicht? Lacher- lich, wer glaubt denn noch an {{wp|l=de|Weihnachtsmann|den Weihnachtsmann}}! (''Bathrobe and a cotton beard! Does your brother think we can't tell it's him? Laughable, who still believes in {{iw|wikipedia|Santa Claus|Father Christmas}}?'')|date=December 1992|page=55|title=''[[Club Nintendo (German magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' Jahrgang 4 Ausgabe 6|publisher=Tokuma Shoten Publishing GmbH|location=Neu-Isenburg}}</ref>
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Link


Link, as he appears in official artwork for Phantom Hourglass
In "[[Super Mario: Die Verwandlung]]", Dr. Light mistakes Mario for Link since he did cosmetic surgery on the latter.<ref>{{cite|language=de|author=[[Dr. Light]]|quote=Oh nein! Nicht schon wie- der jemand, der sich über schönheitsoperation beschweren willi ich hab' doch mein bestes getan, Link! (''Oh no! Not another one who wants to complain about his cosmetic surgery! I did my best, Link!'')|title=''Club Nintendo'' Jahrgang 5 Ausgabe 1|date=February 1993|publisher=Tokuma Shoten Publishing GmbH|location=Neu-Isenburg|page=57}}</ref>
Game series The Legend of Zelda series
First game The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Created by Shigeru Miyamoto
Voiced by Video games
Fujiko Takimoto (Ocarina of Time/Majora's Mask Young Link, 1998–2001)
Nobuyuki Hiyama (Ocarina of Time Adult Link/Majora's Mask Fierce Deity Link, 1998–2001)
Sachi Matsumoto (The Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass Link (a.k.a. Toon Link), 2002–present)
Akira Sasanuma (Twilight Princess Link, 2006–present)
Television
Jonathan Potts
Motion capture actor(s) Nobuyuki Hiyama
Link (リンク, Rinku?) is a fictional character and the main protagonist from Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda series. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's flagship game franchises, which sold over 47 million copies worldwide as of 2007.[1] The series' enduring popularity has led to many incarnations of the Zelda story and of Link himself; the character's first appearance was in the game The Legend of Zelda. Link has been featured in other video games from Nintendo, including its merchandising, comic books, and an animated television program. Link was awarded with a star on the Walk of Game in 2005, alongside Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog.[2]


Link is described as a young Hylian boy from the fictional land of Hyrule. His age varies depending on the game; incarnations usually vary from pre-teen to the late teens. Link often journeys through the realm of Hyrule defeating evil forces and Hyrule's nemesis, Ganon. To defeat Ganon, Link usually requires the mystical Master Sword and Light Arrows, or some other similar legendary weapon, obtained after many trials and battles gathering magical objects or using other items such as musical instruments and assorted weaponry.
In "[[Warios Weihnachtsmärchen]]", a parody of ''{{iw|wikipedia|A Christmas Carol}}'', Link has the role of [[Ghosts of Christmas#Ghost of Present|Ghost of Present]],<ref>{{cite|author=Link|title=''Club Nintendo'' Jahrgang 7 Ausgabe 6|date=December 1995|language=de|publisher=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|quote=Ich bin der Geist der Geganwert... (''I am the {{iw|wikipedia|Ghost of Christmas Present|Ghost of Present}}'')|page=72}}</ref>  and he takes [[Wario]] to see those whom he had upset earlier.<ref>{{cite|publisher=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|language=de|author=Link|title=''Club Nintendo'' Jahrgang 7 Ausgabe 6|page=72|quote=...Sie her, was die leute heute von dir denken! (''...Look at what people are thinking about you today!'')}}</ref>


Contents [hide]
In "[[Mario in Mariozilla]]", he is seen in the [[Empire State Building]], studying a map together with [[Dr. Light]], who lives there.<ref>{{cite|author=Ota, Shigeru, et al.|title=''Club Nintendo'' Jahrgang 8 Ausgabe 2|date=April 1996|publisher=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|language=de|page=22}}</ref> Link has a small role, but he does think that Dr. Light's "magic cap," which is actually a paper bag, is an improved disguise for Mario to confront [[Kamek]].<ref>{{cite|author=Link|quote=Die tüte steht ihm gar nicht so schlecht. (''The bag might be an improvement.'')|publisher=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|language=de|title=''Club Nintendo'' Jahrgang 7 Ausgabe 6|page=73}}</ref>
1 Creation and conception
1.1 Character development
1.2 Actor portrayal
2 Characteristics
3 Appearances
3.1 Video games
3.1.1 1986–1997
3.1.2 1998–2001
3.1.3 2002–present
3.2 Non-Zelda appearances
3.3 Cameo appearances
3.4 In other media
4 Reception
5 Notes and references
6 External links


Link is one of the inhabitants of the [[Wolkenkratzer]] in "[[Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens]]." He and his two allies, [[Mario]] and [[Kirby]], use a spell to transform themselves into powerful creatures to stop [[Abigor]] from taking over the Wolkenkratzer.<ref>{{cite|publisher=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|language=de|title=''Club Nintendo'' Jahrgang 9 Ausgabe 5|date=October 1997|page=53-54|author=Ota, Shigeru}}</ref>


[edit] Creation and conception
===DiC cartoons===
Link has almost no spoken dialogue in the game series. Facial expression has only been visible since the series appeared on the Nintendo 64. Miyamoto has said in interviews that his conceptualization of The Legend of Zelda, and of Link, was based on his childhood memories of books, movies, stories and personal experiences. He tried to make people identify with Link and have the opportunity to be heroes like the character. Although at the end of some games Link becomes vastly talented in physical and magical arts, he usually starts off the game as a regular boy. For example, in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, he begins as an orphan, and ends as the legendary "Hero of Time".[3]
====''The Legend of Zelda''====
Link is the protagonist of ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda (TV Series)|The Legend of Zelda}}'' television series, which premiered on Fridays within the ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' programming block,<ref>{{cite|author=Hughes, Mike|date=September 14, 1989|language=en|quote=Each Friday has a Legend of Zelda episode that's quite a bit better than the rest of the week.|publisher={{iw|wikipedia|USA Today}}}}</ref> though it would be syndicated with a live-action segment of ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!''. He is voiced by Jonathan Potts.<ref name=potts>{{cite|quote=The {{iw|wikipedia|Toronto}} native entered the industry lending his voice to numerous cartoon series, appearing in the much-maligned "{{iw|wikipedia|Beverly Hills Teens}}," as well as making a popular turn as Link in "''The Legend Of Zelda''," quickly developing a reputation amongst his peers as one of the busiest voice actors in the industry.|title=Jonathan Potts|url=www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jonathan_potts|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en}}</ref>


====''Captain N: The Game Master''====
Link is a protagonist in ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]'', retaining both his design and voice actor. He is also a major character in the Valiant [[Nintendo Comics System]] line of ''Captain N: The Game Master''.


[edit] Character development
===Super Game Boy===
There have been several iterations of Link in the history of Hyrule. The existence of multiple Links is made obvious on many occasions in the games; for example, the introduction sequence of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker refers to an ancient, legendary champion who is identical in appearance to Link, and directly mentions the "Hero of Time" (a title given to Link in Ocarina of Time) as a historical entity. Link and Princess Zelda are descendants of the same two people. However, Ganondorf, the main villain, is always the same person. Miyamoto has stated, "For every Zelda game we tell a new story, but we actually have an enormous document that explains how the game relates to the others, and bind them together. But to be honest, they are not that important to us. We care more about developing the game system ... give the player new challenges for every chapter that is born."[3][4] However, the exact chronology of the Zelda series and the lineage of the various Links, though written down by Miyamoto and his team, has never been released in detail.[5] Some major fansites have attempted to construct a coherent Zelda timeline based on available data, but with little success.[6] After the release of Ocarina of Time, Miyamoto stated it was the first story in the timeline, then The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and finally The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, with The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening occurring sometime after Ocarina of Time.[7]
[[File:SGB Box artwork EU.jpg|thumb|Link alongside other Nintendo characters on the Super Game Boy's European cover]]
Link appears alongside various ''Super Mario'' characters on the {{file link|SGB EU Cover.jpg|European cover art}} of the [[Super Game Boy]].


On the design of Link in The Wind Waker, Miyamoto explained, "Link was a young boy and trying to create a very active and very energetic young boy and trying to choose the right style for portraying the young boy in a game like that we tried many different experiments. The ultimate decision we came to was that the cel-shading in The Wind Waker was the best option for expressing that."[8] The Wind Waker takes place with a new Link centuries after the victory of Link in Ocarina of Time.[9] Twilight Princess does not incorporate the idea of young Link growing up to a teenage Link.[8]
===''Donkey Kong Country'' series===
====''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''====
In ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'', Link is by default ranked third on a podium at [[Cranky's Video Game Heroes]],<ref>{{file link|HeroesYoshi.png|Screenshot}}.</ref> with [[Mario]] coming in first and [[Yoshi]] second. [[Diddy Kong|Diddy]] can appear in his place if he has at least nineteen [[DK Coin|Video Game Hero Coins]].<ref>{{cite|title=''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' Player's Guide|date=1995|page=127|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|author=Shinoda, Paul and Kent Killer}}</ref> Link had swapped rankings with [[Yoshi]] in the [[Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance)|remake]], and Link has fifty Video Game Hero Coins instead.


====''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!''====
Link is mentioned by [[Bazaar]] in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]'', but not in the [[Donkey Kong Country 3 (Game Boy Advance)|remake]]. Bazaar took up Link's 500-{{iw|zeldawiki|rupee}} offer to learn about [[Kastle Kaos|the castle]],<ref name=bazaar>{{cite|quote=Are you sure? Some cheeky lad called Link was in just last week and he asked about the castle too. He didn't have enough coins, but he seemed such a nice fellow that I agreed to accept 500 rupees instead.|author=[[Bazaar]]|title=''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]''|date=1996|publisher=Nintendo|language=en}}</ref> since Link had insufficient [[bear coin]]s,<ref name=bazaar/> Link then left, dissatisfied presumably over the shape of the seashells,<ref>{{cite|quote=After that he left... muttering about my {{iw|zeldawiki|Seashell|shells}} being the wrong shape or something. Oh well!|author=Bazaar|title=''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!''}}</ref> a reference to the {{iw|zeldawiki|Secret Seashell}} sidequest in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening]]''.


[edit] Actor portrayal
===''Super Mario-kun''===
In the 3D games, beginning with Ocarina of Time, Link was voiced by four actors; Nobuyuki Hiyama for adult Link, Fujiko Takimoto for young Link, Sachi Matsumoto as Link in The Wind Waker and Akira Sasanuma in Twilight Princess. As no Zelda game to date has contained substantial spoken dialogue, the part consists only of short phrases, grunts, battle cries, and other sounds.[10] In The Wind Waker, however, Link has been heard saying the phrase, "Come on!". Voice acting in the series has been deliberately limited as to not "contradict players' individual interpretations of the character".[11]
[[File:Link SMKun.png|thumb|Link in ''Super Mario-kun'']]
In [[Super Mario-kun Volume 4|volume 4]] of ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'', some time after appearing in the world of ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past}}'', Mario takes the {{iw|zeldawiki|Pegasus Boots}} from Hyrule, causing Link to search desperately for them behind the manga panel.<ref>{{cite|isbn=4-09-141764-7|page=91|title=[[Super Mario-kun Volume 4|''Super Mario-kun'' Volume 4]]|date=December 25, 1992|author=Sawada, Yukio, et al.|publisher=Shogakukan|language=ja}}</ref>


===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
[[File:Link SMRPG screenshot.png|thumb|left|Link sleeping at the [[Rose Town]] [[Inn]] in ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''.]]
In ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'' and [[Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)|its remake]], Link can be found resting at the [[Rose Town]] Inn.<ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/yCkFM50zOPc?feature=shared&t=343|title=''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' - 24 - Rose Town Revisited (With Link Cameo)|author=AuraChannelerChris|date=October 6, 2023|publisher=YouTube|timestamp=05:43|language=en}}</ref> When Link is interacted with, a ''The Legend of Zelda'' melody for uncovering a secret plays.<ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/yCkFM50zOPc?feature=shared&t=367|title=''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' - 24 - Rose Town Revisited (With Link Cameo)|publisher=YouTube|timestamp=06:07}}</ref> Talking to Link in the remake adds "The Slumbering Hero" entry to the [[Scrapbook (Super Mario RPG)|Scrapbook]], and his model depicts his sleeves to be more red than brown.<ref>{{cite|url=youtube.com/shorts/Uq4FRZRKbdc|title=The Link and Samus Model in ''Super Mario RPG''|author=Boundary Break|publisher=YouTube|language=en|date=November 18, 2023}}</ref>


[edit] Characteristics
===''Donkey Kong Land 2''===
According to the official Zelda.com Encyclopedia, Link is "humble", but possesses legendary bravery, an attribute consistent with his role as the rightful bearer of the Triforce of Courage. The character is known in later Zelda games as "The Hero of Time" in his Ocarina of Time/Majora's Mask incarnation, and as the "Hero of Winds" in The Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass.[12]
Link is one of the Video Game Heroes in ''[[Donkey Kong Land 2]]''. His role is no different than in ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''.


He is the rightful bearer of the Master Sword, a powerful magical sword he wields to defeat the forces of evil. Link shows rare moments of overzealous boldness, such as when he twice attempts to confront Ganon in The Wind Waker, ill-equipped to defeat him, and when he almost plummets off a cliff when trying to save his sister from a giant bird in the beginning of the game. He challenged Ganondorf as a child to protect Zelda before he inadvertently helped Ganondorf find the Triforce in Ocarina of Time, forcing Link to undo the damage he had caused.[12] Although Zelda games feature more interaction with friendly or neutral non-player characters (NPCs) than some adventure games, such as the Metroid series, these characters rarely take an active part in Link's quest which he completes alone. Link is shown to have several family members, such as an uncle in A Link to the Past, an unseen mother in Ocarina of Time who died fleeing the ravages of war when Link was a baby, a grandmother in The Wind Waker who raises him in his parents unexplained absence, a grandfather in The Minish Cap, and the most developed of Link's relatives, his sister Aryll, who plays a critical role in the plot of The Wind Waker. No incarnations of Link, however, has ever been shown to have a living mother or father by the time of the character's adventures. He has several friends, such as the pirate captain Tetra from The Wind Waker, Kafei and Tatl from Majora's Mask, and the fairy Navi from Ocarina of Time. He has a utilitarian relationship with Midna from Twilight Princess, though the two grow to become friends as time goes on.[13] His mother and father appear as spirits in manga from the media franchise.[14]
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
{{SSB fighter infobox
|color=green
|emblem=Zelda_Emblem.png
|image=LinkSSBU.png
|games=''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
|standard=[[smashwiki:Boomerang|Boomerang]] (64); [[smashwiki:Hero's Bow|Bow / Hero's Bow]] ("Hero of Time" Link, "Hero of Twilight" Link, Toon Link); [[smashwiki:Fire Arrow|Fire Bow / Fire Arrow]] (Young Link); [[smashwiki:Bow and Arrows|Bow and Arrows]] ("Hero of the Wild" Link)
|side=[[smashwiki:Boomerang|Boomerang]] (most Links since ''Melee''); [[smashwiki:Gale Boomerang|Gale Boomerang]] ("Hero of Twilight" Link)
|up=[[smashwiki:Spin Attack|Spin Attack]]
|down=[[smashwiki:Bomb (Link)|Bomb]] (most Links); [[smashwiki:Remote Bomb|Remote Bomb]] ("Hero of the Wild" Link)
|final=[[smashwiki:Triforce Slash|Triforce Slash]] (most Links); [[smashwiki:Ancient Bow and Arrow|Ancient Bow and Arrow]] ("Hero of the Wild" Link)
|entrance='''Link:''' Descends from a beam of light. (64)<br>Whirls in via Gale Boomerang. (''Brawl'', ''for 3DS / Wii U'')<br>Flies in with a [[Paraglider (The Legend of Zelda)|Paraglider]]. (''Ultimate'')<br>'''Toon Link:''' appears in an explosion, then equips his sword and shield.<br>'''Young Link:''' Descends from a beam of light. (''Ultimate'')
}}
Playable incarnations of Link appear in every ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' game. They are identified as either "[[smashwiki:Link|Link]]", "[[smashwiki:Young Link|Young Link]]", or "[[smashwiki:Toon Link|Toon Link]]".
====''Super Smash Bros.''====
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Link (SSB)}}
In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', Link is one of the default playable characters. Specifically, he is the "[[zeldawiki:Hero of Time|Hero of Time]]" from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}''. Link is the first character fought in single player mode, on [[Hyrule Castle]].


Link is a young Hylian boy and is renowned for his swordsmanship and fighting skill, such as his boomerang accuracy.[15] It is stated, though, in The Adventure of Link, Links starts the game on his sixteenth birthday. Every Link wears a green tunic, an under-shirt (usually white, brown, or green, also, in Twilight Princess, he wore what appears to be chain mail on top of his undershirt), and a long green cap, at least for part of each adventure (usually for the vast majority), although the shades of green vary. It is a common sight to see him wearing light-colored tights (usually white or tan), although he has appeared barelegged in other games. Link has long pointed ears, a distinctive trait of the Hylian race (and their descendants), which supposedly allows them to hear messages from the gods. In the Zelda trading cards released by Nintendo early on in the series, it is stated that the pointed ears are a sign of the royal family. The older Links usually tend to wear small blue hoop earrings, as is the Hylian fashion. However, in episode 4 of the Adult Saga in the official Ocarina of Time manga series, "Link Vs. Link", Impa is seen giving Link his earrings, describing it as a "rite of passage for young Sheikah men".[16] He bears a Triforce mark on his left hand, marking him as the one who will find the Triforce of Courage.[17] He uses many weapons and items, such as Bombs, the Hookshot, the Boomerang and the Bow and arrow. When he metamorphs into a wolf in the Twilight Realm in Twilight Princess he reflects the mystical aspects of the transformation and his heroism.[13]
Link's standard special move in this game is the [[smashwiki:Boomerang|Boomerang]], in which Link tosses a boomerang to damage opponents. His up special move is the [[smashwiki:Spin Attack|Spin Attack]], in which he spins around rapidly to deal damage, and his down special is [[smashwiki:Bomb (Link)|Bomb]], in which Link pulls out a bomb to throw. In addition, Link's grab move uses the [[zeldawiki:Hookshot|Hookshot]], an item also taking its appearance from ''Ocarina of Time'' that can also be used as a {{iw|smashwiki|wall grapple}}. Link's up and down aerials are the [[zeldawiki:Jump Thrust|Jump Thrust]] and [[zeldawiki:Down Thrust|Down Thrust]], both of which originated in ''{{iw|zeldawiki|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link}}''.


Canonically, Link is left-handed, although this detail has changed over time, with his sword hand being different between games. The Adventure of Link instruction booklet describes Link setting off "with a magical sword in his left hand and a magical shield in his right".[17] In A Link to the Past, he alternates hands, but this is due to sprite mirroring. Starting with Link's Awakening, Link holds his sword in his left hand and his shield in his right, no matter what direction he is facing. This occurs in the left and right-looking sprites. In The Minish Cap, however, Link returns to alternately holding his weapon in the right or the left hand, depending on his orientation. At the beginning of the Four Swords Plus (Four Swords Adventures) manga, Link is referred to as the "left-handed hero" after defeating pirates that were raiding a Hylian town. In addition, Link's figurine description in The Wind Waker lists his "manual preference" as left. However, in the animated TV series, Link is right-handed. In the Wii version of Twilight Princess Link is right-handed, but this was done to better mirror the game's control scheme. In the game's official artwork he is shown holding his sword in his left hand. In the GameCube version, Link remains left-handed, as the game uses a traditional control scheme.[18]
Two of Link's alternate colorations in this game are based upon the [[zeldawiki:Goron Tunic|Goron]] and [[zeldawiki:Zora Tunic|Zora Tunics]] from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'', while his final coloration is based upon his outfit after collecting the [[zeldawiki:Blue Ring|Blue Ring]] in ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda}}''.
{{br|left}}


====''Super Smash Bros. Melee''====
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Link (SSBM)}}
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Young Link (SSBM)}}
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', two incarnations of Link are playable. The first is the adult "Hero of Time" and is simply called "Link"; he was in the previous game and reappears in ''Melee'' as a starter. The second is the younger "Hero of Time" (also from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'') and is called "Young Link"; players can only play as him after beating Classic or Adventure mode with 10 characters or playing 500 matches, then defeating him on [[Great Bay]].


[edit] Appearances
The older Link's standard special attack is the [[smashwiki:Hero's Bow|Bow]], which lets him shoot an arrow that can be charged; the boomerang returns as his side special move. His other specials are kept the same, as has the Hookshot. This is also the first ''Super Smash Bros.'' game to feature Link's ability to use his [[zeldawiki:Hylian Shield|Hylian Shield]] to defend himself from projectile attacks while standing still. Young Link's moves are similar to his older counterpart's, though while Young Link is faster and lighter, he is also weaker. As Young Link is shorter and wields the smaller [[zeldawiki:Kokiri Sword|Kokiri Sword]], his attacks do not have as much range. Young Link's Deku Shield is also not as strong as the older Link's Hylian Shield, as it does not protect against stronger projectiles. Young Link, however, can [[Wall Jump]].
Link, as he appears in official artwork for The Legend of Zelda
[edit] Video games


[edit] 1986–1997
In the game's Adventure Mode, the older Link is fought in the [[Underground Maze]] stage. He can be found at fake pedestals for the Master Sword (wearing a different tunic each time) as fighters search for the Triforce to end the level.
Link debuted in February 21, 1986, with the release of the video game The Legend of Zelda in Japan. Described as a "young lad" who saved Princess Zelda's elderly nursemaid Impa from Ganon's henchmen,[19] Link assumes the role of the generic hero attempting to rescue Princess Zelda (and the kingdom of Hyrule) from the evil wizard Ganon, who has stolen the Triforce of Power.


In Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Link approaches his sixteenth birthday. Impa takes him to North Castle in Hyrule, alarmed by the sudden appearance of a Triforce crest on the boy's left hand. She shows him the true heiress of Hyrule, an older incarnation of Princess Zelda, trapped in an eternal sleep, lying on an altar in the castle. The old woman tells Link of the Legend of Zelda, an ancient tale about the division of the Triforce and the curse that was put upon the older princess. Impa then gives Link six crystals, and a scroll written in an ancient Hylian language, which Link understands despite having never learned it. He reads that the mark on his hand is the sign that he was chosen to seek the third Triforce, the Triforce of Courage, in the Great Palace in the Valley of Death. Link then begins a quest to place a crystal in each of six palaces in Hyrule, so that he can later penetrate unhindered into the magically protected Great Palace, claim the Triforce of Courage, reunite the three pieces of the Triforce, and awaken Zelda.[20]
Additionally, a doppelganger known as '''Dark Link''', appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' as the opponent in [[smashwiki:Event 18: Link's Adventure|Event 18: Link's Adventure]]. In the battle, the player controls a red-clad adult Link, who has two [[extra life|extra lives]]. The fighter must defeat Dark Link, who also has two lives. The two swordsmen are fought at the Temple, with no time limit. This Event Match is a reference to the ending of ''[[zeldawiki:Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]'', where a similar Dark Link served as the game's final boss.
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past tells the story of how, centuries before the events of The Legend of Zelda, Ganon and his army of evil were banished into the Golden Land, the realm of the Triforce, by the Hylians, at the price of countless lives. The portal to this world was magically blocked by seven sages, and the lands behind that seal, which Hylians hoped would never be broken again, became known as the Dark World, as they were corrupted by Ganon's malice. The struggle to seal Ganon in the Golden Land became known as the Imprisoning War. One day, when the Imprisoning War had been all but forgotten, the land is plagued by sudden disaster, until the wizard Agahnim appears at the court of the king of Hyrule and quells the upheaval. Named chief adviser to the throne, he soon seizes power from the king and kidnaps six maidens, descendants of the wise men who had sealed the entrance of the Dark World. The maidens are taken to the castle tower, and never seen again. Agahnim then begins a dark ritual to break the seal on the Dark World and unleash Ganon's fury upon Hyrule. Princess Zelda herself descends from the seventh sage, and manages to send out a telepathic call for help before being taken away. Link's uncle heads for the royal castle first, but he is quickly defeated. He leaves Link his sword and with his last breath imparts the sword-spin technique. The young hero then begins a journey to collect three magical Pendants of Virtue, and claim the Master Sword as his before facing Agahnim. In Link's Awakening, which takes place sometime after A Link to the Past,[21] Link decides to travel the world so he might be prepared if a threat like Ganon ever comes to Hyrule again.[21] While returning to Hyrule, Link's ship is caught in a storm and wrecked. He washes up on the shore of a mysterious island called Koholint. Link is taken to the house of a kind man named Tarin and his daughter Marin. A talking owl tells him that the only way he can escape Koholint Island is by awakening the "Wind Fish", a giant creature slumbering in a colossal egg in the center of the island. When the game finishes, Link awakens in the middle of the ocean, along with the dreamer.[22]
====''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''====
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Link (SSBB)}}
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Toon Link (SSBB)}}
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', two incarnations of Link are playable. The first is the "Hero of Twilight" from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]'', who is simply called "Link" and is available from the start. The second is the "Hero of Winds" from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]'', who is called "Toon Link" and must be unlocked first. The ''Wind Waker'' incarnation can be unlocked by either finding a door in The Forest in The Subspace Emissary after beating the mode, playing Classic after clearing The Subspace Emissary, or by playing 400 Brawl matches, then defeating him in battle.


The bow (now called "Hero's Bow") and bombs have been aesthetically changed to match their ''Twilight Princess'' designs, while the boomerang is now the [[smashwiki:Gale Boomerang|Gale Boomerang]], which generates a whirlwind that can drag in opponents as it returns. The Hookshot is now the [[zeldawiki:Clawshot|Clawshot]] from ''Twilight Princess'', which, when used offstage, can home in on edges and grab them unlike the Hookshot; however, it is now a tether recovery, as opposed to a wall grapple. Toon Link's special moves are mostly the same as the other Link's, though Toon Link's attacks use their ''The Wind Waker'' variants. The only different move is the Boomerang, which is the same as the Hero of Time's Boomerang in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''. Toon Link's grab also uses the [[zeldawiki:Hookshot|Hookshot]] from ''The Wind Waker'', which like the Clawshot also has a ledge-homing property, though its range is not as far. Both Links have a [[Final Smash]] called [[smashwiki:Triforce Slash|Triforce Slash]].


[edit] 1998–2001
Dark Link also reappears in this game, where he returns in two Event Matches. The first, [[smashwiki:Event 18: Dark Link Duel|Event 18: Dark Link Duel]], is similar to the match from Melee, but it is fought on the [[Bridge of Eldin]] instead, and is a stamina match rather than using lives. The second, [[smashwiki:Co-Op Event 7: Battle of the Dark Sides|Co-Op Event 7: Battle of the Dark Sides]], is the same as Dark Link Duel, but with the addition of [[Samus]] and [[False Character|her counterpart]] assisting Link and Dark Link, respectively.
Link, as he appears in official artwork for Majora's MaskIn The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a young Link has been raised as one of the Kokiri, a child-like race of forest dwellers. He is summoned to the Great Deku Tree, the forest's guardian, who tells Link a curse cast by Ganondorf has killed him. The Deku Tree tells Link of the Triforce and directs Link to Hyrule Castle, where he encounters Princess Zelda; she proceeds to ask him to collect the three Spiritual Stones and save Hyrule. Link does this, and travels to the Temple of Time, acquiring the Master Sword. This action imprisons Link unconscious in the Sacred Realm for seven years, while Ganondorf takes control of Hyrule and seizes the Triforce of Power. Seven years after drawing the sword from the pedestal, Link is awakened as the Hero of Time by Rauru, Sage of Light. He sets off to cleanse the land of Ganondorf's evil by awakening the seven Sages, who can seal Ganondorf in what used to be the Sacred Realm. Returning to the Kokiri Forest, he finds none of his friends have grown up, and most no longer recognize him. After the player completes the first dungeon in this phase of the game, the Deku Tree's successor, the Deku Sprout, reveals Link's past to him. The Kokiri never grow up; the reason Link has grown is that he is actually a Hylian, orphaned in the wars that occurred while Link was a baby.[23] When Link was a baby, his mother fled with him to Kokiri Forest, and, mortally wounded, left him under the Deku Tree's protection. He was brought up as one of the Kokiri, and knew no differently.[24] Through the rest of the game, Link travels back and forth between the two time periods and his two ages using the Master Sword. It is discovered that the two remaining Triforces belong to Link and Princess Zelda. At the end of the game, he is returned to his youth by Princess Zelda, and Navi leaves him.[25]


The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask occurs after Link defeats Ganon and is sent back in time to his childhood. Link leaves Hyrule to search for a lost friend (declared by the manga to be his old fairy companion, Navi). While riding in the Lost Woods, he is ambushed by a Skull Kid who is possessed by an evil artifact, Majora's Mask, and his horse, Epona, is stolen. Chasing the Skull Kid, Link falls into a crevasse and arrives in a country called Termina. He must save this land from the evil of Majora's Mask, which has drawn the moon into a decaying orbit, threatening to crash into Termina's primary city, Clock Town, in three days. Link uses the Ocarina of Time to play the Song of Time, which sends him back in time and saves the game when he plays it, to relive these three days repeatedly in order to prevent the disaster. Along the way, Link finds many magical masks of his own, a handful of which allow him to transform. Those masks can turn him into a rock-like Goron; a petite, plant-like Deku Scrub; a graceful, aquatic Zora; or the "Fierce Deity". In this game, Link never grows up in the traditional sense, but the dark power of the Fierce Deity's Mask allows Link to assume a powerful adult-like form, "Fierce Deity Link". This form is similar to adult Link in Ocarina of Time. Miyamoto mentioned that "we wanted Link to get inside of a wonderland, to experience the adventures and think hard about what he should do."[26]
Versions of Dark Link appear as palette swaps for both playable Links. The Hero of Twilight's is based on the [[zeldawiki:Dark Interlopers|"interlopers"]] from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]'', whereas Toon Link's is based off Shadow Link from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures]]''. Additionally, Toon Link's red, blue, and purple alternate costumes are based upon the copies of the Link from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords]]''. He also has an alternate costume based upon the Link from the original ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'', as well as a Dark Link costume.
=====Role in The Subspace Emissary=====
While walking through a forest, the "Hero of Twilight" Link finds the Master Sword. Taking it in hand, he meets up with [[Yoshi]], forming an alliance. They later meet [[Mario]] and [[Pit (character)|Pit]], though under circumstances where Mario/Link defeats an evil copy of [[Zelda]]/[[Princess Peach|Peach]], leading to a fight. The two groups come to an understanding (and [[Kirby]] joins up as well) and unite as they see [[King Dedede]] driving off with [[Ness]], [[Luigi]], and the captured Princess.


In The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, the Triforce sends Link on a mission to another land, Holodrum, to stop the disruption of the seasons by the General of Darkness, Onox. While there, it is his duty to protect the Oracle of Seasons, who is a dancer named Din. After Onox takes her by force and the seasons are thrown into chaos, Link sets out to rescue her with the aid of the Rod of Seasons, a magical staff which allows Link to control the four seasons.
They come to Dedede's base, only to find that [[Bowser]] has beaten them to it, taking the Princess off in his [[Koopa Clown Car]]. The team grows in size as they meet with [[Ike]], [[Marth]], [[Lucas]], the [[Pokémon Trainer]], and the [[Ice Climbers]]. The remaining heroes join them as they enter [[Subspace (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)|Subspace]]. Link is among the many that falls to [[Tabuu]]'s Off Waves, later revived by Kirby. He and Zelda come across [[Ganondorf]]'s trophy and revive him, forming a temporary alliance as everyone teams up to defeat Tabuu.


In The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, Link awakens in another land, Labrynna, where he has been sent by the magic of the Triforce. Upon his arrival he is tricked by Veran, the Sorceress of Shadows, into opening the seal protecting the Oracle of Ages, a singer named Nayru. Veran, possessing Nayru's body and time-traveling powers, goes back in time to change the past and command the present. Link rushes to follow them to the past and save Nayru using the power of the Harp of Ages, which, when played correctly, grants its user the ability to move back and forth through time. After exorcising Veran's spirit from Nayru's body, Link ascends her citadel to defeat Veran.
After beating The Subspace Emissary, in The Forest stage, if the player enters the first red door in the beginning of the level, they will be taken to the [[Pirate Ship (stage)|Pirate Ship]]. There, Toon Link will be looking out to the sea. However, once he sees the player, he is surprised. Thinking the player is an enemy, he attacks the player. The player then fights Toon Link, and if he is beaten, Toon Link is unlocked as a playable character.
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After playing through both games (in either order), by use of a password obtained at the end of the first game played, it is revealed that the events of both games are part of a sinister plot by Twinrova to light the flames of Destruction (lit by the actions of Onox), Sorrow (lit by the actions of Veran), and Despair (lit when Zelda is kidnapped) as part of a ritual to resurrect Ganon. To complete the ritual, the sacrifice of a pure-hearted individual is required. In the end, Link must save Zelda from this fate. Link defeats the Twinrova and saves Zelda, but the Twinrova sacrifice themselves to resurrect a mindless Ganon and Link must fight him anyway.
====''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''====
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Link (SSB4)}}
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Toon Link (SSB4)}}
Both Links reappear in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'' as starter playable characters, under their respective "Link" and "Toon Link" names. Due to these games' more vibrant aesthetic, they have a noticeably brighter color scheme than in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''. Some of the Hero of Twilight's non-special moves have been altered, such as his down aerial gaining a meteor smash effect and gaining the {{iw|zeldawiki|Jump Slash}} as his new dash attack. His Hylian Shield can also now block projectiles while crouching and walking. Toon Link is faster than before, but in exchange, his damage output is lower.


The Hero of Twilight retains all of his alternate costumes from ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', while gaining two more: one based on the clothes worn by the "Hero of the Skies" during the beginning of ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]]'', and another based on [[zeldawiki:Fierce Deity|Fierce Deity Link]], a transformation Link can obtain at the end of ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask]]''.<ref>{{cite|author=Koczwara, Michael|date=September 6, 2014|url=mariopartylegacy.com/2014/09/new-details-from-super-smash-bros-for-3ds-event-in-japan|title=New Details from Super Smash Bros. for 3DS Event in Japan|publisher=Mario Party Legacy|language=en|accessdate=June 4, 2024}}</ref> One of Toon Link's additional alternate costumes in this game is based upon the appearance of the Link from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds]]''. Additionally, the Link from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks]]'' (also known as "Engineer Link") appears as a background character, complete with his [[zeldawiki:Engineer's Clothes|Engineer's Clothes]] to further differentiate him. Engineer Link appears on the [[Spirit Train]] stage in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] version, where he conducts the titular train. However, he is replaced by his mentor [[zeldawiki:Alfonzo|Alfonzo]] if Toon Link or Link are involved in the battle.


[edit] 2002–present
====''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''====
In The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, Zelda goes to the Sanctuary of the Four Sword with her friend, Link, to check on the seal containing the evil Wind Mage, Vaati. The seal has weakened, however, and Vaati emerges, kidnaps Zelda, and knocks out Link. Link awakens to find three fairies, who instruct him to draw the Four Sword. The magical Four Sword divides him into 2–4 identical Links (depending on the number of players). The first Link wears his traditional green outfit; the second, a red version; the third, blue; and the fourth purple. In The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, released later, it is revealed that these colors reflect the four elements with which the sword is imbued: earth, fire, water, then wind. The Links must cooperate to overcome obstacles, collect keys, and storm Vaati's Palace so they can rescue Zelda and seal the mage away again.[27]
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Link (SSBU)}}
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Young Link (SSBU)}}
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Toon Link (SSBU)}}
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', three incarnations of Link are playable. The first is the "Hero of the Wild" from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]'', who is simply called "Link" and is available at the start. The other two are the same "Young Link" and "Toon Link" incarnations from the previous games, and they must be unlocked before they can be playable.


Compared to previous incarnations, the "Hero of the Wild" takes on many different stances during battle. While this is purely aesthetic in some instances, he also leans further when performing attacks, giving them greater range, yet making his hurtbox more vulnerable to attacks. On a related note, the blade of his [[Master Sword]] is longer, increasing the range in his attacks, and his forward smash's first hit is capable of firing a [[zeldawiki:Sword Beam|Sword Beam]] while his damage is at 0%. Although he uses a regular Boomerang like he does in ''Super Smash Bros.'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', his other special moves noticeably deviate from his predecessors': [[smashwiki:Bow and Arrows|his Bow]] is capable of firing two arrows at once, he uses the [[smashwiki:Remote Bomb|Remote Bomb]] [[zeldawiki:Rune|Rune]] instead of his Bombs as his down special, and [[smashwiki:Ancient Bow and Arrow|his Final Smash]] uses an [[zeldawiki:Ancient Bow|Ancient Bow]] to fire an [[zeldawiki:Ancient Arrow|Ancient Arrow]]. Young Link gains a [[Final Smash]], the Triforce Slash, which he shares with Toon Link. Toon Link's moveset is largely unchanged, though his forward smash is now a single upward slash instead of two slashes with his [[Master Sword]].
Link, as he appears in official artwork for The Wind WakerIn The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, set centuries after Ocarina of Time, the gods have flooded Hyrule, creating the Great Sea, encompassing the highest mountaintops of Hyrule. At the beginning of the game, Link's younger sister Aryll is captured by the Helmaroc King, a giant masked bird controlled by the game's primary antagonist Ganondorf, the latter of whom is searching for Princess Zelda. Link travels the Great Sea to rescue his sister and defeat the Helmaroc King; his quest intertwining with that of The King of Red Lions, who reveals, after many trials, that Link is the "Hero of Winds". Using the Wind Waker, a magical conductor's baton, he borrows the power of the gods to aid him in his quest. The wand's user interface is similar to that of the Ocarina of Time, but uses tempo and pitch to form tunes. Link must eventually reassemble the Triforce of Courage to give him the power to fight Ganondorf.


In The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, Zelda, who is again worried about the seal on Vaati, goes with six other mystical maidens to check on the Sanctuary of the Four Sword, with Link accompanying her. However, a dark, shadowy copy of Link attacks. Link is forced to draw the Four Sword to fight this Shadow Link, but when he does, he once again splits into copies of himself, and Vaati escapes.[28]
In the World of Light, Young Link's puppet fighter is fought in the Triforce of Courage section of the Sacred Land, referencing his home series. He must be awoken to progress the story, along with Ganondorf, Zelda, [[Sonic]], and Cloud. Engineer Link also reappears as a background character on the Spirit Train stage. In comparison to the previous installment, he appears virtually identical to the playable Toon Link (save for his Engineer's Clothes), instead of using a polygonal model similar to his appearance in ''Spirit Tracks''.


In The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, set before Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures, Link is a young boy living with his grandfather, the Master Smith of Hyrule. Link is a childhood friend of Princess Zelda, and on the day of Hyrule's yearly fair to celebrate the coming of the Picori, they go to join in the festivities. A mysterious stranger, Vaati, shows up and wins the sword-fighting competition; each year the victor of this tournament has the honor of touching the sacred Picori Blade. This sword was a gift to the Hylians from the tiny Picori and was used long ago by a legendary hero to defeat the forces of darkness and seal them away in the Bound Chest. Vaati destroys the blade and curses Zelda, and it is up to Link to repair the sword, defeat Vaati and save the princess.[29] By the end of the game, the Picori Blade becomes the Four Sword, which Link seals Vaati in, setting the scene for the previously released Four Swords games.
Link's [[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) |fighter spirit]] uses his artwork from ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild''. Young Link's fighter spirit uses his artwork from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''. Toon Link's fighter spirit also uses his artwork from ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker''. Link, Young Link, and Toon Link also make appearances in a few primary spirits and support spirits.


=====Classic Mode routes=====
Link, as he appears in official artwork for Twilight PrincessThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, released in November 2006 for the Wii and a month later for the GameCube, is set decades[30] after the events of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, in an alternate timeline to The Wind Waker.[31] Link is a teen farm boy leading a fairly normal life until two of his friends, Colin and Ilia, are kidnapped by monsters. Link’s rescue mission leads him into the Twilight Realm, a dark place that changes him into a wolf. While in this form, he is aided by Midna, an imp-like creature, and learns why the Twilight invaded this world from Princess Zelda. Yet, in his attempt to save his friends, Link discovers an even greater evil only he can stop. During the game, Link travels in the normal world in his human form and in the Twilight Realm in his wolf form.
By completing the "Hero of the Wild" Link's Classic Mode route, it is possible to unlock [[King K. Rool]], the [[Ice Climbers]], [[Simon Belmont|Simon]], [[Meta Knight]], [[Solid Snake|Snake]], Young Link, [[Richter Belmont|Richter]], or Toon Link. His Classic Mode route pits him against characters that are in some way associated with darkness, with the fight against the dark-costumed Link being a reference to Dark Link. Young Link's Classic Mode route pits him against fighters from ''The Legend of Zelda'' series. Throughout Toon Link's route, the player is assisted by a red and blue Toon Link, in reference to ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes|The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes]]''. If the player selects one of those colors, the default green Toon Link replaces that color as the second ally.
{|class="wikitable"style="margin:auto;"
!Round
!Opponent(s)
!Rule
!Stage
!Song
|-
!colspan="5"|Link: A Quest to Seal the Darkness
|-
!1
|[[Dark Pit]]||rowspan=4|N/A||[[Reset Bomb Forest]]||Dark Pit's Theme
|-
!2
|[[Ridley]]||[[Norfair]]||Vs. Ridley
|-
!3
|[[Bayonetta]]||[[Umbra Clock Tower]]||One Of A Kind
|-
!4
|[[Dark Samus]]||[[Frigate Orpheon]]||Boss Battle 4 - Metroid: Samus Returns
|-
!5
|[[Ganondorf]]||Team Battle ('''Ally:''' [[Zelda]])||[[Gerudo Valley]]||Gerudo Valley
|-
!6
|Link (dark costume)||rowspan=2|N/A||[[Temple (stage)|Temple]]||Great Temple / Temple
|-
!Final
|[[Ganon]]||||Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form
|-
!colspan="5"|Young Link: Hyrule Smash!
|-
!1
|[[Zelda]]
|rowspan=7|N/A||[[Hyrule Castle]]||Hyrule Main Theme
|-
!2
|Young Link (dark costume)||[[Temple (stage)|Temple]]||Song of Storms
|-
!3
|Sheik||[[Gerudo Valley]] (Ω)||Gerudo Valley
|-
!4
|Toon Link ×4||[[Pirate Ship (stage)|Pirate Ship]]||The Great Sea / Menu Select
|-
!5
|Ganondorf||[[Bridge of Eldin]] (Ω)||Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
|-
!6
|Link||[[Great Plateau Tower]]||Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
|-
!Final
|Ganon||||Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form
|-
!colspan="5"|Toon Link: The Teamwork of Courage
|-
!1
|[[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Princess Peach|Peach]], [[Yoshi]]||rowspan=7|Team Battle||[[3D Land]]||Ground Theme / Underwater Theme - Super Mario 3D Land
|-
!2
|[[Villager]], [[Isabelle]]||[[Tortimer Island]]||Kapp'n's Song
|-
!3
|[[R.O.B.]] ×3||[[75 m (stage)|75 m]] (Battlefield)||Stack-Up/Gyromite
|-
!4
|[[Squirtle]], [[Ivysaur]], [[Charizard]]||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||Battle! (Trainer) - Pokémon Sun / Pokémon Moon
|-
!5
|[[Inkling]] Girl ×2, Inkling Boy ×2||[[Moray Towers]]||Now or Never!
|-
!6
|Giant Ganondorf||[[Great Plateau Tower]] (Battlefield)||Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
|-
!Final
|[[Ganon]]||||Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form
|}
{{br}}
 
===''Mario Golf''===
"Link" is one of the names to appear on the scorechart in both the [[Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)|Nintendo 64]] and [[Mario Golf (Game Boy Color)|Game Boy Color versions]] of ''Mario Golf''.
 
===''Mario Artist: Paint Studio''===
A few pieces of artwork of Link from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time}}'' appears as character stamps in ''[[Mario Artist: Paint Studio]]'', including his {{iw|zeldawiki|Young Link|Young form}}, his adult form, and his adult self on {{iw|zeldawiki|Epona}}.<ref>{{cite|timestamp=39:02|language=en|url=youtu.be/nVtbnGnCQUA?feature=shared&t=2342|title=Oney Plays ''Mario Artist: Paint Studio'' (Complete Series)|date=November 27, 2018|author=OneyPlays|publisher=YouTue}}</ref>
 
===''Game & Watch Gallery 4''===
In ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 4]]'', Link appears in the ''Zelda'' Game & Watch game, which is playable in the [[Museum]] after unlocking enough stars.
 
===''WarioWare'' series===
Link appears in several microgames of the ''[[WarioWare (series)|WarioWare]]'' games, usually as playable in some of [[9-Volt]]'s and [[18-Volt]]'s microgames.
 
[[File:Zelda Microgame.png|thumb|Link in The Legend of Zelda microgame]]
In ''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]'', Link appears in the [[The Legend of Zelda (WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!)|Legend of Zelda]] microgame, based on the original ''The Legend of Zelda'' game, in which the player must guide Link into a cave.
 
In ''[[WarioWare: Twisted!]]'', Link appears in another microgame also titled [[The Legend of Zelda (WarioWare: Twisted!)|The Legend of Zelda]], once again based on the original game. The object is to rotate the handheld to deflect projectiles by red [[Octorok]]s with the shield.


The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, the latest title in the series, was released on June 23, 2007, in Japan and on October 1, 2007, in North America. It revives the use of a fairy companion as in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. A direct sequel to The Wind Waker, it stars the same Link, in a quest to reunite with Tetra after she is lost to the mysterious Ghost Ship.
In ''[[WarioWare: Smooth Moves]]'', Link appears in three microgames. In [[Ocarina of Time]], the goal is for Link to unsheathe the {{iw|zeldawiki|Master Sword}} from its {{iw|zeldawiki|Pedestal of the Master Sword|pedestal}}, turning him into an adult on Level 1,<ref>{{cite|timestamp=0:08|url=youtu.be/_e0a4e9W6jw?feature=shared&t=8|title=''WarioWare: Smooth Moves'' - Ocarina of Time|date=September 11, 2013|author=Emanuele Baserga|publisher=YouTube|language=en}}</ref> an elderly adult on Level 2,<ref>{{cite|timestamp=0:18|url=youtu.be/_e0a4e9W6jw?feature=shared&t=18|title=''WarioWare: Smooth Moves'' - Ocarina of Time|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> and a {{iw|zeldawiki|Cucco}} on Level 3.<ref>{{cite|timestamp=0:28|url=youtu.be/_e0a4e9W6jw?feature=shared&t=28|title=''WarioWare: Smooth Moves'' - Ocarina of Time|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> In [[The Wind Waker]], Link has drop to a landing zone with his {{iw|zeldawiki|Deku Leaf}}.<ref>{{cite|timestamp=0:04|url=youtu.be/xjL3ynuopbU?feature=shared&t=4|title=Land! (WarioWare SMOOTH MOVES)|date=March 7, 2022|publisher=YouTube|language=en|author=Dude! Rude! ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD''}}</ref> In [[Opening Night]], Link in his sprite appearance from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda}}'' plays the violin in an orchestra with other Nintendo characters.<ref>{{cite|url=youtu.be/Lpo4kOi-myM?feature=shared&t=786|title=It's The Nintendo Episode! - ''WarioWare: Smooth Moves''|timestamp=13:06|date=June 30, 2014|publisher=YouTube|language=en|author=PixelsByNight}}</ref>


Link's Crossbow Training, a spin-off of the series, has Link attempting to become more proficient with the crossbow.
In ''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y.]]'', Link in his ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass}}'' incarnation appears in [[Zelda (microgame)|Zelda]] microgame, where the object is to defeat {{iw|zeldawiki|Chuchu}}s with the sword by tapping them.


In ''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase]]'', Link is in the [[Zelda 2]] microgame, based on ''[[zeldawiki:Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]'', in which Link must deflect a [[zeldawiki:Goriya|Goriya]]'s boomerangs with the shield.


[edit] Non-Zelda appearances
In ''[[WarioWare Gold]]'', some of the previous microgames in which Link appears return, specifically The Legend of Zelda from ''Mega Microgame$!'', and Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker, both from ''Smooth Moves''. In addition to those, a new microgame called [[Phantom Hourglass]] appears, which is also based on ''The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass''. The object is to hit a switch with Link's boomerang by tracing a line for it to follow.
Link is present in a number of games outside the Zelda series. None of these games contribute anything to the series which would be considered The Legend of Zelda canon.


Link: The Faces of Evil, released in 1993 for Philips' CD-i system, is the only one of the three Zelda games for the CD-i system in which Link is the protagonist. At the beginning of the game, Link is visited by a wizard who tells him that Ganon and his servants have seized the peaceful island of Koridai and captured Zelda. After being informed that only he can defeat Ganon, Link travels to Koridai to find the magical artifact known as the Book of Koridai. Using the Book, he defeats Ganon and frees Zelda. Although it features Zelda characters, this game was not produced, nor supervised by Nintendo, which does not officially recognize the game as part of the Zelda series.
In ''[[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]'', Link is seen in a microgame titled [[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]], based on the {{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|game of the same title}}.


There were two other The Legend of Zelda games released for the CD-i: Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon and Zelda's Adventure. However, in both games Princess Zelda was the protagonist, as in both games the plot involves Link's kidnapping.
In ''[[WarioWare: Move It!]]'', Link appears in the microgame [[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D]]. He is seen chasing a Cucco, which is controlled by the player and must run away from Link without getting caught by him.
{{br|right}}


Link is one of eight characters available at the beginning of Nintendo's 1999 fighting game, Super Smash Bros.. Link sports his traditional green Kokiri tunic and the player can choose from several other tunic colors. He has some of his arsenal from the Zelda games, including bombs, boomerang and a hookshot. Link is one of the 15 playable characters available from the start in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the 2001 sequel to Super Smash Bros.. In Melee, he has his bow in addition to the equipment he brought with him to the original Super Smash Bros.. Also playable in the game, as a secret unlockable character, is "Young Link", the youthful version of the aforementioned fighter. Modeled after the Ocarina of Time version of the hero, Young Link is more agile but weaker than the older Link. Link became one of the first confirmed fighters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii. His appearance was influenced by his character model from Twilight Princess. "Toon Link", a version of Link based on his cel-shaded appearance in The Wind Waker, is also a playable character in Brawl.[32]
===''Captain Rainbow''===
[[File:Mario Link portraits Captain Rainbow.png|thumb|Portraits of Mario and Link above Tracy's throne]]
Though Link himself does not make a direct appearance in ''[[Captain Rainbow]]'', a portrait of portrait of artwork of Link from ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' is depicted above {{iw|zeldawiki|Crazy Tracy|Tracy}}'s throne, next to a portrait of [[Mario]].
{{br}}
===''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' series===
====''Super Mario 3D World'' / ''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''====
In ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' and its [[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury|port]], before the second [[Green Star]] in {{world|star2|1}}, [[Rainbow Run (level)|Rainbow Run]], there is a secret area where if the playable characters walk on all the panels, an 8-bit image of Link, which is an enlargement of one of his ''The Legend of Zelda'' sprites, is uncovered. After doing so, an arrangement of the main theme of ''The Legend of Zelda'' starts to play until the characters leave the area.


In the GameCube version of Namco's Soulcalibur II, the adult-style Link is a playable fighter. Little is revealed about the incarnation of Link in this game, but it is known that after saving Hyrule from an evil wizard who was being controlled by a fragment of Soul Edge, he went on a quest to destroy the evil sword. Quickly pulling the Master Sword out of its pedestal, he set out to travel to this world to destroy Soul Edge, on a secret mission arranged by Princess Zelda. Miyamoto did not see a problem with Link appearing in what some had thought to be a "violent fighting game", as he had already been established as a fighter in the Super Smash Bros. games.[5] The more realistic Link in this game was used to develop Twilight Princess's Link.[33] Link is the only character in Soulcalibur II to use ranged weapons and the only guest character to have his own music theme and more than two costumes. He uses a number of items from the Zelda series.
====''Super Mario Maker''====
Link appears as a [[Mystery Mushroom]] [[Costume Mario|costume]] in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]''. Link, Toon Link, and Wolf Link's costumes can be unlocked by scanning their respective [[amiibo]], or randomly by completing the 100 Mario Challenge. The Link Costume is based on his sprites from ''The Legend of Zelda''. The Wolf Link costume also includes [[Midna]] riding on top of Wolf Link.  


Link was also intended to appear in Marvel Ultimate Alliance, but never did.[34]
A special [[List of official Super Mario Maker courses|Event Course]] titled "[[Tri Force Heroes]]" allows the player to play as, and unlock, a special Costume Mario called Totem Link, based off of ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes|The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes]]''. As Totem Link, players play as all three Links from the game (red, blue, and green), stacked up on top of each other. Additionally, there is also an Event Course titled "[[Twilight Princess HD]]", which is based off ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD}}'', where players can unlock Wolf Link.


====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
{{multiframe
|[[File:SMM2 Green Link Sprite.png]] [[File:SMM2 Red Link Sprite.png]] [[File:SMM2 Blue Link Sprite.png]] [[File:SMM2 Pink Link Sprite.png]]
|align=left
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In ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'', the player transforms into Link upon collecting the [[Master Sword]] power-up, added in version 2.0.0 of the game. His appearance is based on his sprite from the original ''The Legend of Zelda'', albeit with the shield redesigned to be based on the Hylian Shield. While in this form, Link can attack enemies with his sword, block projectiles with his shield, perform a [[zeldawiki:Dash Attack|Dash Attack]] to charge through enemies, perform a [[zeldawiki:Down Thrust|Down Thrust]] to attack enemies from above, aim and fire an arrow in three directions to obtain distant items, and use a bomb to destroy breakable blocks. Link can also drop bombs beneath him while riding a [[Koopa Clown Car]]. In multiplayer, [[Mario]]'s Link form is red, [[Luigi]]'s is green, [[Toad]]'s is blue, and [[Toadette]]'s is pink. This makes them resemble the colored {{iw|zeldawiki|Links}} from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords}}''.


[edit] Cameo appearances
While wearing a [[Goomba's Shoe]], Link cannot block [[Bullet Bill]]s. However, he can still use the shield whilst underwater.
Among SNES games, Link makes a cameo in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars where he is seen sleeping in a bed at an inn. Another reference to Link is in the Japanese version of the NES game Final Fantasy; in Elftown there is a grave marked "Here Lies Link". It was changed to a grave for Erdrick from Dragon Warrior when translated to English; however, this grave was changed back to Link in the Game Boy Advance version. He appears in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest and Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, with a reference to Link's collection of seashells from Link's Awakening.[35] Some of Link's weapons and items have appeared in several games, such as the Master Sword in Final Fantasy Tactics Advance[36] and Animal Crossing, and the warp whistle in Super Mario Bros. 3.


===''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''===
[[File:MK8 Link Joins The Race.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Link driving a [[Standard Kart]] on [[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]] in ''Mario Kart 8'']]
In ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', Link appears as a downloadable playable character in the [[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']] downloadable content pack. This marks his first playable appearance of any kind in the ''Super Mario'' franchise. Link is one of the lighter heavyweight racers, befitting his much taller size, and he shares his stats with [[Rosalina]], [[Donkey Kong]], [[Waluigi]], and [[Roy]]. Although this Link is the Hero of the Skies from ''{{iw|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword}}'', his proportions have been altered slightly to fit the ''Super Mario'' franchise aesthetic: he has a slightly larger head and eyes, and is left-handed as opposed to right-handed like in ''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword''.


[edit] In other media
The [[Master Cycle]], a [[bike]] based on Link's [[Master Sword]] and his horse [[zeldawiki:Epona|Epona]], appears as one of four additional vehicle bodies, along with a ''The Legend of Zelda''-themed set of [[tire]]s, the [[Triforce Tires]], and a ''The Legend of Zelda''-themed [[glider]], the [[Hylian Kite]]. A ''The Legend of Zelda''-themed course called [[Hyrule Circuit]] also appears as part of the [[Triforce Cup]]. His kart symbol is the [[zeldawiki:Royal Crest|Royal Crest]]. During his tricks, he wields the Master Sword and shows off the Triforce.
See also: Manga from The Legend of Zelda series and The Legend of Zelda (TV series)
Link, as he appeared in the Zelda TV seriesIn the Zelda animated series, Link, voiced by Jonathan Potts, was featured in a set of cartoons which aired from 1989–1990 as a part of DIC's The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!. Based loosely on the first game, the cartoons presented Link as a rude, lovesick teenager. Constantly pursuing Zelda and pursued by the fairy princess Spryte, he begged kisses from Zelda, and exclaimed "Well excuuuuuse me, Princess!" when tired with her attitude. Thirteen episodes were produced before the cancellation of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show.[37] The complete series was released on October 18, 2005.[38] A slightly altered version of this Link (and Zelda) appeared during the second season of Captain N: The Game Master.[39]


A serial comic was created for Nintendo Power magazine by acclaimed author Shotaro Ishinomori, and later collected in graphic novel form. This told an alternate version of the events from A Link to the Past. Though Link starts out a hapless, bumbling boy, he displays great courage and proves himself a determined and competent adventurer. He has a fairy companion, Epheremelda, long before this concept was introduced to the video games. This telling portrays Link's parents as Knights of Hyrule, lost to the Dark World. It includes an original character, Roam, a descendant of the Knights of Hyrule who fought in the Imprisoning War. At the end of the story, Zelda has become Queen, and Link is head of the Royal Guard and the Knights of Hyrule. This success is bittersweet, as their duties keep them apart, even though they were once close, sharing an adventure and even coming together in dreams.[14] There have been manga based on The Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, Four Swords Adventures and The Minish Cap.[40]
[[File:MK8D Bowser Link Artwork.png|thumb|upright=1.1|Artwork of Link on the Master Cycle holding a [[boomerang]] against Bowser from ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'']]
Link returns as part of the base roster in ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''. He is available from the start, and is still among the lightest heavyweight characters, sharing his statistics with Rosalina, [[King Boo]], and [[Pauline]]. The game's July 2018 update also added the Hero of the Wild from ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'', alongside the [[Master Cycle Zero]], [[Ancient Tires]], and [[Paraglider (The Legend of Zelda)|Paraglider]] parts. Upon being added, the Hero of the Wild became the default Link, while the Hero of the Skies was relegated to being an alternate character. Like the Hero of the Skies, the Hero of the Wild is left-handed despite being right-handed in his respective game; however, they also share the same voice actor.


==Appearance in Club Nintendo==
Despite sharing some of the same part colors for items that change, the two Links have some noticeable differences. In regard to the Hero of the Wild, his kart symbol is the {{iw|zeldawiki|Crest of the Sheikah}} as it appears on the {{iw|zeldawiki|Sheikah Slate}} instead of the {{iw|zeldawiki|Royal Crest}}, and he uses a {{iw|zeldawiki|Guardian Sword++}} instead of the Master Sword when performing tricks. The two variants have different horn sounds, which plays when pressing {{button|switch|l}} without any items; Link's horn is based on a sound from [[zeldawiki:Hyrule Warriors|Hyrule Warriors]] and Champion's Tunic Link's horn is based on the Sheikah Slate. Before the 2.3.0 update,<ref>{{cite|language=en|author=balladofwindfishes|date=June 24, 2023|url=www.reddit.com/r/mariokart/comments/14hdedg/comment/jpcn05t|title=The experiment was just to pick BotW Link and see if CPU tunic Link was ever picked as a CPU in vs mode|publisher=Reddit||accessdate=July 13, 2023||archive=archive.today/2023.07.13-184457/https://www.reddit.com/r/mariokart/comments/14hdedg/has_anyone_seen_two_link_cpus_at_the_same_time_in/jpcn05t}}</ref> due to being two distinct incarnations of Link, the Hero of the Skies could also appear in a race if Hero of the Wild had already been selected and vice versa, while both could appear in a race if neither had been selected as well. Additionally, as CPUs, the vehicle combinations they use are almost completely different, with the only exception being the [[Standard Kart]], [[Standard (tire)|Standard]] tires, and [[Super Glider]] combination that is shared with most CPUs.
[[Image:LinkCN.jpg|thumb|100px|Link as seen in "Mario in Mariozilla".]]
Link also made several appearances in the Mario comic series of the German [[Club Nintendo|Club Nintendo magazine]]. He debuted in "[[Super Mario: Die Bescherung]]", celebrating a Christmas party in [[Mario's House|Mario and Luigi's house]]. His role in this story is minor, though he has a brief speaking part at the end, mistrusting the realness of [[Santa Claus]].


In "[[Mario in Mariozilla]]", he is seen in the [[Empire State Building]], studying a map together with [[Dr. Light]], who lives there. Link's actual role is unknown, though it appears that he works as Light's assistant. He also comments on a "magic cap" Light gave to Mario in order to make him incognito - actually a simple paper bag pulled over his head - in the way that it "becomes" him.
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
Link is referenced in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', where a road in Queens named "Link Street" is shown in the [[Super Mario Bros. Plumbing]] commercial.


Link, alongside Kirby, was Mario's ally in the comic "[[Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens]]". During the events of this story, he lives in a [[Brooklyn]] [[Nintendo Skyscraper|skyscraper]] and fights against [[Abigor]] and his demonic fellows who plan to take over the building. He does so by making use of a magic serum which turns him and his allies into aggressive ghostbusters. In this form, he has green skin, black armor and a fire sword.
===Other appearances===
[[File:Famicom Wario's Woods commercial 05.png|thumb|Link next to [[Wario]], [[Bowser]], and [[Wart]] in a commercial for the New Famicom]]
The results screen for the {{wp|Western world|Western}}-only [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] release of ''[[harddrop:Tetris (NES, Nintendo)|Tetris]]'' features Link as part of a band composed of himself, [[Donkey Kong]], [[Samus]], [[Pit (character)|Pit]], [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Princess Peach]], and [[Bowser]].


==''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' Battles==
Link appears in [[Nintendo Monopoly]] and takes the place of Pennsylvania Avenue, costing $320.
[[Image:MeleeLink.jpg|thumb|'''Link''', as he appeared in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]]
[[Image:LinkSmash.PNG|thumb|left|Link's artwork from ''Super Smash Bros.'']]


Link has appeared in all three ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' games as a default character. In the first ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', he was the first character fought in single player mode, on [[Hyrule Castle]]. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', Link is fought in the [[Underground Maze]] in Adventure Mode. Link is fought many different times (wearing different tunics each time) as fighters search for the Triforce to end the level.
Link also appears in a commercial for the {{iw|nwiki|Family Computer|New Famicom}}, where he and [[Wario]] join several other [[Nintendo]] characters inside of the console.<ref>{{cite|author=Japancommercials4U2|date=January 23, 2009|url=youtu.be/tK4ylqIQuFw?feature=shared&t=19|title=Famicom AV JPN Commercial|timestamp=0:19|publisher=YouTube|language=ja}}</ref>
{{br}}


Link's Bomb attack is not as strong as throwing the [[Bob-omb]] item, but can still do medium damage to the opponent. His Bow and Arrows, as well as his Boomerang, are his main long range attacks. At close range, Link can use the Master Sword to attack and the Hylian Shield to defend. He uses his Hookshot as grab move, which can be attached to the stage to prevent him from falling. A younger version of Link, called [[Young Link]], is also playable in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', much in the same manner that [[Mario]] and [[Baby Mario]] often appear in the same game. Additionally, a doppelgänger of Link, known as [[Dark Link]], can be fought in the game.
===Unused appearances===
====''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''====
[[File:Beta MLSS Link.png|frame]]
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', Link was [[List of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga pre-release and unused content#Unused Cameos|meant to appear]] at [[Starbeans Cafe]] along with other non-''Mario'' character cameos. He would have given Mario and Luigi the Triforce. In the final game, all of the Nintendo cameos are replaced with [[Professor E. Gadd]], and the Triforce is replaced with the [[Great Force]].


Link was also the first character to be announced for the new game ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. Link's [[Final Smash]] is the [[Triforce Slash]]. His moveset has been altered to match his appearance from ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'', which gives him the Gale Boomerang as well as a chargable Spin Attack. Link's grab move, the Clawshot, can be used as a [[Tether Recovery]]. Link will have a new voice actor in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', ''Akira Sasanuma'', who voiced him in ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess''. Dark Link will also be in this game, as one of Link's Alternative Costumes. [[Toon Link]], the Link from ''Wind Waker'' will also appear in the game, with a similar moveset to Link's.
====''Super Mario Odyssey''====
A costume for Mario based on Link seems to have been planned for ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', but has not been implemented.<ref>{{cite|url=tcrf.net/Super_Mario_Odyssey#Unused_Costumes|title=''Super Mario Odyssey'' § Unused Costumes|publisher=The Cutting Room Floor|accessdate=April 18, 2018}}</ref>


===[[Solid Snake]] Codec Conversation===
==Portrayals==
*'''Snake''': [[Otacon]], who's the guy with the sword?
Link has been portrayed by the following people:
*'''Otacon''': That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang, and a Clawshot. He's a force to be reckoned with.
*{{wp|Jonathan Potts}} voiced Link in DiC's ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (TV Series)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' and ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]'' cartoons.<ref name=potts/>
*'''Snake''': Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around dosen't do you any good.
*{{wp|Fujiko Takimoto}} voiced Link's young "Hero of Time" incarnation. Her voice clips from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' were used in the [[Ocarina of Time]] microgame and the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.
*'''Otacon''': ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
*{{wp|Nobuyuki Hiyama}}, who later voiced [[Topper]] in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', voiced Link's adult "Hero of Time" incarnation. His voice clips from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' were used in ''Super Smash Bros.'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.
*'''Snake''': What's that supposed to mean?
*{{wp|Sachi Matsumoto}} voiced Link's "Hero of Winds" incarnation. Her voice clips from ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker'' were used in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series and ''Super Mario Maker''.
*'''Otacon''': You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
*{{iw|nwiki|Akira Sasanuma}} voiced Link's "Hero of Twilight" incarnation. His voice clips from ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' were used in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'', and ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
*'''Snake''': ...
*{{wp|Takashi Ōhara}} voiced Link's "Hero of the Sky" incarnation in ''Mario Kart 8'', reprising his role from ''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword''. The Champion's Tunic Link in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' reuses Ōhara's portrayal.
*Kengo Takanashi voiced Link's "Hero of the Wild" incarnation in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', reprising his role from ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild''.


===Special Moves===
==Profiles and statistics==
====Bow====
===''Mario Kart'' series===
[[Image:Hero's_Bow.jpg|thumb|left|'''Bow''']]
====''Mario Kart 8''====
'''Bow''' is a move used by Link and [[Toon Link]] in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. It first appeared in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', where it replaced the [[#Boomerang|Boomerang]] as Link's standard special move. The attack will be kept as one of Link's moves in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', under the name of '''Hero's Bow''' (based on ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess''). Toon Link keeps Link's old Bow move, however. Bow can be used by [[Kirby]] as well, but only if he sucks up Link or Toon Link's powers. [[Young Link]] has a similar attack, the [[Fire Bow]].
{{multiframe
|[[File:MK8 Link Emblem.png|100px]][[File:MK8 Link Car Horn Emblem.png|100px]]
|Hero of the Skies Link's emblems from ''Mario Kart 8''
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*'''Weight Class''': Heavy
*'''Stats'''
**'''Speed'''
***'''Ground''': 4.25
***'''Water''': 2.25
***'''Air''': 3.5
***'''Anti-Gravity''': 2
**'''Acceleration''': 4.75
**'''Weight''': 4.25
**'''Handling'''
***'''Ground''': 4.25
***'''Water''': 4.5
***'''Air''': 2.75
***'''Anti-Gravity''': 2.75
**'''Traction''': 2.5
**'''Mini-Turbo''': 3


Once done, Link will pull a bow and arrow out of nowhere, and start aiming. The attack can be charged up by holding the button. It will not increase the power of the move, but the arrow will be able to go farther if the move is charged. The attack can be done in mid-air as well, but it is harder to control the firing.
====''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''====
<br clear=all>
{{multiframe
====Boomerang====
|[[File:MK8D BotW Link Emblem.png|100px]]
[[Image:Link's_Boomerang_Move.jpg|thumb|'''Boomerang''']]
|Hero of the Wild Link's emblem from ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
'''Boomerang''' is a special move performed by both Link and his younger counterpart, [[Young Link]], and will be used by [[Toon Link]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', it was Link's Standard B move. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', it was replaced by the [[#Bow|Bow]] as the Standard B move and became his Side B move. It is also Young Link's Side B move in ''Melee''. In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', Link's Boomerang will be replaced by the [[#Gale Boomerang|Gale Boomerang]], but the Boomerang returns as Toon Link's side special move. In the first ''Super Smash Bros.'' only, [[Kirby]] was able to use Boomerang if he sucked up Link's abilities.
|size=100
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====Gale Boomerang====
}}
[[Image:Gale_Boomerang.jpg|thumb|left|'''Gale Boomerang''']]
*'''Weight Class''': Heavy
'''Gale Boomerang''' is one of Link's new [[Special Moves]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. It is Link's Side Special Move in the game. When used, he will toss a Boomerang at the foe. This does minor damage, but can go very far, and can be curved very slightly. Upon return, however, if someone is hit, they will get hit by a tiny tornado that comes from the Boomerang. This will slightly move the hit character towards Link. The Gale Boomerang replaced the [[#Boomerang|Boomerang]] from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. Link's entrance to a battle is spinning around on a tornado that appears to be the one from a Gale Boomerang.
*'''Stats'''
<br clear=all>
**'''Speed''': 8
====Spin Attack====
**'''Acceleration''': 1
[[Image:BrawlSpinAttack.jpg|thumb|'''Spin Attack''']]
**'''Weight''': 7
'''Spin Attack''' is an attack that can be used by Link, [[Young Link]] and [[Toon Link]] in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. It is their Up Special Move.  Link or Young Link will spin around with their swords held out, severely damaging anyone who gets hit. The attack can also be used while jumping, acting as Link and Young Link's third jump. When an opponent is hit by Young Link's ground attack, the attack will last longer. The attack returns as Link and Toon Link's Up Special Move in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', but this time, the move can be charged up for a stronger hit.
**'''Handling''': 3
<br clear=all>
**'''Traction''': 3
====Bomb====
**'''Mini-Turbo''': 2
[[Image:BrawlBomb.jpg|thumb|left|'''Bomb''']]
**'''Invincibility''': 4
'''Bomb''' is Link's, [[Toon Link|Toon Link's]] and [[Young Link|Young Link's]] Down Special Move. They will pull out a Bomb with its fuse lit. They hold the Bomb until it is thrown. Once thrown, the Bomb will either stay at the spot it was thrown to and explode a few moments later, or it will explode on impact. The former is more common in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' However, the Bomb will explode even if Link, Toon Link or Young Link are holding it. Additionally, the two will be unable to pick up items while holding the Bomb. Young Link and Toon Link can not throw their Bombs as far, and it does not do as much damage, but he is able to run away from the explosion quicker. Toon Link's blast radius, however, is twice as big as Link's blast radius, and the Bomb's are harder to see. When using this bomb however, the player must be careful not to get caught in the blast.
Link shares identical stats with [[Rosalina]], [[King Boo]], and [[Pauline]].


Although the Bombs do decent damage, their knockback is minor compared to the [[Bob-omb]] item.
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
<br clear=all>
====''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''====
====Final Smash: Triforce Slash====
[[File:SSB64 Link.gif|thumb|Link in ''Super Smash Bros.'']]
{{LLquote|Is he using the Triforce to slash enemies? Or is it the Triforce doing the slashing? You don’t have time to ponder such questions, as Link has just grabbed a Smash Ball.|[[Masahiro Sakurai]]|[http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/link.html#3rd Smash Bros. DOJO!!]}}
*'''Bio''': ''Link is the valiant boy hero of "The Legend of Zelda" series in which he fights against the evil Ganon to recover the Triforce. Though his tools may change with each adventure, his strength and righteousness remain constant. With his trusty sword and a variety of weapons, he takes adventure head on!''
[[Image:TriforceSlash2.jpg|thumb|'''Triforce Slash''']]
The '''Triforce Slash''' is Link's and [[Toon Link|Toon Link's]] [[Final Smash]] move in the game ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. Once the [[Smash Ball]] is collected, the Triforce on Link's hand starts to glow. He will then use a Triforce to trap another player. He will then slash away furiously, severely injuring the player. The final blow is the strongest, and has a high chance of KO'ing an opponent. However, an opponent can survive, if he/she is lucky enough to land on solid ground. This attack is easily done in midair as well. [[Toon Link]]'s Final Smash is a slightly modified version of this move, as well.
=====Attack Origin=====
In ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, every Link gets a Triforce on the back of his left hand, except for in the [[Wii]] version of ''[[Wikipedia:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]'' where he has it on the back of his right hand. Sakurai mentions that for this Final Smash, Link releases the Triforce he has in his hand and traps his opponents inside of it. This move hasn't been seen in any Zelda game, however Puppet Zelda in ''Twilight Princess'' used the Triforce as an attack similar to this.
=====Differences=====
*When Link hits with the Master Sword, it makes a slash sound, but when Toon Link swipes with his sword, it makes a 'slosh' sound.
*Link can shoot from far away, and the Triforce will make contact, but with Toon Link, the player has to be right next to him.
*The Triforce does not hurt foes when they are in the Triforce Slash target's launching range when Link fires, but when Toon Link fires, it does 10% damage.
*Toon Link's triforce is smaller in appearance.
*Link's Triforce is a light gold, while Toon Link's is a bit darker.
<br clear=all>


===Role in the [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl#Story|Subspace Emissary]]===
====''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''====
[[Image:Subspace_link.PNG|thumb|left|Link's snapshot in The Subspace Emissary.]]
*'''Bio:''' ''A sword-wielding hero who also boasts long-range attacks.''
Link and [[Navi]] walk through a forest. There he finds the Master Sword. Taking the Master Sword in hand in a forest, Link meets up with [[Yoshi]], forming an alliance. They later meet [[Mario]] and [[Pit]], though under circumstances where Mario/Link defeats an evil copy of [[Zelda]]/[[Peach]], leading to a fight. The two groups come to an understanding (and [[Kirby]] joins up as well) and unite as they see [[King Dedede]] driving off with [[Ness]], [[Luigi]], and the captured Princess.
{{SSBM trophy
|name=Link (Classic)
|image=[[File:trophy7.png|100px]]
|game=The Legend of Zelda<br>07/87
|unlock=Clear [[smashwiki:Classic Mode (SSBM)|Classic Mode]] as Link
|desc=Even in his youth, Link was already becoming the warrior who would carry the destiny of Hyrule (and many other lands) on his shoulders. His epic struggles against the forces of darkness are written in legend, and he is bound to the Princess Zelda and the archfiend Ganondorf by the awesome power of the Triforce.
}}
{{SSBM trophy
|name=Link [Smash]<br>(Adventure)
|image=[[File:trophy8.png|100px]]
|game={{button|gcn|B}}: Bow<br>Smash {{button|gcn|B}}: Boomerang
|unlock=Clear [[smashwiki:Adventure Mode (SSBM)|Adventure Mode]] as Link
|desc=Burdened with a shield, a heavy sword, and plenty of equipment, Link is not a very mobile character. Nevertheless, he's skilled with the blade, and his varied supply of missile weapons makes him a powerful fighter. To master Link, you must control the pace by balancing your long-range attacks with head-to-head swordplay.
}}
{{SSBM trophy
|name=Link [Smash]<br>(All-Star)
|image=[[File:trophy9.png|100px]]
|game=Up & {{button|gcn|B}}: Spin Attack<br>Down & {{button|gcn|B}}: Bomb
|unlock=Clear [[smashwiki:All-Star Mode|All-Star Mode]] as Link
|desc=Link's Bow, Boomerang, and Bombs all take time to wield, so you may want to try drawing them in mid-air to prevent your foes from attacking you while you're vulnerable. The Spin Attack can score consecutive mid-air hits, and the final slash is very powerful. Link's Bombs are his trump card, but he can't pull one out if he's carrying another item.
}}


They come to Dedede's base, only to find that [[Bowser]] beat them to it, taking the Princess off in his [[Koopa Clown Car]]. The team grows in size as they meet with [[Ike]], [[Marth]], [[Lucas]], the [[Pokémon Trainer]], and the [[Ice Climbers]]. The remaining heroes join them as they enter Subspace. Link is among the many that falls to [[Tabuu]]'s [[Off Waves]], only to be revived by Kirby. He and Zelda come across [[Ganondorf]]'s trophy and revive him, forming a temporary alliance as everyone teams up to defeat Tabuu.
====''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''====
*'''Instruction booklet''': ''A warrior from distant Hyrule. His sword and projectiles make him a versatile fighter.''{{page needed}}
*'''Website''': ''The hero of The Legend of Zelda series.''<br>
:''The design of this particular Link comes from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.''<br>
:''Link wields the Master Sword and a diverse arsenal of equipment.'''<br>
:''Use all of his weapons to adapt to the ebb and flow of battle.''<br>
{{SSBB trophy
|name=Link
|image=[[File:BrawlTrophy005.png|100px]]
|appears_in='''NES''' The Legend of Zelda <br> '''WII''' The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
|unlock=Clear [[smashwiki:Classic Mode (SSBB)|Classic Mode]] as Link
|desc=A young man who emerged to rescue Hyrule from peril. He's the bearer of the Triforce of Courage who fights to keep Ganondorf from conquering the world. His green outfit is a constant throughout the series. He's a skilled swordsman, horseman, and archer. He's also proficient with bombs and boomerangs.
}}
{{SSBB sticker
|name=[[zeldawiki:Epona|Epona]] & Link
|image=[[File:Epona Link Sticker.png|120px]]
|game=''Zelda: Ocarina of Time''
|effect=[Arm, Leg] - Attack +9
|usable_by=[[smashwiki:Link (SSBB)|Link]], [[smashwiki:Zelda (SSBB)|Zelda]], [[smashwiki:Ganondorf (SSBB)|Ganondorf]], [[smashwiki:Toon Link (SSBB)|Toon Link]]  
}}
{{SSBB sticker
|name=Link
|image=[[File:Link Legend of Zelda Sticker.png|120px]]
|game=''The Legend of Zelda''
|effect=['''Specials:''' Indirect] - Attack +17
}}
{{SSBB sticker
|name=Link
|image=[[File:Link Link to the Past Sticker.png|120px]]
|game=''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|Zelda: Link to the Past]]''
|effect=[Electric] - Resistance +31
|usable_by=Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link
}}
{{SSBB sticker
|name=Link
|image=[[File:Link TP Sticker.png|120px]]
|game=''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Zelda: Twilight Princess]]''
|effect=[Slash] - Resistance +27
|usable_by=Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link
}}
*'''Snake's codec'''
**'''[[smashwiki:Snake (SSBB)|Snake]]''': [[Smash Taunt#Otacon|Otacon]], who's the guy with the sword?
**'''Otacon''': That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang, and a Clawshot. He's a force to be reckoned with.
**'''Snake''': Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around doesn't do you any good.
**'''Otacon''': ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
**'''Snake''': What's that supposed to mean?
**'''Otacon''': You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
**'''Snake''': ...


==Official Profiles and Statistics==
====''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]''====
===Profile Information from ''Super Smash Bros.''===
{{SSB4 trophy
''Link is the valiant boy hero of "The Legend of Zelda" series in which he fights against the evil Ganon to recover the Triforce. Though his tools may change with each adventure, his strengh and righteousness remain constant. With his trusty sword and a variety of weapons, he takes adventure head on!''
|name=Link
|image='''3DS:'''<br>[[File:LinkTrophy3DS.png|100px]]<br>'''Wii U:'''<br>[[File:SSB4TrophyLink.png|100px]]
|games=Both
|category=Fighter
|appears_in='''NES''' The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)<br>'''SNES''' The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)
|trophy_box=24: Twilight Princess
|unlock=Clear [[smashwiki:Classic Mode (SSB4)|Classic Mode]] as Link
|desc=Green clothes? Pointy hat? Yep, it's Link, all right! In this game, his sword and shield make for effective attacking and blocking, and his bow, bombs, and boomerang will spice up any battle. He's even brought his Clawshot for grabbing enemies and edges. Jeez, just how much stuff can Link carry?
|desc2=Green clothes? Pointy hat? Yep, it's Link, all right! In this game, his sword and shield make for effective attacking and blocking, and his bow, bombs, and boomerang will spice up any battle. He's even brought his Clawshot for grabbing enemies and edges. The hero of Hyrule is really kitted out for a brawl!
}}
{{SSB4 trophy
|name=Link (Alt.)
|image='''3DS:'''<br>[[File:LinkTrophyAllStar3DS.png|100px]]<br>'''Wii U:'''<br>[[File:Link(alt)TrophyWiiU.png|100px]]
|games=Both
|category=Figther
|appears_in='''NES''' The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)<br>'''SNES''' The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)
|trophy_box=-
|unlock=
|desc=If Link was on a desert island and could only pick one item, it'd be his powerful sword. This weapon is key to his down-air attack, a move with great launching potential and the ability to strike twice. He can also strike twice his his side smash—the second blow deals more damage and launches harder.
|desc2=Of all of his weapons, Link's sword may be the most lethal. His down air attack has incredible launching power. What's more, he'll bounce up afterwards, allowing for a follow-up strike. His side smash can also be followed up with a more powerful second blow that sends foes flying - just press the button again straight away.
}}
{{SSB4 trophy
|name=Adult Link (Ocarina of Time)
|image=[[File:LinkOOTTrophy3DS.png|100px]]
|games=''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' only
|category=Series Related
|unlock=Random
|desc=The children from Kokiri Forest never seem to grow into adults. Just a young boy, Link is entrusted with a quest by the Great Deku Tree. He leaves the forest and eventually finds the Master Sword in the Temple of Time. When he awakes, he is seven years in the future and an adult!
|desc2=Link was once a carefree lad living with the Kokiri in Kokiri Forest, but one day, the Great Deku Tree entrusted him with an important task and he had to leave. His quest led him to find the Master Sword, and when he took it, seven years passed in the blink of an eye. Before he knew it, Link had grown into a young man!
}}
{{SSB4 trophy
|name=Triforce Slash (Link)
|image=[[File:TriforceSlashTrophyWiiU.png|100px]]
|games=''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' only
|category=Final Smashes
|appears_in=-
|trophy_box=91: Final Smashes 2
|unlock=Clear All-Star Mode as Link
|desc=Link makes use of the Triforce of Courage to trap foes, and then he launches a 16-blow combo. The final, mighty blow has the power to launch opponents off the stage. When Link prepares the attack, the ray of light he emits must strike a rival, or the attack will fail. Shielding will do nothing to stop this powerful attack.
|desc2=Link traps a foe in mid-air with the power of the Triforce of Courage, then delivers a 16-strike sword combo. The final strike has formidable launching power. If the ray of light at the start of the attack doesn't hit, the whole thing ends there. Helpfully, though, the ray of light's range and speed are incredible, and shields won't block it.
}}
*'''Palutena's Guidance:'''
**'''[[smashwiki:Pit (SSB4)|Pit]]''': Of all the fighters, Link is the one I most want to take down!
**'''Palutena''': Oh? Why's that?
**'''Pit''': We were born around the same time, and we both use a bow. He's totally ripping off my style.
**'''Viridi''': Puh-lease! Comparing Link to you is like comparing a star to a campfire.
**'''Pit''': What?!
**'''Viridi''': Just look at those chiseled features! His cheekbones could seriously cut glass.
**'''Pit''': Uh, earth to Viridi!
**'''Viridi''': Oh, I'm only kidding. The goddess of nature would never be interested in some hairless monkey!
**'''Palutena''': Oh, humans aren't all that bad. I could introduce you to him, if you'd like.
**'''Viridi''': Hmph. If you insist.
**'''Palutena''': Back to the fight at hand. Pit, you can reflect Link's projectile attacks using your Guardian Orbitars.
**'''Viridi''': Just watch out for his dreamy Clawshot!
*'''amiibo:''' ''Link is the main character in The Legend of Zelda games. A young boy living in Hyrule, Link is often given the task of rescuing Princess Zelda and Hyrule from the Gerudo thief Ganondorf. Humble to the end, Link is known not merely as a hero but as a symbol of courage, strength and wisdom as well.''


===Trophy Information===
====''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''====
====''Super Smash Bros. Melee''====
*'''Snake's codec:'''
{| class=sortable align=center width=100% cellspacing=0 border=1 cellpadding=3 style="border-collapse:collapse; font-family:Arial;"
*:(NOTE: Due to the changes to Link's grab, Otacon's mention of the Clawshot was removed.)
**'''Snake''': Otacon, who's the guy with the sword?
**'''Otacon''': That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang... He's a force to be reckoned with.
**'''Snake''': Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around doesn't do you any good.
**'''Otacon''': ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
**'''Snake''': What's that supposed to mean?
**'''Otacon''': You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
**'''Snake''': ...
*'''Palutena's Guidance:'''
**'''Pit''': I can't put my finger on it, but Link seems...different somehow.
**'''Palutena''': Well, this Link is technically a different person from the Link you fought before. This incarnation is known as the Hero of the Wild. He was once Hyrule's Champion, but he fell into a 100-year slumber after using all his strength to fight the Calamity.
**'''Pit''': 100 years might not be a long time to a goddess like you, Lady Palutena, but that's more than enough time for an entire world to change.
**'''Palutena''': You're right, Pit. When Link woke from the slumber of restoration, not only was his world unrecognizable, he also lost his memory.
**'''Pit''': I can't even imagine what that would be like. Lady Palutena, isn't there something the gods can do to help him restore his memory?
**'''Palutena''': Meddling in the affairs of another world is never a good idea. Although I do like Link, and his swordsmanship is quite impressive. The Master Sword, also known as the sword that seals the darkness, reveals its true strength in the presence of the Calamity.
**'''Pit''': Cool! Does that mean it's OP against Ganondorf?
**'''Palutena''': No, Ganondorf is from a different game. You should really do more research before you jump into a fight. If you expect to win, you need to know your opponent's backstory and abilities. Link has a lot of different weapons at his disposal.
*'''Super Smash Blog bio:''' "''Link has been redesigned to match his appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. He can now pick up arrows he's fired, and his bombs have been upgraded to remote bombs, so you can set them off when the timing is just right!''"
=====Spirits=====
{{Spirit
|no=93
|name=[[Master Cycle]]
|image=[[File:SSBU Master Cycle Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''Mario Kart'' Series
|type=[[smashwiki:Primary spirit|Primary]]
|slots=2
|class=Legend
|effects='''{{color|limegreen|Grab}}'''<br>Speed ↑
|obtain=Summoned with a Mach Rider, City Tripper, Excitebike, and {{color|red|attack}}-type core
}}
{{Spirit
|no=172
|name=Link
|image=[[File:SSBU Link Spirit.png|x100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=[[smashwiki:Fighter spirit|Fighter]]
|obtain=Classic Mode as Link
}}
{{Spirit
|no=178
|name=Link (''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'')
|image=[[File:SSBU Link (The Legend of Zelda) Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Primary
|slots=3
|class=Legend
|effects='''Neutral'''<br>Sword Attack ↑
|obtain=[[smashwiki:Adventure Mode: World of Light|World of Light]] ([[smashwiki:Mysterious Dimension|Mysterious Dimension]]); [[smashwiki:Spirit Board|Spirit Board]]
|opponents=Young Link
|conditions=<nowiki/>
*The enemy's melee weapons have increased power
*The enemy's FS Meter charges quickly
*The enemy has increased attack power
|stage=[[smashwiki:Find Mii|Find Mii]]
|song=Overworld Theme - The Legend of Zelda
}}
{{Spirit
|no=196
|name=[[zeldawiki:Epona|Epona]]
|image=[[File:SSBU Epona Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=[[smashwiki:Support spirit|Support]]
|slots=1
|class=Ace
|effects=Undamaged Attack & Speed ↑
|obtain=Summoned with a Rapidash and Malon core
}}
{{Spirit
|no=217
|name=[[zeldawiki:Ricky|Ricky]]
|image=[[File:SSBU Ricky Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Support
|slots=1
|class=Novice
|effects=Fist Attack ↑
|obtain=World of Light ([[smashwiki:The Light Realm|The Light Realm]]); Spirit Board
|opponents=[[smashwiki:Little Mac (SSBU)|Little Mac]]
|conditions=<nowiki/>
*The enemy loves to jump
*The enemy has increased jump power
|stage=[[smashwiki:Bridge of Eldin|Bridge of Eldin]] ([[smashwiki:Battlefield form|Battlefield]])
|song=Tal Tal Heights
}}
{{Spirit
|no=218
|name=[[zeldawiki:Dimitri|Dimitri (''The Legend of Zelda'')]]{{footnote|main|1}}
|image=[[File:SSBU Dimitri Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Support
|slots=1
|class=Novice
|effects=Swimmer
|obtain=Spirit Board
|opponents=[[Yoshi]], Young Link
|conditions=<nowiki/>
*The enemy favors neutral specials
|stage=[[smashwiki:Great Bay|Great Bay]]
|song=Tal Tal Heights
}}
{{Spirit
|no=219
|name=[[zeldawiki:Moosh|Moosh]]
|image=[[File:SSBU Moosh Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Support
|slots=2
|class=Novice
|effects=Instadrop
|obtain=World of Light ([[smashwiki:Forest Hill|Forest Hill]]); Spirit Board
|opponents=[[Bowser]]
|conditions=<nowiki/>
*The enemy favors down specials
|stage=[[Garden of Hope]] (Battlefield)
|song=Tal Tal Heights
}}
{{Spirit
|no=223
|name=[[zeldawiki:Wolf Link|Wolf Link]] & [[zeldawiki:Midna|Midna]]
|image=[[File:SSBU Wolf Link & Midna Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Primary
|slots=3
|class=Legend
|effects='''{{color|limegreen|Grab}}'''<br>Dash Attack ↑
|obtain=Enhanced from Midna
}}
{{Spirit
|no=231
|name=[[zeldawiki:Loftwing|Loftwing]]
|image=[[File:SSBU Loftwing Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Support
|slots=1
|class=Novice
|effects=Landing Lag ↓
|obtain=Spirit Board
|opponents=Giant [[smashwiki:Falco (SSBU)|Falco]]
|conditions='''Hazard:''' Heavy Wind
*Dangerously high winds are in effect
*The enemy is giant
|stage=[[Skyloft]] (Battlefield)
|song=Ballad of the Goddess ''(original)''
}}
{{Spirit
|no=233
|name=[[zeldawiki:Wall Merging|Wall-Merged]] Link
|image=[[File:SSBU Wall-Merged Link Spirit.png|x100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Primary
|slots=3
|class=Advanced
|effects='''Neutral'''<br>Can be enhanced to Link (''A Link Between Worlds'') at Lv. 99
|obtain=World of Light ([[smashwiki:Sacred Land|Sacred Land]]); Spirit Board
|opponents=[[Mr. Game & Watch]], Young Link
|conditions=<nowiki/>
*Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd
|stage=[[Flat Zone X]]
|song=Lorule Main Theme
}}
{{Spirit
|no=234
|name=Link (''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|A Link Between Worlds]]'')
|image=[[File:SSBU Link (A Link Between Worlds) Spirit.png|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Primary
|slots=3
|class=Ace
|effects='''Neutral'''<br>Weapon Attack ↑
|obtain=Enhanced from Wall-Merged Link
}}
{{Spirit
|no=1322
|name=Link (''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Nintendo Switch)|Link's Awakening]]''){{footnote|main|2}}
|image=[[File:SSBU Link (Link's Awakening) Spirit.jpg|100px]]
|series=''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|type=Primary
|slots=3
|class=Ace
|effects='''Neutral'''<br>Water Weakness
|obtain=Spirit Board (ver. 4.0.0 or later)
|opponents=Toon Link
|conditions='''Rule:''' [[Assist Trophy]] Enemies ''([[Chain Chomp]])''
*Hostile assist trophies will appear
|stage=[[smashwiki:Tortimer Island|Tortimer Island]]
|song=Tal Tal Heights
}}
{{footnote|note|1|Originally named "Dimitri" prior to Challenger Pack 5}}
{{footnote|note|2|Originally exclusive to the "Return to Koholint" event that ran from June 14, 2019 to June 18, 2019}}
 
===''Super Mario Maker 2''===
*'''[[Play Nintendo]]:''' "''Transforming into Link using the Master Sword opens up a whole new world of design possibilities for creators. Using his arrows, Link can shoot far off switches that Mario would normally not be able to hit. His new down thrust move with the sword will defeat usually protected enemies like spike-covered Spinies. And with bombs, some walls that would normally be impassable by Mario and friends can easily be blown up.''"<ref>{{cite|url=play.nintendo.com/news-tips/news/super-mario-maker-2-free-dlc-updates-ver-2-0|title=Super Mario Maker 2 Free DLC Updates Ver. 2.0.0|language=en-us|publisher=Play Nintendo|accessdate=June 4, 2024}}</ref>
 
==Audio samples==
{{media table
|file1=Link voice sample SSBM.oga
|title1=''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''
|description1=Link performing his Spin Attack. ([[Nobuyuki Hiyama]], 2001; reused from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' and ''Super Smash Bros.'')
|file2=Link voice sample SSBB.oga
|title2=''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''
|description2=Link performing his Spin Attack. (Akira Sasanuma, 2008; reused from ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'')
|file3=SSBB Toon Link.oga
|title3=''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''
|description3=Toon Link performing his up smash. (Sachi Matsumoto, 2008)
|file4=Link voice sample MK8.oga
|title4=''[[Mario Kart 8]]''
|description4=When selected. (Takashi Ōhara, 2014)
|file5=Link voice sample SSBU.oga
|title5=''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
|description5=Link performing his Spin Attack. (Kengo Takanashi, 2018)
|file6=Young Link voice sample.oga
|title6=''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
|description6=Young Link performing his Spin Attack. (Fujiko Takimoto, 2018; reused from ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'')
}}
 
==List of ''Super Mario'' appearances==
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
|-
!width=40%|Title
!width=20%|Description
!width=20%|Year
!width=20%|System/format
|-
|''[[Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up]]''
|Cameo on Chef/Waitress and Travel Guide pages
|1992
|MS-DOS
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''
|One of [[Cranky Kong]]'s Video Game Heroes
|1995
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''
|Cameo in [[Rose Town]] Inn
|1996
|Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Land 2]]''
|One of the Video Game Heroes
|1996
|[[Game Boy]]
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''
|Playable character
|1999
|[[Nintendo 64]]
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''
|Playable character(s)
|2001
|[[Nintendo GameCube]]
|-
|''[[Game & Watch Gallery 4]]'' 
|Playable in port of ''Zelda''
|2002
|[[Game Boy Advance]]
|-
|''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]''
|Cameo in microgame
|2003
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!]]''
|Cameo in microgame
|2003
|Nintendo GameCube
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country 2]]'' (GBA remake)
|One of Cranky Kong's Video Game Heroes
|2004
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''
|Playable character(s)
|2008
|[[Wii]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario 3D World]]''
|Cameo in [[Rainbow Run (level)|Rainbow Run]]
|2013
|[[Wii U]]
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''
|Playable character(s)
|2014
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|-
|''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' ([[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']])
|Downloadable playable character
|2014
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''
|Playable character(s)
|2014
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Super Mario Maker]]''
|[[amiibo]] costumes
|2015
|Wii U
|-
|-
! width="1%" |#
|''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''
! width="13%" |Name
|Playable character
! width="15%" |Image
|2017
! width="21%" |First Game / Move
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
! width="50%" |Description
|-
|-
| align=center | 7
|''[[WarioWare Gold]]''
| align=center | Link<br>(Classic)
|Cameo in microgame
| [[Image: trophy7.PNG|center]]
|2018
| align=center | The Legend of Zelda<br>07/87
|Nintendo 3DS
| Even in his youth, Link was already becoming the warrior who would carry the destiny of Hyrule (and many other lands) on his shoulders. His epic struggles against the forces of darkness are written in legend, and he is bound to the Princess Zelda and the archfiend Ganondorf by the awesome power of the Triforce.
|-
|-
| align=center | 8
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
| align=center | Link [Smash]<br>(Adventure)
|Playable character(s)
| [[Image: trophy8.PNG|center]]
|2018
| align=center | B: Bow<br>Smash B: Boomerang
|Nintendo Switch
| Burdened with a shield, a heavy sword, and plenty of equipment, Link is not a very mobile character. Nevertheless, he's skilled with the blade, and his varied supply of missile weapons makes him a powerful fighter. To master Link, you must control the pace by balancing your long-range attacks with head-to-head swordplay.
|-
|-
| align=center | 9
|''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'' (version 2.0)
| align=center | Link [Smash]<br>(All-Star)
|Playable character via [[Master Sword]] power-up
| [[Image: trophy9.PNG|center]]
|2019
| align=center | Up & B: Spin Attack<br>Down & B: Bomb
|Nintendo Switch
| Link's Bow, Boomerang, and Bombs all take time to wield, so you may want to try drawing them in midair to prevent your foes from attacking you while you're vulnerable. The Spin Attack can score consecutive midair hits, and the final slash is very powerful. Link's Bombs are his trump card, but he can't pull one out if he's carrying another item.
|}
====''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''====
{| class=sortable align=center width=100% cellspacing=0 border=1 cellpadding=3 style="border-collapse:collapse; font-family:Arial;"
|-
|-
! width="1%" |#
|''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]''
! width="13%" |Name
|Cameo in Rainbow Run
! width="15%" |Image
|2021
! width="21%" |Apperance(s)
|Nintendo Switch
! width="50%" |Description
|-
|-
| align=center | 5
|''[[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]''
| align=center | Link
|Cameo in microgame
| [[Image:TrLink.jpg|100px|center]]
|2021
| align=center | '''NES''' The Legend of Zelda <br> '''WII''' The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
|Nintendo Switch
| align=center | A young man who emerged to rescue Hyrule from peril. He's the bearer of the Triforce of Courage who fights to keep Ganondorf from conquering the world. His green outfit is a constant throughout the series. He's a skilled swordsman, horseman, and archer. He's also proficient with bombs and boomerangs.
|-
|-
| align=center | 6
|''[[Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)|Super Mario RPG]]''
| align=center | [[Triforce Slash]]  
|Cameo in Rose Town Inn
| [[Image:TrTriforce slash link.jpg|100px|center]]
|2023
| align=center |'''WII''' [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]
|Nintendo Switch
| align=center | Link with a Smash Ball, releasing his ultimate attack. Light flares from the Triforce symbol on the back of his hand and rushes out to meet the enemy he faces. The enemy gets trapped within the glittering Triforce, is quickly cut to shreds, and is launched by the last strike. The attack works on one enemy at a time, so it's best to go after the character in first place.
|-
|-
| align=center | 338
|''[[Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition]]''
| align=center | Wolf Link
|Playable character
| [[Image:Wolf linktrophy.jpg|100px|center]]
|2024
| align=center | '''WII''' The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
|Nintendo Switch
| align=center | Link's alternate form in the Twilight Realm. In this form, he cannot use weapons such as swords or shields, but he can attack with a ferocious wolf bite. He also has a number of unique skills inherent to his beast form, such as a keen sense of smell, the ability to dig, and a loud wolf howl.
|}
|}


==Trivia==
==Gallery==
*Link's name appears on the scorechart of ''[[Mario Golf (N64)|Mario Golf]]'' for the Nintendo 64.
{{main-gallery}}
*Link, along with many other non-''Mario'' Nintendo characters, was meant to appear in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', at the [[Starbeans Cafe]]. He would try one of the drinks that Mario and Luigi got and reward them with an item called "Triforce". He was replaced by [[E. Gadd]] in the final version, although his Triforce reward (albeit redesigned) survived as the professor's [[Great Force]] invention.
<gallery>
*Link appears in [[Toys#Nintendo_Monopoly|Nintendo Monopoly]]. He takes the place of Pennsylvania Avenue, and costs $320.
Link DKC2 sprite.png|''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''
*In ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]'', a baby that looks very similar to Link is seen; this baby has pointy ears and yellow hair. He was kidnapped by [[Kamek]], however, he turned out to not be a [[Star Child]].
SMRPG Link.png|''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''
*The [[Ghosts of Christmas#Ghost of Present|Ghost of Present]] in the Club Nintendo comic "[[Warios Weihnachtsmärchen]]" resembles Link.
SSBU Master Cycle Spirit.png|''[[Mario Kart 8]]''
*In the Club Nintendo comic "[[Super Mario: Die Verwandlung]]", Dr. Light constantly mistakes Mario for Link. One of these confusions also implies that Link has undergone an esthetic surgery by Light.
SMM Link.png|''[[Super Mario Maker]]''
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Art - Link.png|''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''
</gallery>
 
==Names in other languages==
===Link===
{{foreign names
|Jpn=リンク
|JpnR=Rinku
|JpnM=Transliteration of international name
|Spa=Link
|SpaC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bcmfgJAQrw Super Mario Brothers Super Show in Spanish / En Español- ¡El pájaro! ¡El pájaro! - Episode 1]</ref>
|Swe=Link
|SweC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvc9Xr5qBNY SMBSS: The Legend of Zelda - Episode 1 - Swedish (VHS dubb)]</ref>
|Fre=Link
|FreC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZGeoGq29qA The Legend of Zelda - French Intro]</ref>
|Dan=Link
|DanC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_2pGCgdLzM Legenden om Zelda - EP1 og EP2 (Dansk tale - 1989)]</ref>
|Dut=Link
|Ger=Link
|GerC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQkLwIa69jc The Legend of Zelda - German Intro]</ref>
|Ita=Link
|Por=Link
|PorC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvEIqwFjKTE&list=PLz-D1VRRcnVB7EU8UzrjyPXAoaqkIvAX4&index=1 The Legend of Zelda - Em Busca da Pirâmide (Dublado)]</ref>
|Rus=Линк
|RusR=Link
|RusM=Transliteration of international name
|Kor=링크
|KorR=Ringkeu
|KorM=Transliteration of international name
|Chi=林克
|ChiR=Línkè
|ChiM=Transliteration of international name
|ChiC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph_XOr4BYCc 超级马里奥兄弟- Super Mario Brothers Super Show - 鸟!鸟! | Learn Chinese | Cartoons in Mandarin]</ref>
|Fin=Link
|FinC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvDbn5X9WOU Super Mario Bros 1 VHS (Suomi)]</ref>
|Gre=Λίνκ
|GreR=Link
|GreM=Transliteration of international name
}}
 
===Dark Link===
{{foreign names
|Jpn=ダークリンク
|JpnR=Dāku Rinku
|JpnM=Dark Link
|Spa=Link Oscuro
|SpaM=Dark Link
|Fre=Link Noir
|FreM=Black Link
|Ger=Schatten-Link
|GerM=Shadow Link
|Ita=Link Ombra
|ItaM=Shadow Link
|Rus=Дарк Линк
|RusR=Dark Link
|RusM=Dark Link
|Chi=暗黑林克
|ChiR=Ànhēi Línkè
|ChiM=Dark Link
}}
 
===Young Link===
{{foreign names
|Jpn=こどもリンク
|JpnR=Kodomo Rinku
|JpnM=Child Link. His name is still announced as "Young Link" in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' and ''Ultimate'' when set to Japanese.
|Chi=年幼林克
|ChiR=Niányòu Línkè
|ChiM=Young Link
|Dut=Jonge Link
|DutM=Young Link
|FreA=Link Enfant
|FreAM=Child Link
|FreE=Link (Jeune)
|FreEM=Link (Young)
|Ger=Junger Link
|GerM=Young Link
|Ita=Link giovane<br>Link bambino
|ItaM=Young Link<br>Child Link
|Kor=소년 링크
|KorR=Sonyeon Ringkeu
|Rus=Юный Линк
|RusR=Yunyy Link
|Spa=Link niño
|SpaM=Kid Link
}}
 
===Toon Link===
{{foreign names
|Jpn=トゥーンリンク
|JpnR=Tūn Rinku
|JpnM=Toon Link
|Spa=Toon Link
|Fre=Link Cartoon
|FreM=Cartoon Link
|Dut=Toon Link
|Ger=Toon-Link
|GerM=Toon Link
|Ita=Link cartone
|ItaM=Cartoon Link
|Por=Link Cartoon
|PorM=Cartoon Link
|Rus=Мульт-Линк
|RusR=Mult-Link
|RusM=Cartoon Link
|Kor=툰 링크
|KorR=Tun Ringkeu
|KorM=Toon Link
|Chi=卡通林克
|ChiR=Kǎtōng Línkè
|ChiM=Cartoon Link
}}
 
==Notes==
*According to an interview in 2009, [[Charles Martinet]], Mario's previous voice actor, told [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] that he wanted to voice Link in ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]'', though Miyamoto told him that he would remain without a speaking voice. In the final game, his grunts and yells were portrayed by [[Nobuyuki Hiyama]].<ref>{{cite|date=November 15, 2009|author=rawmeatcowboy|url=gonintendo.com/?p=104332|publisher=Go Nintendo|title=Charles Martinet told Miyamoto that he wanted to voice Link, doesn't believe Nintendo has competition|accessdate=June 4, 2024|language=en}}</ref>
*In an interview, [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] described the Wind Waker version of Link as "Cat-eyed Link".<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20110510003303/http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=157335|title=Miyamoto comments on 'Toon Link', knows many people don't like the style|author=Rawmeatcowboy|date=May 4, 2011|publisher=GoNintendo|accessdate=June 22, 2024}}</ref>
**[[Solid Snake]] also describes this Link as having cat eyes during his [[Smash Taunt#Snake's codec conversations|codec conversation]].
</div>{{br}}
 
==External links==
{{NIWA|ZeldaWiki=1|SmashWiki=1}}
*[https://zeldadungeon.net/wiki/Link Link on Zelda Dungeon Wiki]
*[https://triforcewiki.com/wiki/Link Link on Triforce Wiki]


{{Magic}}
==References==
{{otherseries}}
<references/>
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[[de:Link]]
[[it:Link]]

Latest revision as of 19:38, February 6, 2025

Link
Link's Tunic of the Wild variant in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Artwork from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Species Hylian
First appearance The Legend of Zelda (1986, The Legend of Zelda series)
The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! - "Neatness Counts" (1989, Super Mario franchise)
Latest appearance The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024, The Legend of Zelda series)
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (2024, Super Mario-related media)
Latest portrayal See portrayal list

Link is a character from The Legend of Zelda series, where he is the main protagonist, usually having to protect Hyrule from forces of evil, especially his arch-nemesis, Ganon. Link has often made cameo appearances in the Super Mario franchise, but he sometimes has a playable role, like in Mario Kart 8, its port, and Super Mario Maker 2.

History[edit]

Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up[edit]

Link as a travel guide.
Link as a traveling guide

Link's first appearance in the Super Mario franchise is the coloring game Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up. Link is depicted on the "Chef" page, waiting for Mario's pasta dish,[1] and on the "Travel Guide," running a traveling agency.[2]

Club Nintendo[edit]

Link
Link as seen in the Club Nintendo comic "Mario in Mariozilla"

Link, based on his The Legend of Zelda iteration, appears in various Club Nintendo comics with characters of the Super Mario franchise and other media.

Link is amongst the characters celebrating Christmas at the Mario Bros.' House in "Super Mario: Die Bescherung." He only speaks in one panel, doubting the realness of Santa Claus.[3]

In "Super Mario: Die Verwandlung", Dr. Light mistakes Mario for Link since he did cosmetic surgery on the latter.[4]

In "Warios Weihnachtsmärchen", a parody of A Christmas Carol, Link has the role of Ghost of Present,[5] and he takes Wario to see those whom he had upset earlier.[6]

In "Mario in Mariozilla", he is seen in the Empire State Building, studying a map together with Dr. Light, who lives there.[7] Link has a small role, but he does think that Dr. Light's "magic cap," which is actually a paper bag, is an improved disguise for Mario to confront Kamek.[8]

Link is one of the inhabitants of the Wolkenkratzer in "Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens." He and his two allies, Mario and Kirby, use a spell to transform themselves into powerful creatures to stop Abigor from taking over the Wolkenkratzer.[9]

DiC cartoons[edit]

The Legend of Zelda[edit]

Link is the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda television series, which premiered on Fridays within the The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! programming block,[10] though it would be syndicated with a live-action segment of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!. He is voiced by Jonathan Potts.[11]

Captain N: The Game Master[edit]

Link is a protagonist in Captain N: The Game Master, retaining both his design and voice actor. He is also a major character in the Valiant Nintendo Comics System line of Captain N: The Game Master.

Super Game Boy[edit]

Artwork used on the European cover for Super Game Boy
Link alongside other Nintendo characters on the Super Game Boy's European cover

Link appears alongside various Super Mario characters on the European cover artMedia:SGB EU Cover.jpg of the Super Game Boy.

Donkey Kong Country series[edit]

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest[edit]

In Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Link is by default ranked third on a podium at Cranky's Video Game Heroes,[12] with Mario coming in first and Yoshi second. Diddy can appear in his place if he has at least nineteen Video Game Hero Coins.[13] Link had swapped rankings with Yoshi in the remake, and Link has fifty Video Game Hero Coins instead.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble![edit]

Link is mentioned by Bazaar in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, but not in the remake. Bazaar took up Link's 500-rupee offer to learn about the castle,[14] since Link had insufficient bear coins,[14] Link then left, dissatisfied presumably over the shape of the seashells,[15] a reference to the Secret Seashell sidequest in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.

Super Mario-kun[edit]

Link looking for the Pegasus Boots stolen by Mario
Link in Super Mario-kun

In volume 4 of Super Mario-kun, some time after appearing in the world of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Mario takes the Pegasus Boots from Hyrule, causing Link to search desperately for them behind the manga panel.[16]

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars[edit]

A notable screenshot of Link sleeping in a bed from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Link sleeping at the Rose Town Inn in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.

In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and its remake, Link can be found resting at the Rose Town Inn.[17] When Link is interacted with, a The Legend of Zelda melody for uncovering a secret plays.[18] Talking to Link in the remake adds "The Slumbering Hero" entry to the Scrapbook, and his model depicts his sleeves to be more red than brown.[19]

Donkey Kong Land 2[edit]

Link is one of the Video Game Heroes in Donkey Kong Land 2. His role is no different than in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

The Legend of Zelda series emblem, from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U.
Super Smash Bros. fighter
Link
Link from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Game appearances
Super Smash Bros.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Special moves
Neutral:  Boomerang (64); Bow / Hero's Bow ("Hero of Time" Link, "Hero of Twilight" Link, Toon Link); Fire Bow / Fire Arrow (Young Link); Bow and Arrows ("Hero of the Wild" Link)
Side:  Boomerang (most Links since Melee); Gale Boomerang ("Hero of Twilight" Link)
Up:  Spin Attack
Down:  Bomb (most Links); Remote Bomb ("Hero of the Wild" Link)
Final Smash:  Triforce Slash (most Links); Ancient Bow and Arrow ("Hero of the Wild" Link)
Battle entrance
Link: Descends from a beam of light. (64)
Whirls in via Gale Boomerang. (Brawl, for 3DS / Wii U)
Flies in with a Paraglider. (Ultimate)
Toon Link: appears in an explosion, then equips his sword and shield.
Young Link: Descends from a beam of light. (Ultimate)

Playable incarnations of Link appear in every Super Smash Bros. game. They are identified as either "Link", "Young Link", or "Toon Link".

Super Smash Bros.[edit]

SmashWiki article: Link (SSB)

In Super Smash Bros., Link is one of the default playable characters. Specifically, he is the "Hero of Time" from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Link is the first character fought in single player mode, on Hyrule Castle.

Link's standard special move in this game is the Boomerang, in which Link tosses a boomerang to damage opponents. His up special move is the Spin Attack, in which he spins around rapidly to deal damage, and his down special is Bomb, in which Link pulls out a bomb to throw. In addition, Link's grab move uses the Hookshot, an item also taking its appearance from Ocarina of Time that can also be used as a wall grapple. Link's up and down aerials are the Jump Thrust and Down Thrust, both of which originated in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

Two of Link's alternate colorations in this game are based upon the Goron and Zora Tunics from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, while his final coloration is based upon his outfit after collecting the Blue Ring in The Legend of Zelda.

Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

SmashWiki article: Link (SSBM)
SmashWiki article: Young Link (SSBM)

In Super Smash Bros. Melee, two incarnations of Link are playable. The first is the adult "Hero of Time" and is simply called "Link"; he was in the previous game and reappears in Melee as a starter. The second is the younger "Hero of Time" (also from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) and is called "Young Link"; players can only play as him after beating Classic or Adventure mode with 10 characters or playing 500 matches, then defeating him on Great Bay.

The older Link's standard special attack is the Bow, which lets him shoot an arrow that can be charged; the boomerang returns as his side special move. His other specials are kept the same, as has the Hookshot. This is also the first Super Smash Bros. game to feature Link's ability to use his Hylian Shield to defend himself from projectile attacks while standing still. Young Link's moves are similar to his older counterpart's, though while Young Link is faster and lighter, he is also weaker. As Young Link is shorter and wields the smaller Kokiri Sword, his attacks do not have as much range. Young Link's Deku Shield is also not as strong as the older Link's Hylian Shield, as it does not protect against stronger projectiles. Young Link, however, can Wall Jump.

In the game's Adventure Mode, the older Link is fought in the Underground Maze stage. He can be found at fake pedestals for the Master Sword (wearing a different tunic each time) as fighters search for the Triforce to end the level.

Additionally, a doppelganger known as Dark Link, appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee as the opponent in Event 18: Link's Adventure. In the battle, the player controls a red-clad adult Link, who has two extra lives. The fighter must defeat Dark Link, who also has two lives. The two swordsmen are fought at the Temple, with no time limit. This Event Match is a reference to the ending of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, where a similar Dark Link served as the game's final boss.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

SmashWiki article: Link (SSBB)
SmashWiki article: Toon Link (SSBB)

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, two incarnations of Link are playable. The first is the "Hero of Twilight" from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, who is simply called "Link" and is available from the start. The second is the "Hero of Winds" from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, who is called "Toon Link" and must be unlocked first. The Wind Waker incarnation can be unlocked by either finding a door in The Forest in The Subspace Emissary after beating the mode, playing Classic after clearing The Subspace Emissary, or by playing 400 Brawl matches, then defeating him in battle.

The bow (now called "Hero's Bow") and bombs have been aesthetically changed to match their Twilight Princess designs, while the boomerang is now the Gale Boomerang, which generates a whirlwind that can drag in opponents as it returns. The Hookshot is now the Clawshot from Twilight Princess, which, when used offstage, can home in on edges and grab them unlike the Hookshot; however, it is now a tether recovery, as opposed to a wall grapple. Toon Link's special moves are mostly the same as the other Link's, though Toon Link's attacks use their The Wind Waker variants. The only different move is the Boomerang, which is the same as the Hero of Time's Boomerang in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Toon Link's grab also uses the Hookshot from The Wind Waker, which like the Clawshot also has a ledge-homing property, though its range is not as far. Both Links have a Final Smash called Triforce Slash.

Dark Link also reappears in this game, where he returns in two Event Matches. The first, Event 18: Dark Link Duel, is similar to the match from Melee, but it is fought on the Bridge of Eldin instead, and is a stamina match rather than using lives. The second, Co-Op Event 7: Battle of the Dark Sides, is the same as Dark Link Duel, but with the addition of Samus and her counterpart assisting Link and Dark Link, respectively.

Versions of Dark Link appear as palette swaps for both playable Links. The Hero of Twilight's is based on the "interlopers" from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, whereas Toon Link's is based off Shadow Link from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures. Additionally, Toon Link's red, blue, and purple alternate costumes are based upon the copies of the Link from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords. He also has an alternate costume based upon the Link from the original The Legend of Zelda, as well as a Dark Link costume.

Role in The Subspace Emissary[edit]

While walking through a forest, the "Hero of Twilight" Link finds the Master Sword. Taking it in hand, he meets up with Yoshi, forming an alliance. They later meet Mario and Pit, though under circumstances where Mario/Link defeats an evil copy of Zelda/Peach, leading to a fight. The two groups come to an understanding (and Kirby joins up as well) and unite as they see King Dedede driving off with Ness, Luigi, and the captured Princess.

They come to Dedede's base, only to find that Bowser has beaten them to it, taking the Princess off in his Koopa Clown Car. The team grows in size as they meet with Ike, Marth, Lucas, the Pokémon Trainer, and the Ice Climbers. The remaining heroes join them as they enter Subspace. Link is among the many that falls to Tabuu's Off Waves, later revived by Kirby. He and Zelda come across Ganondorf's trophy and revive him, forming a temporary alliance as everyone teams up to defeat Tabuu.

After beating The Subspace Emissary, in The Forest stage, if the player enters the first red door in the beginning of the level, they will be taken to the Pirate Ship. There, Toon Link will be looking out to the sea. However, once he sees the player, he is surprised. Thinking the player is an enemy, he attacks the player. The player then fights Toon Link, and if he is beaten, Toon Link is unlocked as a playable character.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]

SmashWiki article: Link (SSB4)
SmashWiki article: Toon Link (SSB4)

Both Links reappear in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U as starter playable characters, under their respective "Link" and "Toon Link" names. Due to these games' more vibrant aesthetic, they have a noticeably brighter color scheme than in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Some of the Hero of Twilight's non-special moves have been altered, such as his down aerial gaining a meteor smash effect and gaining the Jump Slash as his new dash attack. His Hylian Shield can also now block projectiles while crouching and walking. Toon Link is faster than before, but in exchange, his damage output is lower.

The Hero of Twilight retains all of his alternate costumes from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, while gaining two more: one based on the clothes worn by the "Hero of the Skies" during the beginning of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and another based on Fierce Deity Link, a transformation Link can obtain at the end of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.[20] One of Toon Link's additional alternate costumes in this game is based upon the appearance of the Link from The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Additionally, the Link from The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (also known as "Engineer Link") appears as a background character, complete with his Engineer's Clothes to further differentiate him. Engineer Link appears on the Spirit Train stage in the Nintendo 3DS version, where he conducts the titular train. However, he is replaced by his mentor Alfonzo if Toon Link or Link are involved in the battle.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

SmashWiki article: Link (SSBU)
SmashWiki article: Young Link (SSBU)
SmashWiki article: Toon Link (SSBU)

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, three incarnations of Link are playable. The first is the "Hero of the Wild" from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, who is simply called "Link" and is available at the start. The other two are the same "Young Link" and "Toon Link" incarnations from the previous games, and they must be unlocked before they can be playable.

Compared to previous incarnations, the "Hero of the Wild" takes on many different stances during battle. While this is purely aesthetic in some instances, he also leans further when performing attacks, giving them greater range, yet making his hurtbox more vulnerable to attacks. On a related note, the blade of his Master Sword is longer, increasing the range in his attacks, and his forward smash's first hit is capable of firing a Sword Beam while his damage is at 0%. Although he uses a regular Boomerang like he does in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee, his other special moves noticeably deviate from his predecessors': his Bow is capable of firing two arrows at once, he uses the Remote Bomb Rune instead of his Bombs as his down special, and his Final Smash uses an Ancient Bow to fire an Ancient Arrow. Young Link gains a Final Smash, the Triforce Slash, which he shares with Toon Link. Toon Link's moveset is largely unchanged, though his forward smash is now a single upward slash instead of two slashes with his Master Sword.

In the World of Light, Young Link's puppet fighter is fought in the Triforce of Courage section of the Sacred Land, referencing his home series. He must be awoken to progress the story, along with Ganondorf, Zelda, Sonic, and Cloud. Engineer Link also reappears as a background character on the Spirit Train stage. In comparison to the previous installment, he appears virtually identical to the playable Toon Link (save for his Engineer's Clothes), instead of using a polygonal model similar to his appearance in Spirit Tracks.

Link's fighter spirit uses his artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Young Link's fighter spirit uses his artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Toon Link's fighter spirit also uses his artwork from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Link, Young Link, and Toon Link also make appearances in a few primary spirits and support spirits.

Classic Mode routes[edit]

By completing the "Hero of the Wild" Link's Classic Mode route, it is possible to unlock King K. Rool, the Ice Climbers, Simon, Meta Knight, Snake, Young Link, Richter, or Toon Link. His Classic Mode route pits him against characters that are in some way associated with darkness, with the fight against the dark-costumed Link being a reference to Dark Link. Young Link's Classic Mode route pits him against fighters from The Legend of Zelda series. Throughout Toon Link's route, the player is assisted by a red and blue Toon Link, in reference to The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes. If the player selects one of those colors, the default green Toon Link replaces that color as the second ally.

Round Opponent(s) Rule Stage Song
Link: A Quest to Seal the Darkness
1 Dark Pit N/A Reset Bomb Forest Dark Pit's Theme
2 Ridley Norfair Vs. Ridley
3 Bayonetta Umbra Clock Tower One Of A Kind
4 Dark Samus Frigate Orpheon Boss Battle 4 - Metroid: Samus Returns
5 Ganondorf Team Battle (Ally: Zelda) Gerudo Valley Gerudo Valley
6 Link (dark costume) N/A Temple Great Temple / Temple
Final Ganon Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form
Young Link: Hyrule Smash!
1 Zelda N/A Hyrule Castle Hyrule Main Theme
2 Young Link (dark costume) Temple Song of Storms
3 Sheik Gerudo Valley (Ω) Gerudo Valley
4 Toon Link ×4 Pirate Ship The Great Sea / Menu Select
5 Ganondorf Bridge of Eldin (Ω) Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
6 Link Great Plateau Tower Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Final Ganon Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form
Toon Link: The Teamwork of Courage
1 Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi Team Battle 3D Land Ground Theme / Underwater Theme - Super Mario 3D Land
2 Villager, Isabelle Tortimer Island Kapp'n's Song
3 R.O.B. ×3 75 m (Battlefield) Stack-Up/Gyromite
4 Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard Pokémon Stadium Battle! (Trainer) - Pokémon Sun / Pokémon Moon
5 Inkling Girl ×2, Inkling Boy ×2 Moray Towers Now or Never!
6 Giant Ganondorf Great Plateau Tower (Battlefield) Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Final Ganon Calamity Ganon Battle - Second Form

Mario Golf[edit]

"Link" is one of the names to appear on the scorechart in both the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color versions of Mario Golf.

Mario Artist: Paint Studio[edit]

A few pieces of artwork of Link from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time appears as character stamps in Mario Artist: Paint Studio, including his Young form, his adult form, and his adult self on Epona.[21]

Game & Watch Gallery 4[edit]

In Game & Watch Gallery 4, Link appears in the Zelda Game & Watch game, which is playable in the Museum after unlocking enough stars.

WarioWare series[edit]

Link appears in several microgames of the WarioWare games, usually as playable in some of 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames.

Link in The Legend of Zelda microgame

In WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!, Link appears in the Legend of Zelda microgame, based on the original The Legend of Zelda game, in which the player must guide Link into a cave.

In WarioWare: Twisted!, Link appears in another microgame also titled The Legend of Zelda, once again based on the original game. The object is to rotate the handheld to deflect projectiles by red Octoroks with the shield.

In WarioWare: Smooth Moves, Link appears in three microgames. In Ocarina of Time, the goal is for Link to unsheathe the Master Sword from its pedestal, turning him into an adult on Level 1,[22] an elderly adult on Level 2,[23] and a Cucco on Level 3.[24] In The Wind Waker, Link has drop to a landing zone with his Deku Leaf.[25] In Opening Night, Link in his sprite appearance from The Legend of Zelda plays the violin in an orchestra with other Nintendo characters.[26]

In WarioWare: D.I.Y., Link in his The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass incarnation appears in Zelda microgame, where the object is to defeat Chuchus with the sword by tapping them.

In WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase, Link is in the Zelda 2 microgame, based on Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, in which Link must deflect a Goriya's boomerangs with the shield.

In WarioWare Gold, some of the previous microgames in which Link appears return, specifically The Legend of Zelda from Mega Microgame$!, and Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker, both from Smooth Moves. In addition to those, a new microgame called Phantom Hourglass appears, which is also based on The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. The object is to hit a switch with Link's boomerang by tracing a line for it to follow.

In WarioWare: Get It Together!, Link is seen in a microgame titled The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, based on the game of the same title.

In WarioWare: Move It!, Link appears in the microgame The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. He is seen chasing a Cucco, which is controlled by the player and must run away from Link without getting caught by him.

Captain Rainbow[edit]

Portraits of Mario and Link above Tracy's throne.
Portraits of Mario and Link above Tracy's throne

Though Link himself does not make a direct appearance in Captain Rainbow, a portrait of portrait of artwork of Link from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is depicted above Tracy's throne, next to a portrait of Mario.

Super Mario series[edit]

Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury[edit]

In Super Mario 3D World and its port, before the second Green Star in World Star-1, Rainbow Run, there is a secret area where if the playable characters walk on all the panels, an 8-bit image of Link, which is an enlargement of one of his The Legend of Zelda sprites, is uncovered. After doing so, an arrangement of the main theme of The Legend of Zelda starts to play until the characters leave the area.

Super Mario Maker[edit]

Link appears as a Mystery Mushroom costume in Super Mario Maker. Link, Toon Link, and Wolf Link's costumes can be unlocked by scanning their respective amiibo, or randomly by completing the 100 Mario Challenge. The Link Costume is based on his sprites from The Legend of Zelda. The Wolf Link costume also includes Midna riding on top of Wolf Link.

A special Event Course titled "Tri Force Heroes" allows the player to play as, and unlock, a special Costume Mario called Totem Link, based off of The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes. As Totem Link, players play as all three Links from the game (red, blue, and green), stacked up on top of each other. Additionally, there is also an Event Course titled "Twilight Princess HD", which is based off The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, where players can unlock Wolf Link.

Super Mario Maker 2[edit]

SMM2 Green Link Sprite.png SMM2 Red Link Sprite.png SMM2 Blue Link Sprite.png SMM2 Pink Link Sprite.png

In Super Mario Maker 2, the player transforms into Link upon collecting the Master Sword power-up, added in version 2.0.0 of the game. His appearance is based on his sprite from the original The Legend of Zelda, albeit with the shield redesigned to be based on the Hylian Shield. While in this form, Link can attack enemies with his sword, block projectiles with his shield, perform a Dash Attack to charge through enemies, perform a Down Thrust to attack enemies from above, aim and fire an arrow in three directions to obtain distant items, and use a bomb to destroy breakable blocks. Link can also drop bombs beneath him while riding a Koopa Clown Car. In multiplayer, Mario's Link form is red, Luigi's is green, Toad's is blue, and Toadette's is pink. This makes them resemble the colored Links from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords.

While wearing a Goomba's Shoe, Link cannot block Bullet Bills. However, he can still use the shield whilst underwater.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

From Kotaku. (http://kotaku.com/zelda-f-zero-coming-to-mario-kart-8-1627150730)
Link driving a Standard Kart on Mario Circuit in Mario Kart 8

In Mario Kart 8, Link appears as a downloadable playable character in the The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 downloadable content pack. This marks his first playable appearance of any kind in the Super Mario franchise. Link is one of the lighter heavyweight racers, befitting his much taller size, and he shares his stats with Rosalina, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, and Roy. Although this Link is the Hero of the Skies from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, his proportions have been altered slightly to fit the Super Mario franchise aesthetic: he has a slightly larger head and eyes, and is left-handed as opposed to right-handed like in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

The Master Cycle, a bike based on Link's Master Sword and his horse Epona, appears as one of four additional vehicle bodies, along with a The Legend of Zelda-themed set of tires, the Triforce Tires, and a The Legend of Zelda-themed glider, the Hylian Kite. A The Legend of Zelda-themed course called Hyrule Circuit also appears as part of the Triforce Cup. His kart symbol is the Royal Crest. During his tricks, he wields the Master Sword and shows off the Triforce.

Artwork of Bowser and Link from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Artwork of Link on the Master Cycle holding a boomerang against Bowser from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Link returns as part of the base roster in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. He is available from the start, and is still among the lightest heavyweight characters, sharing his statistics with Rosalina, King Boo, and Pauline. The game's July 2018 update also added the Hero of the Wild from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, alongside the Master Cycle Zero, Ancient Tires, and Paraglider parts. Upon being added, the Hero of the Wild became the default Link, while the Hero of the Skies was relegated to being an alternate character. Like the Hero of the Skies, the Hero of the Wild is left-handed despite being right-handed in his respective game; however, they also share the same voice actor.

Despite sharing some of the same part colors for items that change, the two Links have some noticeable differences. In regard to the Hero of the Wild, his kart symbol is the Crest of the Sheikah as it appears on the Sheikah Slate instead of the Royal Crest, and he uses a Guardian Sword++ instead of the Master Sword when performing tricks. The two variants have different horn sounds, which plays when pressing L Button without any items; Link's horn is based on a sound from Hyrule Warriors and Champion's Tunic Link's horn is based on the Sheikah Slate. Before the 2.3.0 update,[27] due to being two distinct incarnations of Link, the Hero of the Skies could also appear in a race if Hero of the Wild had already been selected and vice versa, while both could appear in a race if neither had been selected as well. Additionally, as CPUs, the vehicle combinations they use are almost completely different, with the only exception being the Standard Kart, Standard tires, and Super Glider combination that is shared with most CPUs.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie[edit]

Link is referenced in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, where a road in Queens named "Link Street" is shown in the Super Mario Bros. Plumbing commercial.

Other appearances[edit]

Wario in the Japanese commercial for Wario's Woods on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Link next to Wario, Bowser, and Wart in a commercial for the New Famicom

The results screen for the Western-only Nintendo Entertainment System release of Tetris features Link as part of a band composed of himself, Donkey Kong, Samus, Pit, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser.

Link appears in Nintendo Monopoly and takes the place of Pennsylvania Avenue, costing $320.

Link also appears in a commercial for the New Famicom, where he and Wario join several other Nintendo characters inside of the console.[28]

Unused appearances[edit]

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga[edit]

Unused sprite of Link from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Link was meant to appear at Starbeans Cafe along with other non-Mario character cameos. He would have given Mario and Luigi the Triforce. In the final game, all of the Nintendo cameos are replaced with Professor E. Gadd, and the Triforce is replaced with the Great Force.

Super Mario Odyssey[edit]

A costume for Mario based on Link seems to have been planned for Super Mario Odyssey, but has not been implemented.[29]

Portrayals[edit]

Link has been portrayed by the following people:

  • Jonathan Potts voiced Link in DiC's The Legend of Zelda and Captain N: The Game Master cartoons.[11]
  • Fujiko Takimoto voiced Link's young "Hero of Time" incarnation. Her voice clips from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time were used in the Ocarina of Time microgame and the Super Smash Bros. series.
  • Nobuyuki Hiyama, who later voiced Topper in Super Mario Odyssey, voiced Link's adult "Hero of Time" incarnation. His voice clips from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time were used in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
  • Sachi Matsumoto voiced Link's "Hero of Winds" incarnation. Her voice clips from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker were used in the Super Smash Bros. series and Super Mario Maker.
  • Akira Sasanuma voiced Link's "Hero of Twilight" incarnation. His voice clips from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess were used in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
  • Takashi Ōhara voiced Link's "Hero of the Sky" incarnation in Mario Kart 8, reprising his role from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The Champion's Tunic Link in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reuses Ōhara's portrayal.
  • Kengo Takanashi voiced Link's "Hero of the Wild" incarnation in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, reprising his role from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Profiles and statistics[edit]

Mario Kart series[edit]

Mario Kart 8[edit]

Link emblem from Mario Kart 8Link's horn emblem from Mario Kart 8
Hero of the Skies Link's emblems from Mario Kart 8
  • Weight Class: Heavy
  • Stats
    • Speed
      • Ground: 4.25
      • Water: 2.25
      • Air: 3.5
      • Anti-Gravity: 2
    • Acceleration: 4.75
    • Weight: 4.25
    • Handling
      • Ground: 4.25
      • Water: 4.5
      • Air: 2.75
      • Anti-Gravity: 2.75
    • Traction: 2.5
    • Mini-Turbo: 3

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

Champion Tunic Link's emblem from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Hero of the Wild Link's emblem from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • Weight Class: Heavy
  • Stats
    • Speed: 8
    • Acceleration: 1
    • Weight: 7
    • Handling: 3
    • Traction: 3
    • Mini-Turbo: 2
    • Invincibility: 4

Link shares identical stats with Rosalina, King Boo, and Pauline.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

Super Smash Bros.[edit]

Link in Super Smash Bros.
  • Bio: Link is the valiant boy hero of "The Legend of Zelda" series in which he fights against the evil Ganon to recover the Triforce. Though his tools may change with each adventure, his strength and righteousness remain constant. With his trusty sword and a variety of weapons, he takes adventure head on!

Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

  • Bio: A sword-wielding hero who also boasts long-range attacks.
Trophy
Link (Classic)
Link
Game/move:
The Legend of Zelda
07/87
How to unlock: Clear Classic Mode as Link
Even in his youth, Link was already becoming the warrior who would carry the destiny of Hyrule (and many other lands) on his shoulders. His epic struggles against the forces of darkness are written in legend, and he is bound to the Princess Zelda and the archfiend Ganondorf by the awesome power of the Triforce.
Trophy
Link [Smash]
(Adventure)
Link
Game/move:
B Button: Bow
Smash B Button: Boomerang
How to unlock: Clear Adventure Mode as Link
Burdened with a shield, a heavy sword, and plenty of equipment, Link is not a very mobile character. Nevertheless, he's skilled with the blade, and his varied supply of missile weapons makes him a powerful fighter. To master Link, you must control the pace by balancing your long-range attacks with head-to-head swordplay.
Trophy
Link [Smash]
(All-Star)
Link
Game/move:
Up & B Button: Spin Attack
Down & B Button: Bomb
How to unlock: Clear All-Star Mode as Link
Link's Bow, Boomerang, and Bombs all take time to wield, so you may want to try drawing them in mid-air to prevent your foes from attacking you while you're vulnerable. The Spin Attack can score consecutive mid-air hits, and the final slash is very powerful. Link's Bombs are his trump card, but he can't pull one out if he's carrying another item.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

  • Instruction booklet: A warrior from distant Hyrule. His sword and projectiles make him a versatile fighter.[page number needed]
  • Website: The hero of The Legend of Zelda series.
The design of this particular Link comes from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Link wields the Master Sword and a diverse arsenal of equipment.'
Use all of his weapons to adapt to the ebb and flow of battle.
Trophy
Link
Link trophy
Appears in:
NES The Legend of Zelda
WII The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
How to unlock: Clear Classic Mode as Link
A young man who emerged to rescue Hyrule from peril. He's the bearer of the Triforce of Courage who fights to keep Ganondorf from conquering the world. His green outfit is a constant throughout the series. He's a skilled swordsman, horseman, and archer. He's also proficient with bombs and boomerangs.
Sticker
Epona & Link
Epona Link Sticker.png
Artwork from: Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Arm, Leg] - Attack +9
Usable by: Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link
Sticker
Link
Link Legend of Zelda Sticker.png
Artwork from: The Legend of Zelda
Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Specials: Indirect] - Attack +17
Usable by: Anyone
Sticker
Link
Link Link to the Past Sticker.png
Artwork from: Zelda: Link to the Past
Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Electric] - Resistance +31
Usable by: Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link
Sticker
Link
Link TP Sticker.png
Artwork from: Zelda: Twilight Princess
Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Slash] - Resistance +27
Usable by: Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Toon Link
  • Snake's codec
    • Snake: Otacon, who's the guy with the sword?
    • Otacon: That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang, and a Clawshot. He's a force to be reckoned with.
    • Snake: Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around doesn't do you any good.
    • Otacon: ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
    • Snake: What's that supposed to mean?
    • Otacon: You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
    • Snake: ...

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[edit]

Trophy
Link
3DS:
A trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Wii U:
A trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Game(s): Both
Category: Fighter
(Applies only to the Wii U version) Appears in:
NES The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)
SNES The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)
(Applies only to the Wii U version) Trophy Box: 24: Twilight Princess
How to unlock:
Clear Classic Mode as Link
Green clothes? Pointy hat? Yep, it's Link, all right! In this game, his sword and shield make for effective attacking and blocking, and his bow, bombs, and boomerang will spice up any battle. He's even brought his Clawshot for grabbing enemies and edges. Jeez, just how much stuff can Link carry? (American English)
Green clothes? Pointy hat? Yep, it's Link, all right! In this game, his sword and shield make for effective attacking and blocking, and his bow, bombs, and boomerang will spice up any battle. He's even brought his Clawshot for grabbing enemies and edges. The hero of Hyrule is really kitted out for a brawl! (British English)
Trophy
Link (Alt.)
3DS:
A trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Wii U:
Link trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Game(s): Both
Category: Figther
(Applies only to the Wii U version) Appears in:
NES The Legend of Zelda (08/1987)
SNES The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (04/1992)
(Applies only to the Wii U version) Trophy Box: -
If Link was on a desert island and could only pick one item, it'd be his powerful sword. This weapon is key to his down-air attack, a move with great launching potential and the ability to strike twice. He can also strike twice his his side smash—the second blow deals more damage and launches harder. (American English)
Of all of his weapons, Link's sword may be the most lethal. His down air attack has incredible launching power. What's more, he'll bounce up afterwards, allowing for a follow-up strike. His side smash can also be followed up with a more powerful second blow that sends foes flying - just press the button again straight away. (British English)
Trophy
Adult Link (Ocarina of Time)
Adult Link (Ocarina of Time) trophy
Game(s): Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS only
Category: Series Related
How to unlock:
Random
The children from Kokiri Forest never seem to grow into adults. Just a young boy, Link is entrusted with a quest by the Great Deku Tree. He leaves the forest and eventually finds the Master Sword in the Temple of Time. When he awakes, he is seven years in the future and an adult! (American English)
Link was once a carefree lad living with the Kokiri in Kokiri Forest, but one day, the Great Deku Tree entrusted him with an important task and he had to leave. His quest led him to find the Master Sword, and when he took it, seven years passed in the blink of an eye. Before he knew it, Link had grown into a young man! (British English)
Trophy
Triforce Slash (Link)
Triforce Slash trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Game(s): Super Smash Bros. for Wii U only
Category: Final Smashes
(Applies only to the Wii U version) Appears in:
-
(Applies only to the Wii U version) Trophy Box: 91: Final Smashes 2
How to unlock:
Clear All-Star Mode as Link
Link makes use of the Triforce of Courage to trap foes, and then he launches a 16-blow combo. The final, mighty blow has the power to launch opponents off the stage. When Link prepares the attack, the ray of light he emits must strike a rival, or the attack will fail. Shielding will do nothing to stop this powerful attack. (American English)
Link traps a foe in mid-air with the power of the Triforce of Courage, then delivers a 16-strike sword combo. The final strike has formidable launching power. If the ray of light at the start of the attack doesn't hit, the whole thing ends there. Helpfully, though, the ray of light's range and speed are incredible, and shields won't block it. (British English)
  • Palutena's Guidance:
    • Pit: Of all the fighters, Link is the one I most want to take down!
    • Palutena: Oh? Why's that?
    • Pit: We were born around the same time, and we both use a bow. He's totally ripping off my style.
    • Viridi: Puh-lease! Comparing Link to you is like comparing a star to a campfire.
    • Pit: What?!
    • Viridi: Just look at those chiseled features! His cheekbones could seriously cut glass.
    • Pit: Uh, earth to Viridi!
    • Viridi: Oh, I'm only kidding. The goddess of nature would never be interested in some hairless monkey!
    • Palutena: Oh, humans aren't all that bad. I could introduce you to him, if you'd like.
    • Viridi: Hmph. If you insist.
    • Palutena: Back to the fight at hand. Pit, you can reflect Link's projectile attacks using your Guardian Orbitars.
    • Viridi: Just watch out for his dreamy Clawshot!
  • amiibo: Link is the main character in The Legend of Zelda games. A young boy living in Hyrule, Link is often given the task of rescuing Princess Zelda and Hyrule from the Gerudo thief Ganondorf. Humble to the end, Link is known not merely as a hero but as a symbol of courage, strength and wisdom as well.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

  • Snake's codec:
    (NOTE: Due to the changes to Link's grab, Otacon's mention of the Clawshot was removed.)
    • Snake: Otacon, who's the guy with the sword?
    • Otacon: That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang... He's a force to be reckoned with.
    • Snake: Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around doesn't do you any good.
    • Otacon: ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
    • Snake: What's that supposed to mean?
    • Otacon: You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
    • Snake: ...
  • Palutena's Guidance:
    • Pit: I can't put my finger on it, but Link seems...different somehow.
    • Palutena: Well, this Link is technically a different person from the Link you fought before. This incarnation is known as the Hero of the Wild. He was once Hyrule's Champion, but he fell into a 100-year slumber after using all his strength to fight the Calamity.
    • Pit: 100 years might not be a long time to a goddess like you, Lady Palutena, but that's more than enough time for an entire world to change.
    • Palutena: You're right, Pit. When Link woke from the slumber of restoration, not only was his world unrecognizable, he also lost his memory.
    • Pit: I can't even imagine what that would be like. Lady Palutena, isn't there something the gods can do to help him restore his memory?
    • Palutena: Meddling in the affairs of another world is never a good idea. Although I do like Link, and his swordsmanship is quite impressive. The Master Sword, also known as the sword that seals the darkness, reveals its true strength in the presence of the Calamity.
    • Pit: Cool! Does that mean it's OP against Ganondorf?
    • Palutena: No, Ganondorf is from a different game. You should really do more research before you jump into a fight. If you expect to win, you need to know your opponent's backstory and abilities. Link has a lot of different weapons at his disposal.
  • Super Smash Blog bio: "Link has been redesigned to match his appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. He can now pick up arrows he's fired, and his bombs have been upgraded to remote bombs, so you can set them off when the timing is just right!"
Spirits[edit]
Spirit
#93 Master Cycle
Master Cycle Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game Mario Kart Series
Type Primary
Slots 2
Class Legend
Strength / effect(s) Grab
Speed ↑
How to obtain Summoned with a Mach Rider, City Tripper, Excitebike, and attack-type core
Spirit
#172 Link
Link's Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Fighter
How to obtain Classic Mode as Link
Spirit
#178 Link (The Legend of Zelda)
Link (The Legend of Zelda)'s Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Primary
Slots 3
Class Legend
Strength / effect(s) Neutral
Sword Attack ↑
How to obtain World of Light (Mysterious Dimension); Spirit Board
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Young Link
Conditions

  • The enemy's melee weapons have increased power
  • The enemy's FS Meter charges quickly
  • The enemy has increased attack power
Stage Find Mii
Song Overworld Theme - The Legend of Zelda
Spirit
#196 Epona
Epona's Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Support
Slots 1
Class Ace
Strength / effect(s) Undamaged Attack & Speed ↑
How to obtain Summoned with a Rapidash and Malon core
Spirit
#217 Ricky
Ricky's Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Support
Slots 1
Class Novice
Strength / effect(s) Fist Attack ↑
How to obtain World of Light (The Light Realm); Spirit Board
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Little Mac
Conditions

  • The enemy loves to jump
  • The enemy has increased jump power
Stage Bridge of Eldin (Battlefield)
Song Tal Tal Heights
Spirit
#218 Dimitri (The Legend of Zelda)1
Dimitri's Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Support
Slots 1
Class Novice
Strength / effect(s) Swimmer
How to obtain Spirit Board
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Yoshi, Young Link
Conditions

  • The enemy favors neutral specials
Stage Great Bay
Song Tal Tal Heights
Spirit
#219 Moosh
Moosh's Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Support
Slots 2
Class Novice
Strength / effect(s) Instadrop
How to obtain World of Light (Forest Hill); Spirit Board
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Bowser
Conditions

  • The enemy favors down specials
Stage Garden of Hope (Battlefield)
Song Tal Tal Heights
Spirit
#223 Wolf Link & Midna
Wolf Link & Midna's Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Primary
Slots 3
Class Legend
Strength / effect(s) Grab
Dash Attack ↑
How to obtain Enhanced from Midna
Spirit
#231 Loftwing
Loftwing's Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Support
Slots 1
Class Novice
Strength / effect(s) Landing Lag ↓
How to obtain Spirit Board
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Giant Falco
Conditions

Hazard: Heavy Wind

  • Dangerously high winds are in effect
  • The enemy is giant
Stage Skyloft (Battlefield)
Song Ballad of the Goddess (original)
Spirit
#233 Wall-Merged Link
Wall-Merged Link's spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Primary
Slots 3
Class Advanced
Strength / effect(s) Neutral
Can be enhanced to Link (A Link Between Worlds) at Lv. 99
How to obtain World of Light (Sacred Land); Spirit Board
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Mr. Game & Watch, Young Link
Conditions

  • Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd
Stage Flat Zone X
Song Lorule Main Theme
Spirit
#234 Link (A Link Between Worlds)
Link (A Link Between Worlds)'s Spirit sprite from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Primary
Slots 3
Class Ace
Strength / effect(s) Neutral
Weapon Attack ↑
How to obtain Enhanced from Wall-Merged Link
Spirit
#1322 Link (Link's Awakening)2
Link (Link's Awakening) spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Series/game The Legend of Zelda Series
Type Primary
Slots 3
Class Ace
Strength / effect(s) Neutral
Water Weakness
How to obtain Spirit Board (ver. 4.0.0 or later)
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Toon Link
Conditions

Rule: Assist Trophy Enemies (Chain Chomp)

  • Hostile assist trophies will appear
Stage Tortimer Island
Song Tal Tal Heights

1 - Originally named "Dimitri" prior to Challenger Pack 5
2 - Originally exclusive to the "Return to Koholint" event that ran from June 14, 2019 to June 18, 2019

Super Mario Maker 2[edit]

  • Play Nintendo: "Transforming into Link using the Master Sword opens up a whole new world of design possibilities for creators. Using his arrows, Link can shoot far off switches that Mario would normally not be able to hit. His new down thrust move with the sword will defeat usually protected enemies like spike-covered Spinies. And with bombs, some walls that would normally be impassable by Mario and friends can easily be blown up."[30]

Audio samples[edit]

Icon of an audio speaker. Super Smash Bros. Melee - Link performing his Spin Attack. (Nobuyuki Hiyama, 2001; reused from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Smash Bros.)
File infoMedia:Link voice sample SSBM.oga
Icon of an audio speaker. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Link performing his Spin Attack. (Akira Sasanuma, 2008; reused from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess)
File infoMedia:Link voice sample SSBB.oga
Icon of an audio speaker. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Toon Link performing his up smash. (Sachi Matsumoto, 2008)
File infoMedia:SSBB Toon Link.oga
Icon of an audio speaker. Mario Kart 8 - When selected. (Takashi Ōhara, 2014)
File infoMedia:Link voice sample MK8.oga
Icon of an audio speaker. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Link performing his Spin Attack. (Kengo Takanashi, 2018)
File infoMedia:Link voice sample SSBU.oga
Icon of an audio speaker. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Young Link performing his Spin Attack. (Fujiko Takimoto, 2018; reused from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)
File infoMedia:Young Link voice sample.oga
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

List of Super Mario appearances[edit]

Title Description Year System/format
Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up Cameo on Chef/Waitress and Travel Guide pages 1992 MS-DOS
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest One of Cranky Kong's Video Game Heroes 1995 Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Cameo in Rose Town Inn 1996 Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Donkey Kong Land 2 One of the Video Game Heroes 1996 Game Boy
Super Smash Bros. Playable character 1999 Nintendo 64
Super Smash Bros. Melee Playable character(s) 2001 Nintendo GameCube
Game & Watch Gallery 4 Playable in port of Zelda 2002 Game Boy Advance
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! Cameo in microgame 2003 Game Boy Advance
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$! Cameo in microgame 2003 Nintendo GameCube
Donkey Kong Country 2 (GBA remake) One of Cranky Kong's Video Game Heroes 2004 Game Boy Advance
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Playable character(s) 2008 Wii
Super Mario 3D World Cameo in Rainbow Run 2013 Wii U
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Playable character(s) 2014 Nintendo 3DS
Mario Kart 8 (The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8) Downloadable playable character 2014 Wii U
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Playable character(s) 2014 Wii U
Super Mario Maker amiibo costumes 2015 Wii U
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Playable character 2017 Nintendo Switch
WarioWare Gold Cameo in microgame 2018 Nintendo 3DS
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Playable character(s) 2018 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Maker 2 (version 2.0) Playable character via Master Sword power-up 2019 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury Cameo in Rainbow Run 2021 Nintendo Switch
WarioWare: Get It Together! Cameo in microgame 2021 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario RPG Cameo in Rose Town Inn 2023 Nintendo Switch
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Playable character 2024 Nintendo Switch

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Link.

Names in other languages[edit]

Link[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese リンク[?]
Rinku
Transliteration of international name
Chinese 林克[37]
Línkè
Transliteration of international name
Danish Link[34] -
Dutch Link[?] -
Finnish Link[38] -
French Link[33] -
German Link[35] -
Greek Λίνκ[?]
Link
Transliteration of international name
Italian Link[?] -
Korean 링크[?]
Ringkeu
Transliteration of international name
Portuguese Link[36] -
Russian Линк[?]
Link
Transliteration of international name
Spanish Link[31] -
Swedish Link[32] -

Dark Link[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ダークリンク[?]
Dāku Rinku
Dark Link
Chinese 暗黑林克[?]
Ànhēi Línkè
Dark Link
French Link Noir[?] Black Link
German Schatten-Link[?] Shadow Link
Italian Link Ombra[?] Shadow Link
Russian Дарк Линк[?]
Dark Link
Dark Link
Spanish Link Oscuro[?] Dark Link

Young Link[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese こどもリンク[?]
Kodomo Rinku
Child Link. His name is still announced as "Young Link" in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Ultimate when set to Japanese.
Chinese 年幼林克[?]
Niányòu Línkè
Young Link
Dutch Jonge Link[?] Young Link
French (NOA) Link Enfant[?] Child Link
French (NOE) Link (Jeune)[?] Link (Young)
German Junger Link[?] Young Link
Italian Link giovane
Link bambino
[?]
Young Link
Child Link
Korean 소년 링크[?]
Sonyeon Ringkeu
-
Russian Юный Линк[?]
Yunyy Link
-
Spanish Link niño[?] Kid Link

Toon Link[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese トゥーンリンク[?]
Tūn Rinku
Toon Link
Chinese 卡通林克[?]
Kǎtōng Línkè
Cartoon Link
Dutch Toon Link[?] -
French Link Cartoon[?] Cartoon Link
German Toon-Link[?] Toon Link
Italian Link cartone[?] Cartoon Link
Korean 툰 링크[?]
Tun Ringkeu
Toon Link
Portuguese Link Cartoon[?] Cartoon Link
Russian Мульт-Линк[?]
Mult-Link
Cartoon Link
Spanish Toon Link[?] -

Notes[edit]

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Chef Mario is cooking one of his tasty pasta dishes. Waitress Princess Toadstool is taking Link's order at a table. "Your order is coming right up!" says Chef Mario. "Yeah, and now it's coming right down on my head!" says Link." – Game description (March 24, 1992). Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up. Merit Software (English).
  2. ^ "Link the travel guide is ready to take tourists to exciting faraway places, even to fantasy lands like SuperMarioLand.[sic] Better stick close to Link, though, because he knows how to deal with make-believe bad guys." – Game description. Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up. Merit Software.
  3. ^ "Bademantel und Wattebart! Ob dein bruder glaubt, wir perkennen ihn nicht? Lacher- lich, wer glaubt denn noch an den Weihnachtsmann! (Bathrobe and a cotton beard! Does your brother think we can't tell it's him? Laughable, who still believes in Father Christmas?)" – Link (December 1992). Club Nintendo Jahrgang 4 Ausgabe 6. Neu-Isenburg: Tokuma Shoten Publishing GmbH (German). Page 55.
  4. ^ "Oh nein! Nicht schon wie- der jemand, der sich über schönheitsoperation beschweren willi ich hab' doch mein bestes getan, Link! (Oh no! Not another one who wants to complain about his cosmetic surgery! I did my best, Link!)" – Dr. Light (February 1993). Club Nintendo Jahrgang 5 Ausgabe 1. Neu-Isenburg: Tokuma Shoten Publishing GmbH (German). Page 57.
  5. ^ "Ich bin der Geist der Geganwert... (I am the Ghost of Present)" – Link (December 1995). Club Nintendo Jahrgang 7 Ausgabe 6. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German). Page 72.
  6. ^ "...Sie her, was die leute heute von dir denken! (...Look at what people are thinking about you today!)" – Link. Club Nintendo Jahrgang 7 Ausgabe 6. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German). Page 72.
  7. ^ Ota, Shigeru, et al. (April 1996). Club Nintendo Jahrgang 8 Ausgabe 2. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German). Page 22.
  8. ^ "Die tüte steht ihm gar nicht so schlecht. (The bag might be an improvement.)" – Link. Club Nintendo Jahrgang 7 Ausgabe 6. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German). Page 73.
  9. ^ Ota, Shigeru (October 1997). Club Nintendo Jahrgang 9 Ausgabe 5. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German). Page 53-54.
  10. ^ "Each Friday has a Legend of Zelda episode that's quite a bit better than the rest of the week." – Hughes, Mike (September 14, 1989). USA Today (English).
  11. ^ a b "The Toronto native entered the industry lending his voice to numerous cartoon series, appearing in the much-maligned "Beverly Hills Teens," as well as making a popular turn as Link in "The Legend Of Zelda," quickly developing a reputation amongst his peers as one of the busiest voice actors in the industry." – Jonathan Potts. Rotten Tomatoes (English).
  12. ^ ScreenshotMedia:HeroesYoshi.png.
  13. ^ Shinoda, Paul and Kent Killer (1995). Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 127.
  14. ^ a b "Are you sure? Some cheeky lad called Link was in just last week and he asked about the castle too. He didn't have enough coins, but he seemed such a nice fellow that I agreed to accept 500 rupees instead." – Bazaar (1996). Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. Nintendo (English).
  15. ^ "After that he left... muttering about my shells being the wrong shape or something. Oh well!" – Bazaar. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!.
  16. ^ Sawada, Yukio, et al. (December 25, 1992). Super Mario-kun Volume 4. Shogakukan (Japanese). ISBN 4-09-141764-7. Page 91.
  17. ^ AuraChannelerChris (October 6, 2023). Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars - 24 - Rose Town Revisited (With Link Cameo) (05:43). YouTube (English).
  18. ^ Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars - 24 - Rose Town Revisited (With Link Cameo) (06:07). YouTube.
  19. ^ Boundary Break (November 18, 2023). The Link and Samus Model in Super Mario RPG. YouTube (English).
  20. ^ Koczwara, Michael (September 6, 2014). New Details from Super Smash Bros. for 3DS Event in Japan. Mario Party Legacy (English). Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  21. ^ OneyPlays (November 27, 2018). Oney Plays Mario Artist: Paint Studio (Complete Series) (39:02). YouTue (English).
  22. ^ Emanuele Baserga (September 11, 2013). WarioWare: Smooth Moves - Ocarina of Time (0:08). YouTube (English).
  23. ^ WarioWare: Smooth Moves - Ocarina of Time (0:18). YouTube.
  24. ^ WarioWare: Smooth Moves - Ocarina of Time (0:28). YouTube.
  25. ^ Dude! Rude! The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (March 7, 2022). Land! (WarioWare SMOOTH MOVES) (0:04). YouTube (English).
  26. ^ PixelsByNight (June 30, 2014). It's The Nintendo Episode! - WarioWare: Smooth Moves (13:06). YouTube (English).
  27. ^ balladofwindfishes (June 24, 2023). The experiment was just to pick BotW Link and see if CPU tunic Link was ever picked as a CPU in vs mode. Reddit (English). Retrieved July 13, 2023. (Archived July 13, 2023, 18:44:57 UTC via archive.today.)
  28. ^ Japancommercials4U2 (January 23, 2009). Famicom AV JPN Commercial (0:19). YouTube (Japanese).
  29. ^ Super Mario Odyssey § Unused Costumes. The Cutting Room Floor. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  30. ^ Super Mario Maker 2 Free DLC Updates Ver. 2.0.0. Play Nintendo (American English). Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  31. ^ Super Mario Brothers Super Show in Spanish / En Español- ¡El pájaro! ¡El pájaro! - Episode 1
  32. ^ SMBSS: The Legend of Zelda - Episode 1 - Swedish (VHS dubb)
  33. ^ The Legend of Zelda - French Intro
  34. ^ Legenden om Zelda - EP1 og EP2 (Dansk tale - 1989)
  35. ^ The Legend of Zelda - German Intro
  36. ^ The Legend of Zelda - Em Busca da Pirâmide (Dublado)
  37. ^ 超级马里奥兄弟- Super Mario Brothers Super Show - 鸟!鸟! | Learn Chinese | Cartoons in Mandarin
  38. ^ Super Mario Bros 1 VHS (Suomi)
  39. ^ rawmeatcowboy (November 15, 2009). Charles Martinet told Miyamoto that he wanted to voice Link, doesn't believe Nintendo has competition. Go Nintendo (English). Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  40. ^ Rawmeatcowboy (May 4, 2011). Miyamoto comments on 'Toon Link', knows many people don't like the style. GoNintendo. Archived May 10, 2011, 00:33:03 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 22, 2024.