In 2023, we informed you about an unofficial native PC version of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX. Now, while its Itch.io page was taken down, it appears that the project was resurrected by another team. And, a few days ago, a final version of it was released.
But let’s take things from the beginning. Why was the original PC version taken down? You see, that version had all the assets from the original game. This was what prompted Nintendo to shut it down. The good news is that the release also contained the source code. As such, another team removed the ROM assets and decided to continue developing it.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX originally came out on Game Boy Color in 1998. So, this PC version offers a fresh take on the beloved classic, combining the essence of the original with cutting-edge enhancements. It supports high resolutions and framerates. The game will also run better than its original Game Boy Color version.
Its latest version, Version 1.7.1, removes BowWow collision, updates AI to be more like the original game, and makes the chain transparent. It also reworks button remapping to show “??” for the button being remapped and cancels remapping after 5 seconds. Not only that, but it also adds support for MacOS and Android. Furthermore, it adds controller support for Android devices, where it is not properly detected, like GameMT E5 Ultra.
All in all, this is the best way to re-experience The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX. You can go ahead and download the latest PC version from this link. As said, you’ll also need the original ROM file to play it.
By the way, this isn’t the first free Zelda game we’ve seen on PC. In October 2023, we shared this free 3D remake of The Legend of Zelda NES in Unreal Engine 4. In August 2022, we also shared an unofficial PC port for The Legend of Zelda – A Link to the Past. Then we have the unofficial PC ports of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. And then we have the Zelda: Ocarina of Time Demo in Unreal Engine 5.
Speaking of Zelda games, all the Zelda games that came out on Nintendo Switch are playable on PC. By using Nintendo Switch emulators, you can play them at Native 4K with high framerates. As such, PC gamers can get a better gaming experience than what Nintendo is offering with the Nintendo Switch. For example, you can run The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom with over 120fps on PC.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is another Nintendo Switch game that has gotten some truly impressive mods on PC. PC gamers can enjoy it with a higher FOV and an “Over the Shoulder” camera. Then we have this mod that allows you to play it in first-person mode. You can also play it in VR. Hell, you can even download a DLC-sized fan expansion, called Doors of Doom.
Have fun!
John is the founder and Editor in Chief at DSOGaming. He is a PC gaming fan and highly supports the modding and indie communities. Before creating DSOGaming, John worked on numerous gaming websites. While he is a die-hard PC gamer, his gaming roots can be found on consoles. John loved – and still does – the 16-bit consoles, and considers SNES to be one of the best consoles. Still, the PC platform won him over consoles. That was mainly due to 3DFX and its iconic dedicated 3D accelerator graphics card, Voodoo 2. John has also written a higher degree thesis on the “The Evolution of PC graphics cards.”
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