Daily Debate: Would You Play the Nintendo DS Zelda Games on your Smart Device?

Epic Games’ very public feud with Apple over its alleged App Store monopoly has had the unfortunate consequence of limiting iPhone users’ access to the popular franchise Fortnite. While console gamers and mobile gamers don’t always align in their interests, cross-platform play has widened the purview of many video game fans and brought non-traditional players to new genres. This got me wondering if now is a good time to bring a Zelda game to the mobile market.

Recently, I’ve been playing through the Nintendo DS Zelda games, Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. While I’ve long been sour on the idea of bringing my favorite franchise to smart devices, this time I can’t shake the idea that it would be a success. Perhaps it’s the fact that I’m on my phone so much more during quarantine, or the stressful hours of helping my kids with homework now that school has started. There are many moments throughout the day when I pull out my phone for a respite, not long enough to justify sitting down with my console or 3DS, just a little break from the day’s grind. I’m ready for relief from the endless scrolling of social media and the malaise of 2020. What do I really want? Fishing with Link as Linebeck barks out commands. Solving a quick floor in the Temple of the Ocean king before I get back to my responsibilities.

As many have observed, the advancement in touchscreen technology would make the DS games tailor-made for porting to smart devices.  Yes, they could be brought to the Switch, or completely redesigned for more traditional controls, but that would diverge from the ethos of those games. Bringing Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks to the mobile market would also provide an opportunity to expand the Zelda fan base and bring in new players, just as Breath of the Wild did for the series. And let’s face it, the video game world is starved for new content during the Covid-19 shutdown. There might never be a better time for Nintendo to drop a surprise launch.

Tell us what you think. Would you play the Nintendo DS Zelda games on your smart device? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

David Lasby

I’m a life-long fan of video games and have been playing since I got my NES in the 1980s. The Legend of Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Aliens, and Halo are some of my favorite game franchises. I write for several sites, including Zelda Dungeon, Boss Rush Network, and The Mighty. Find me on Twitter to check out my other content!