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You can play The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past on Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 through the Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics app, with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo says the game is included in the SNES library and that its behavior on Switch 2 is consistent with Switch.
Here’s how to open it, choose a play setup, and use the original controls.
What you need to play
- A Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED, or Switch 2.
- An active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Membership and service availability vary by country, so check Nintendo’s local offer and terms before subscribing.
- The Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics app, downloaded from Nintendo eShop.
- A compatible controller for the play mode you choose. Handheld play uses the console’s controls; TV and tabletop play require a compatible controller.
Nintendo lists the game as part of the SNES Classics library for Switch and Switch 2. See the Nintendo SNES Classics product page for current compatibility and membership details. Nintendo Support notes that internet access may periodically be needed to validate your membership.
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- Download and open Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics from Nintendo eShop.
- Choose a play mode and controller setup. Some modes require compatible controllers.
- Select The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past from the game library.
- Press A, then follow the on-screen instructions to begin.
Nintendo’s instructions for starting a Nintendo Classics game cover Switch 2, Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED.
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Choose a play mode and controller
Handheld
Play on the console screen using its built-in controls. Nintendo lists handheld mode for the SNES Classics library; the experience may differ on Switch Lite.
TV or tabletop
For single-player, Nintendo Support says you can use handheld, tabletop, or TV mode with a compatible controller. Multiplayer use on one system requires tabletop or TV mode and a compatible controller for each player.
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The library’s player-count information describes app capabilities; it does not mean the original A Link to the Past campaign supports multiplayer.
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Nintendo offers a full-size wireless SNES-style controller for the classics library. It is optional: a standard compatible controller works too. Availability and purchase limits may apply.
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Controls for A Link to the Past
The original manual documents these controls. Button labels may look different on some controllers, so check the in-game button display if needed.
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| Directional control | Move Link |
| A | Action: talk, open chests, or pick up nearby pots and grass |
| B | Swing the sword; hold it to raise the shield while facing a direction |
| Y | Use the selected item |
| X | View the map |
| START | Display the subscreen |
| SELECT | Display the save screen |
To talk to a villager, stand nearby and press A, B, X, or Y. Stand in front of a chest and press A to open it. The manual also specifies that swimming requires Zora’s Flippers, while running and the dash attack require the Pegasus Boots. For the complete original instructions, consult Nintendo’s A Link to the Past manual.
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Using rewind
The SNES Classics app includes a rewind feature. Hold ZL and ZR to rewind gameplay. This is a platform feature, not a change to the original game.
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This access route runs the SNES game through Nintendo’s classics app; Nintendo documents features such as rewind and multiple play modes for the app. It does not describe the game as a redesigned edition. Nintendo’s announcement about the game’s availability also highlights its journey between Hyrule and the Dark World and the Master Sword’s introduction in this entry: Nintendo’s announcement.
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The verified current route here is the Switch and Switch 2 SNES Classics library. This does not establish that it is the only way to play, and it does not provide a current comparison of other editions or physical-cartridge prices.
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