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Yes—but only on New Nintendo 3DS-family systems. Nintendo’s A Link to the Past release for the 3DS family is a digital Virtual Console version for New Nintendo 3DS hardware, not a game that runs on every system called a 3DS.
Which 3DS models can play it?
| System | Can it play the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console version? |
|---|---|
| New Nintendo 3DS | Yes. Nintendo identifies it as compatible. |
| New Nintendo 3DS XL | Yes. Nintendo identifies it as compatible. |
| New Nintendo 2DS XL | Yes. Nintendo UK included it in the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console group in a 2017 announcement. |
| Original Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, or Nintendo 2DS | No. Nintendo’s listing explicitly excludes these models. |
Nintendo’s My Nintendo listing says the game is playable exclusively on New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL systems. Nintendo UK’s product listing identifies the 3DS-family release as “Virtual Console (New Nintendo 3DS),” while its 2017 announcement also groups New Nintendo 2DS XL with these titles.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Ultimate Guide to The Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past | $26.47 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past | $16.03 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Renewed) | $69.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past | $54.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Which version is this?
It is the Super Nintendo game released digitally through Virtual Console for New Nintendo 3DS systems. Nintendo UK lists the original Super Nintendo release and Wii and Wii U Virtual Console releases separately from the New Nintendo 3DS version. The 3DS listing gives English as the language and lists 10 March 2016 as its release date in the UK.
This is not a physical 3DS game-card release: Nintendo identifies the 3DS version as Virtual Console. Buying or owning a compatible console does not itself mean you own the game.
#1 Best Overall
Can you buy it from the 3DS eShop now?
Nintendo UK’s product page states that purchases on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family eShops ended on 27 March 2023. That notice applies to the UK listing; it does not establish the current purchase or redownload status for every region or account. If you previously bought the game, check Nintendo’s support information for your account and region rather than assuming the listing guarantees redownload access.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Venture back to Hyrule and an age of magic and heroes. The predecessors of Link and Zelda face monsters on the march when a menacing magician takes over the kingdom. Only you can prevent his evil plot from shattering the land of Hyrule. In your quest, you'll venture into twisting mazes, dungeons, palaces and shadowy forests. Test your mettle with mighty swords and magical weapons. Or heft a boulder and hurl it at your enemies. If the going gets tough, dive into a river - you can swim to escape!
Rank #3
- Authentic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- Does not come with original case or manuals. Cartridge only
- Cartridge and label are in nice condition
- Fully tested and guaranteed
Rank #2
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
