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The Nintendo Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda is a special edition handheld game console released by Nintendo in 2021. This retro-style Game & Watch system pays tribute to the classic Legend of Zelda game series while also offering a few modern twists. One of the key specs that fans want to know about this special edition system is the screen size. Read on to learn more about the display on the Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda.
Overview of the Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda
The Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda is designed to look like the original Game & Watch handhelds that Nintendo produced in the 1980s. It has a simple and compact build with a directional pad on the left side and an A and B button on the right side. The system is preloaded with three classic Zelda games: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
In addition to the games, the system also has an interactive digital clock that features animations with Link, Zelda, and other characters from the series. So along with being a functional handheld gaming device, it also serves as a collectible Zelda-themed clock.
The Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda comes in a special package modeled after the golden cartridge from the original NES release of The Legend of Zelda. Overall, while the system celebrates classic Zelda games, it also incorporates some modern technology on the inside, including its LCD screen.
Screen Size and Specs
The Nintendo Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda features a 1.41-inch LCD screen. This display has 128 x 128 pixels of resolution, which was quite standard for Game & Watch systems and early handhelds. So while the resolution seems low by today’s standards, it’s faithful to the original tech these classic Zelda games were designed for.
The actual viewable screen area measures 1.65 inches diagonally. However, when accounting for the black border around the display, the total front display area measures 2.36 inches diagonally.
To put the 1.41-inch main screen into perspective, it’s quite petite compared to more modern handhelds. The Nintendo 3DS XL has upper and lower screens that are 4.88 inches and 4.18 inches, while the Nintendo Switch has a 6.2-inch screen. So the Game & Watch LCD screen is around a quarter of the size of the 3DS XL’s lower screen and less than a quarter of the Switch screen.
This compact display complements the simple and portable vintage Game & Watch design. And since the included Zelda games feature crisp pixel art and don’t require intricate detail, the 128 x 128 pixel resolution is sufficient to fully enjoy the classic gameplay. The vibrant LCD display brings the retro graphics to life.
Controls and Buttons
In keeping with the classic Game & Watch layout, the controls on the Legend of Zelda system are simple and intuitive:
– Directional pad on the left side
– A button on the right side
– B button on the right side below the A button
The directional pad moves Link around in the games, while the A and B buttons are used for primary in-game actions like attacking enemies with Link’s sword.
Two additional buttons are located below the screen:
– Power button to turn the system on and off
– Pause button to pause the game
The minimalist control scheme mirrors the NES controller and allows players to easily navigate through the Zelda games included on the system. No complex combos or controls are required.
Build Quality
The Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda system has a lightweight yet durable design reminiscent of classic handheld devices. The outer casing is made of a tough plastic that feels solid and built to last.
When closed, the system measures 3.4 inches x 5.3 inches x 0.55 inches and weighs just over 2.5 ounces. The compact form factor ensures portability while the materials give it a premium feel.
The buttons have a nice tactile press that provides a responsive feel without getting stuck. Overall, Nintendo designed the system to withstand regular gameplay while retaining its vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Advanced Features
While the Legend of Zelda Game & Watch system embraces a retro simplicity, it does contain a few modern technological upgrades:
– The LCD screen offers improved visual clarity and color compared to original Game & Watch LCD screens. This enhances the pixel art graphics.
– The system includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 8 hours of battery life for portable play sessions. It recharges via USB-C.
– Players can connect up to 2 Joy-Con controllers to the system for multiplayer gaming. This wasn’t possible on classic Game & Watches.
– The interactive clock mode with animations adds a modern twist not found on original hardware.
These enhancements help the Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda pay respect to gaming history while also delivering an improved experience for a new generation of players.
Game Library
The Legend of Zelda Game & Watch comes preloaded with three full classic Zelda games:
| Game | Original Release Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda | 1986 | The original iconic Zelda adventure for the NES featuring Link, Zelda, and Ganon. |
| Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | 1987 | The sequel to the original with side-scrolling gameplay and new challenges. |
| The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (GB Version) | 1993 | Link’s journey on Koholint Island originally designed for the Game Boy handheld system. |
These three classics provide a nice diversity of top-down, side-scrolling, and portable Zelda adventures to enjoy on the go. While the game library is limited compared to modern consoles, having three built-in Zelda games makes the Legend of Zelda Game & Watch an appealing retro handheld for fans.
Verdict: A Nostalgic But Capable Small Screen
The 1.41-inch LCD screen on the Nintendo Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda provides a surprising amount of playability despite its compact size. The portable display is perfectly suited to appreciating the classic pixel art visuals of the included 8-bit Zelda games. So while miniature by today’s standards, the screen is an authentic match for the retro content on this special edition system.
Combined with responsive buttons, durable build quality, and some modern upgrades like rechargeable battery and multiplayer support, the tiny screen helps make the Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda a versatile handheld. It succeeds both as a collectible piece of Zelda history and an enjoyable way to experience three foundational classics on the go. For Zelda fans, this thoughtfully designed Game & Watch system packs plenty of questing into a petite but mighty screen size.
